CFA as an alternative to MBA?

[Young&Ambitious]

If it still holds, I remember one has to be worked x years in finance or investment related fields before one can use the CFA designation. As for MBA, nowadays I think one would need to get into a good business school eg the relatively top ones from North America or Europe to get into MNCs or public companies all things being equal. Fortunately, there is only one CFA issuing body and globally recognised although the number of CFA graduates has increased considerably over the years.

Yep 4 years. I am good for this. Bright side of working and doing school

[MoneyGal]

I'm suggesting you CAN have it all and the path to having it all doesn't necessarily involve either. I x-posted with you but the CFA, while "cheap" in exam and textbook costs, will cost you very significantly in time (the MBA is likely much less time-intensive - I did an executive masters' degree and it was not very time-intensive).

[Square Root]

Agreed, respect is earned not bought through various certifications. However, certifications IMO suggest credibility and certainly do offer many benefits. I'm trying to do my education now, before kids, and in a manner that will give me lots of long term options and marketability without being a financial burden seeing as how I would like to work part-time for a certain period of time when I do have kids.

Good for you! This is exactly what I did. During my 20's I got a BA, CA, MBA-all part time while holding down a full time job. it was time consuming and difficult. But if you do it early in your life it is easier. I never regretted doing this. I acknowledge that MBA's cost a lot more now and that you would need to assess the affordability. Study after study affirms the value of education but it will not guarantee your future, nothing can do that but you. Go for it.

[Zoombie]

I'm currently working through the CFA exams, they are much cheaper than the MBA but they do require a commitment to self-study. Like MoneyGal said, the work experience is the more challenging part no doubt, as only specific work will qualify as experience.
I cannot comment on the MBA, however an acquantance of mine has both CFA and MBA and regarded the MBA as easier and a good way to network vs the CFA being more challenging (exams) but more solitary.

[Square Root]

Yes, I agree the CFA was more intense and requires more self discipline.