@Erin Fitzpatrick Hi Erin! 1) I only had a couple criteria. I was looking for something 100% virtual due to my long commute and limited study time available. I also took a look at the calendar for the course offerings to find one that was offered at a convenient time (both time of the year, and time of day) for me. I ultimately went with a name I knew (Kaplan) . But my good colleague highly recommends Ken Zahn as well! 2) I was working as a corporate accountant while I obtained the CFP certification. I continued in that line of work for another year and a half or so, but aggressively educated myself on the industry in my spare time. Listened to podcasts, subscribed to mailing lists, read blogs, etc. When the right opportunity came around, I took a chance on it. So I'm now officially a career-changer, working as a Financial Planner. So, it didn't specifically "advance" my career yet, but it did get me pointed in a direction that I'm excited and passionate about. I am confident that now that I've made the switch, I can continue to work my way up in this career, and to be more of my authentic self! TMI probably, haha! I hope this helps.
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Erin Donahue, CFP®, CPA/PFS, CMA, CGMA
Financial Planner, Northstar
https://www.northstarmoney.com/erin@planwitherin.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2020 13:10
From: Erin Fitzpatrick
Subject: February 19th Ask the Expert: Accelerated Path to CFP® certification
Hello,
Thanks so much for holding this session and I look forward to your answers. I have a few questions and any advice you could provide is appreciated!
1. Could you speak to what factors went into your choice for school/program when applying for accelerated capstone programs?
2. How has attaining your CFP changed your career outlook? Have you changed careers completely or used this certification to advance your career or attain a promotion? Overall, how did you decide this was the best path for you and how has it impacted your career?
Thanks in advance!
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Erin Fitzpatrick
Staff Accountant
None
Baltimore MD
(631)617-3110
Original Message:
Sent: 02-19-2020 13:00
From: Sara Maloney
Subject: February 19th Ask the Expert: Accelerated Path to CFP® certification
Our event is now LIVE! Please post any questions you have on this thread and an expert will respond to it directly on this thread.
To kick it off, @Erin Donahue and @Robert Falcon, why did you pursue CFP® certification after becoming a CPA?
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Sara Maloney
Community Manager
CFP Board
candidateforum@cfpboard.org
Original Message:
Sent: 02-13-2020 16:44
From: Sara Maloney
Subject: February 19th Ask the Expert: Accelerated Path to CFP® certification
Hi everyone,
Mark your calendars for our next Ask the Expert session on February 19 from 1-2pm EST.
Our experts, @Erin Donahue, CFP®, CPA, and @Robert Falcon, CFP®, CPA, will be answering your questions about how they accelerated their path to sit for the CFP® exam by holding a qualifying credential. By gaining knowledge from other advanced degrees or professional certifications, candidates can skip the majority of the coursework requirement for CFP® certification and only have to take the Capstone course before sitting for the exam.
We will hear how they decided on their career path, started the CFP® certification process, and chose their Capstone course, and they will answer any questions candidates may have. So please join us on this post February 19 at 1pm EST!
Thanks!
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Sara Maloney
Community Manager
CFP Board
candidateforum@cfpboard.org
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