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Yes, this combination is feasible and actually pretty smart for a career changer.
Here's how it breaks down:
CFA Level I tells employers you're serious—you put in the hours, you understand fundamentals, you can commit. That matters when your resume doesn't scream "finance."
Financial Edge micro-degree fills the practical gap. It's the same training investment banks use, so it signals you're not just theory—you can actually do the work.
Your sales background is a hidden advantage. Client-facing finance roles need people who can build relationships and communicate. That's you. Technical skills can be taught; being good with people is harder to find.
You'll likely start entry-level (analyst, client service, operations), but you won't stay there long. The combo of "CFA candidate + practical training + real-world experience" makes you more interesting than most fresh grads.
Bottom line: You're doing it right. Go for it.
It shows you are making an effort, but not much more than that. It won’t open any doors.
What role in finance are you looking for? Do you have any contacts?
Perhaps you can take a back office or middle office role and work your way up?
Most important are you truly willing to dedicate your life to this 12+ hours a day and weekends? Vast majority will not. It’s hard and sucks sometimes.
The fact you started on a different path, and didn’t achieve great success, counts ago you, but your cfa does help here.
The CFA is an incredibly difficult test and valued by a large number of players but level 1 isn’t worth much unless you’re just seeking a foot in the door. The CFP actually opens more doors because it’s actionable sooner. CFA level 1 is mostly a vocabulary exam.
Pro
Just be careful you don’t accidentally fall into a Finance “sales” job.