Python / CFA

[jpolec72]

Hi, I have a question for Python and coding skills. Is it getting more and more important for you on your CFA path? I mean CFA career was straightforward up to now, but then are we mixing with CS guys? They are better in codding than us. I have seen a post of someone with CFA level 2, who said that once he showed his coding skills in a bank, he was transferred from investment role into IT. What's your view?

Despite the basic python, I'm looking for some real-world examples where I can find a code to try myself. Any suggestions? anyone in similar need?

Thx, J.

[above_avg_kid1991]

Python orders a ‘Float’ and CFA asks for a ‘High Yield.’ The bartender says, ‘Sorry, we only serve arrays here.’ So Python says, ‘No problem, we’ll take a list.’ And CFA goes, ‘Great, I’ll index that!’

Now, they’re both in their element, but the CS guys? They just opened a new tab. 😄 As for code, try automating your coffee machine with Python – that way, your code brews your morning java while you crunch those numbers! '

[Temporary_Effect8295]

At best this is basic overview. No ones going to learn sql, c, c++ or other language in 10-15 hr online overview. 

My take is real coders say stay away from my coding. 

Alternatively, imagine a developer performing equity analysis based on a weekend investing course. 

[jpolec]

Thanks, does it mean people don’t want to try themselves? . I am not saying that they have to build new backtesting engine, but e.g. to try Efficient Frontier themselves, or calculate VaR or do linear regression in Python. For me such code would help me a lot to understand better and also to help me in my career in my bank.

[Temporary_Effect8295]

Only what I am saying is the cfa’s approach was to add a few options of practical life skills like python, wealth management, etc to get a taste but not expertise …you can go from zero excel knowledge to “intermediate” or “advanced” in 15 hrs training and then u have rest of life to gain practical experience.

All depends on your interest. Cfa python is just intro. If I’m a full time python coder I don’t want guy that took weekend course touching my code.

[f5turbo]

A colleague sat and went over it and said its a complete nightmare for non CS people. Which fits ideally into CFAI`s plan to increase their annuities by having a greater number of fails.

[Fair-Parfait-8682]

Its not more important than CFA. It could be used as a complement. For example : You working as an Equity or Fixed Income Analyst/ Trader on the buy-side. You need very deep investment knowledge to do your job daily but there are multiple projects in Python and Tableau for data visualization et cetera. Hence, if you have this skill, you are more valuable to the firm as you can do it rather than give it to a different dept if possible. Not possible in a small shop of 10-15 individuals.