Which of these categories do I fall in?  How do I plan to spend my summer?          “E. None of the above."

 I will spend my summer studying for a test in December.  Yes, I know that December is six months away.  Yes, I know that spending six months studying sounds ridiculous.  To explain, this test is the CFA Level I Exam.  It is the first of three tests required to become a CFA charterholder, and each test requires a minimum of 250 hours of preparation. 

 According to the CFA Institute, “the CFA program is a graduate-level program for investment professionals.”  In my opinion, the benefits are threefold: a depth of applicable knowledge beyond what is taught at the undergraduate level; increased attractiveness to potential employers looking for a hardworking candidate based on the rigorous nature of the program, and credibility to future clients based on the ethical and professional standards inherent to the program. 

 I am spending summer studying approximately 2700 pages of reading, fall quarter reviewing, and (hopefully) winter break relaxing and celebrating my efforts over the next six months.  So, enjoy your barbeques and summer festivities; you can find me in the library.