What motivated you to pursue both the Master in Finance and the CFA Charter, and how did the two goals evolve over time?
I was initially undecided whether to pursue the Master in Finance or the CFA Program because the CFA curriculum is often compared to finance master’s programs and is sometimes even treated as an equivalent qualification. After attending an introductory session by GBS for prospective students, I learned that the Master in Finance covers many similar topics while also providing access to a CFA student scholarship with reduced exam fees. That made the decision much easier. I decided to pursue both at the same time so I wouldn’t miss out on either the academic perspective or the globally recognized professional qualification. I started both programs in 2024, received student scholarships for all three CFA exams, and ultimately completed both goals within almost the same timeframe, taking the CFA Level III exam in January 2026 and submitting my Master’s thesis in May 2026.
How did the Master in Finance prepare you for the CFA exams, and where did you see the strongest overlap between the two?
The early Master in Finance courses, such as accounting, statistics, and asset pricing, were especially helpful because I was taking them while preparing for the CFA Level I exam. These subjects had the strongest overlap with the CFA modules, allowing me to reinforce concepts from both programs simultaneously. In some cases, it even worked the other way around: studying overlapping material first in the CFA curriculum made it easier to prepare for the corresponding Master’s courses. Levels II and III of the CFA Program go much deeper into topics like portfolio and risk management, especially since I chose the portfolio management specialization for Level III. My Master in Finance specialization, however, was fintech, so there was naturally less overlap during the second year.
Which part of the CFA journey was most demanding for you, and how did you manage the workload alongside your studies or job?
The most demanding aspect was definitely time management. Thanks to the content overlaps between the Master’s program and the CFA curriculum, I found the overall workload manageable with roughly one or two additional hours of studying each day outside of work, plus quite a bit of on-the-go studying on my phone during subway commutes. But especially around exam periods I had to carefully coordinate deadlines and responsibilities. The most extreme example was taking a whole Friday off work to sit for the CFA Level II exam from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., then skipping lunch and heading straight to GBS to deliver a graded presentation on Digital Assets & Blockchain Technology that same afternoon. Looking back, moments like these required careful planning, but they also showed me that staying organized and committed can make seemingly impossible schedules work.
Can you share an example where knowledge from either the Master in Finance or CFA directly helped you in a work situation?
I work as a management consultant at the interface between business and technology in the capital markets and payments sector, so both programs have proven highly relevant to my day-to-day work. For example, I have been able to better understand concepts like digital assets, central bank digital currencies, and stablecoins from different perspectives thanks to the blockchain, accounting, and asset pricing courses in the Master in Finance. The CFA curriculum has mainly helped me communicate more confidently with business stakeholders who work with financial assets. It has given me a stronger understanding of their priorities, terminology, and decision-making processes, making conversations much more effective.
Beyond finance knowledge, what personal or professional skills did you build through the Master in Finance and CFA?
The Master in Finance helped me extend my professional network within the Frankfurt financial services sector while also giving me insights into the diverse career paths and experiences of my fellow students. Learning alongside professionals from different companies and backgrounds broadened my perspective considerably. I also believe that the journey strengthened my multitasking ability by balancing my private life, a full-time consulting job, an on-site Master’s program, and the CFA Program simultaneously. The CFA Program, in particular, sharpened my discipline and consistency. Even more than the Master’s degree, completing the CFA Program alongside a full-time job required perseverance, long-term commitment, and strong self-control. I hope that having both the part-time Master in Finance and the CFA designation on my professional profile reflects not only technical expertise but also these personal qualities.
What advice would you give to someone who is currently doing a Master in Finance and considering the CFA path?
If you are already considering it: just go for it. For both programs, you pay first and then have to deliver later, which can be a surprisingly effective motivator! Jokes aside, I think that if you are already completing the Master in Finance, it makes a lot of sense to pursue the CFA as well. The content overlaps and the student scholarships offered through GBS significantly reduce the study effort and financial burden of the CFA exams. Pursuing both qualifications together is demanding, but it is also highly efficient because you can reinforce the same concepts from multiple perspectives. If you decide to sign up for the CFA Program, make sure to contact the GBS administration early so that you understand the required steps and timelines for obtaining the CFA student scholarship!