Tag: CFA

Carrer

From the Bank Floor to Wall Street: Where I’ll Be in 10 Years

Aryan Shah

Ten years is a long time. It is also not nearly as far away as it sounds. When I think about where I want to be in a decade, I do not picture a vague, comfortable version of success. I picture something specific: managing capital at a hedge fund in New York City, with the CFA charter behind me and a career built on deliberate, difficult choices made one step at a time.

Where I am right now

Today, I am studying Economics and working as a banker. My Finance background gives me the foundation to understand how markets move and how capital gets allocated. My banking role puts me inside the financial system — close to real money, real clients, and real decisions. It is a front-row seat to how finance actually works. On top of that, I am preparing for the CFA Level II exam, in order to get the CFA Charter — the gold standard credential in investment management. Earning it is not optional if I am serious about where I want to go.


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The path: analyst first, manager later

I am not someone who says “I want to run a hedge fund” without being willing to do the foundational work. After building more experience in banking and completing the CFA program, I want to move into a buy-side analyst role at a hedge fund or asset management firm. This is where the real education begins.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” — Benjamin Franklin


As an analyst, I will spend years studying industries, building financial models, and learning from portfolio managers who have navigated multiple market cycles. The analysts who eventually become great portfolio managers are the ones who took that work seriously — who were curious, rigorous, and honest when they were wrong.

Why New York City

New York is where the game is played. The concentration of talent, capital, and opportunity in Manhattan is unmatched anywhere in the world. I want to be in the city where the most ambitious investment professionals compete — because that environment will make me sharper. I know it is expensive and demanding. That is precisely why I want to be there.

The 10-year vision

In 10 years, I see myself as a hedge fund manager running a portfolio with a defined investment thesis and a track record built on genuine insight — not luck, not shortcuts. The gap between where I am now and where I want to be is not intimidating. It is motivating. The destination is clear. The work starts today.

Carrer, Finance, Personal Growth

A Skill I Want to Learn: Investing and Financial Analysis

Aryan Shah
Image source: Vecteezy

Introduction

One skill I really want to learn is investing and financial analysis. As a economics student, I feel this skill is very important for my future. I want to understand how money grows and how smart investors make decisions in the stock market. It’s not just about making money, but also about managing risk and thinking long-term.

Why I Want to Learn This Skill

The main reason I want to learn investing is because of my career goals. I want to become an investment banker or financial analyst, and for that, I need to understand how to analyze companies, read financial statements, and follow market trends. This skill will help me stand out in internships and jobs.

Another reason is personal growth. If I understand investing, I can manage my own money better. Instead of just saving money, I can grow it over time. This can help me become financially independent and achieve goals like buying a house or traveling.

How I Plan to Learn It

To learn this skill, I plan to study CFA materials and practice questions daily. I will also follow financial news and learn from real-world examples. Watching how the market moves and learning from mistakes will help me improve over time.

Conclusion

In the end, investing is not just a skill for me, it’s a step toward my future success. It will help me build a strong career and a better life. I am excited to start learning and improving every day.

Learn more about investing basics here: https://www.investopedia.com/investing-4427685

Featured image source: Unsplash

Life Lessons, Personal Growth

From Two Suitcases to a Stronger Foundation

Aryan Shah

Three years ago, I came to the U.S. with just two suitcases. Yesterday, I walked past the bus stop where I once stood trying to figure life out — and realized how much has changed.

The Best Advice I’ve Ever Received

Three years ago, I came to the United States with just two suitcases.

No house. No stable job. No clear plan. Just belief and a goal to build something better for myself.

In the beginning, I used to take a public bus to work. I remember standing there early in the morning, sometimes tired, sometimes stressed, just thinking about how everything would turn out.

Yesterday, I went to Jersey City and saw that exact same spot where I used to wait for the bus.

The place looked the same.

But my life is different now.

At 21 years old, I have my own house. I work at one of the big banks as a P.T. banker, I’m proud of it. I’m pursuing my bachelor’s degree. And on top of that, I’m studying for the CFA to build a future in Wall st.

None of this happened overnight.

It wasn’t one big opportunity or lucky break. It was small effort every single day. Showing up to work. Going to class. Studying when I didn’t feel like it. Staying disciplined when nobody was watching.

The best advice I ever received was simple:

“Be patient and keep building.”

Back then, I didn’t fully understand it. I wanted fast results. I wanted quick progress. But now I realize real growth takes time.

It’s not about moving fast.
It’s about not stopping.

If I’ve learned anything in these three years, it’s this:

Start with what you have.
Don’t rush your timeline.
Stay consistent even when it feels slow.
Trust the process, even when you can’t see results yet.

Three years ago, I was standing at a bus stop hoping life would improve.

Today, I’m still building — just on a stronger foundation.

And I’m proud of how far I’ve come.

Carrer, Finance

How I Discovered My Passion for the Stock Market

Aryan Shah

If someone had asked me a few years ago about my hobbies, finance would not have been on the list. The stock market felt distant — something reserved for professionals in suits or people who had been studying economics their entire lives. It seemed complex, unpredictable, and honestly, a little overwhelming.

That changed during my freshman year of college.

I began noticing more conversations about investing, inflation, and economic trends. At first, I didn’t fully understand the terminology. Phrases like “market volatility” and “long-term growth” sounded technical and intimidating. Still, instead of dismissing it, I decided to learn more.

What started as simple curiosity slowly developed into genuine interest.

My First Experience Investing

I remember the first time I invested in a stock. I was both excited and nervous. I checked the price frequently, reacting emotionally to every small movement. A slight increase made me confident; a minor drop made me question my decision.

That experience taught me something valuable very early on: investing is as much about mindset as it is about numbers.

Over time, I began shifting my focus from short-term price changes to long-term strategy. I started researching companies more carefully — their financial performance, leadership, industry position, and growth potential. I realized that successful investing requires patience, discipline, and thoughtful decision-making.

Image by tonodiaz on Freepik

Why It Became My Favorite Hobby

What truly drew me in was not just the idea of financial gain, but the deeper understanding it gave me of the world.

Economic news began to feel meaningful rather than abstract. Interest rates, inflation reports, technological innovation, and global events all became interconnected pieces of a larger system. Following the stock market helped me see how businesses grow, how policies influence industries, and how investor psychology shapes outcomes.

Beyond knowledge, investing strengthened important personal qualities. It required patience during market downturns and restraint during periods of excitement. It encouraged me to think long-term instead of seeking quick rewards.

As an Econ. major preparing for the CFA, this hobby also aligns naturally with my academic and professional goals. What makes it special, however, is that it never feels forced. I genuinely enjoy learning about markets, analyzing trends, and understanding financial strategy.

Advice for Those Interested in Investing

For anyone who feels intimidated by the stock market, I understand that feeling completely.

The best approach is to begin with education. Learn basic financial concepts. Follow companies you are already familiar with. Read reliable financial resources such as Investopedia and focus on building understanding before committing significant money.

Most importantly, avoid chasing short-term hype. Sustainable investing is built on patience, research, and discipline.

Final Reflection

Looking back, it’s surprising how something that once felt intimidating became a meaningful part of my daily life.

The stock market has taught me far more than how to invest. It has taught me how to think critically, remain composed during uncertainty, and approach decisions with long-term perspective.

For me, finance is no longer just a subject I study — it’s something I genuinely enjoy learning about. It challenges me, pushes me to think critically, and reminds me that growth takes time. I’m still learning every day, but that’s what makes it exciting.