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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]OP.  I'm not really familiar with your field and industry and had to look up the certifications you mentioned having.

Originally when you mentioned economies, I thought you might've been in economics, where I might be able to see a higher level degree being a requirement.  I considered studying economics and that was one of the reasons why I decided against it.

Assuming that this is the same CFA you mentioned having:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chartered_Financial_Analyst

It sounds pretty impressive, the link above says it has a low pass rate, and I'd find it hard to believe an employer would overlook this certification if you applied.

So as mentioned in a couple of other posts, if you see a job that you're interested in, definitely apply.

What type of positions are you applying for?  ie are they kind of the same with what you're doing now but with a different scope and more pay?  Or are you trying to get into management?

If you're trying to get into management, it might be hard for employers to see that you have any experience or skills being a successful manager.  You might be very good in the knowledge and technical aspects of the position.

So I think a lack of masters degree might hold you back from a managerial position.  Although it's still obtainable without one, just might take a lot of smaller steps.  ie first go to positions where you can lead smaller groups and processes.

But for other positions, you should definitely still apply for it anyways and sell your experience, knowledge and certifications.  You could even try any manager positions if that's what you're shooting for.  Sometimes it's just finding the right opportunity or have someone give you the chance.

I think we all agree that this degree creep is kind of ridiculous and doesn't make sense on how higher degrees are used as baselines for requirements for some jobs.[/quote]

Yes, I am a CFA and hold a few other financial designations (CPA etc). I work in finance in a consulting role.  IMO these credentials don't entitle me to anything as I know plenty of CFA, CPAs  and other credential holders who are idiots. But at least it signals that I have some level of expertise in my field.

Yes, the issue is getting into managerial positions. More like upper/executive management. I do have somewhat of a technical background, but I am really more of a generalist.

I agree with taking smaller steps.  So far, I have tried to stay on high profile assignments. Its more difficult now that management has changed quite a bit and I don't know the new players that well. These new managers are the ones who are changing the criteria to only interview masters recipients for upper management positions. Right now, I am just trying to prove myself to the new management team who knows I'm good based on my revenue #s and reputation with clients, but don't know me, and so far, won't make an exception on the degree thing to allow me an interview. Meanwhile, my colleague who has 5 years less experience than me, but has an MBA from Columbia (great school BTW) brings in significantly less revenue, and has actually had work taken away from her, gets an interview and eventually gets promoted to upper management. I think my colleague is great personally and will do well with some help. Just wish I had a shot at an interview as well based on track record. Life is not fair, I know.

When I look at outside opportunities in this area in government or at other firms like mine, the minimum requirement for most are a masters.  I have not applied to many jobs yet since I've been focusing on working my networks first, but once I do, I guess we will see if the masters requirement is just a bluff.

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