I passed all three CFA levels while working full time. Here’s what that actually looked like.
Hi, there!
My name is Shilpa, and I started studying for CFA Level I in the middle of a pandemic, sitting at a desk in my flat, with a full time job and genuinely no idea what I was getting into. My alarm was set for 4:00 AM. Every morning. The world outside was quiet, my coffee was hot, and the curriculum was waiting.
Four and a half years later — through Level I, Level II, and Level III — I became a CFA charterholder. All of it alongside a full time role in finance. No sabbaticals. No shortcuts. Early mornings, weekend sessions, and a decision to keep going when it felt impossible.
I built The Brunette Analyst because I know exactly what it feels like to sit where you are right now. And I know what it takes to get to the other side.
If you’re looking to get your CFA Level III responses reviewed please fill the form below.
Are you a CFA charterholder?
Remember what it felt like to sit Level 3?
The constructed response questions and the uncertainty of not knowing if your answers were hitting the right marks. I’ve been there — and that experience is exactly what candidates preparing right now need. I’m building a community of CFA charterholders who want to give back to candidates on the same journey. If you’re a someone who wants to help others get there, I’d love to hear from you.
I also have a You Tube channel where I like to create insightful content and help in exam preparations. See below for more –