Subject: What music is best for effective studying? What ESG qualification should you choose?

Also, hedge fund career paths this week
300Hours CFA Blog

8 articles • 80d to Feb'25 • 170d to May'25 • 268d to Aug'25

  • Productive study habits: We explore how to set up routines that make good habits more autopilot. And also whether music boosts your study concentration and what type helps.

  • Qualifications in sustainable finance: This week, we compare and contrast CFA Institute's ESG Investing Certificate with Certificate in Climate and Investing (CCI) by CFA UK Society. 

  • Hedge fund career path: Finally, we demystify a typical career path in hedge funds and what it entails, with some tips on how to get into the sector. We also updated the recent November pass rate of CAIA - a related alternative investment qualification - which may be of interest.

Read, and remember to comment!
Zee Tan, 300Hours


Want to support what we're doing? Buy us a coffee! 🥗

7 Ambient Sound Apps To Increase Your Study Focus

7 Ambient Sound Apps To Increase Your Study Focus

Sophie Macon • CFA • How to Study

Want something a little more customized and effective than your standard '5 HOUR STUDY MUSIC' video on YouTube? Here are some ambient sound apps specifically designed for exam studying.

Ambient sound apps for studying ➔

Does Music Help You Study? How To Use Music For Exam Success

Does Music Help You Study? How To Use Music For Exam Success

Sophie Macon • Study Motivation

We've learned a lot about how music affects your study effectiveness and memory recall in the past few years. Listening to music has been proven to help, but the type of music matters. Here's our guide to choosing the best music for you.

Best music tailored to your studying ➔

10% off Premium Packages from the Leader in CFA Exam Prep

Ad10% off Premium Packages from the Leader in CFA Exam Prep

Kaplan Schweser • Prep Providers

Get a jump on your next CFA exam. Order now and save 10% on Premium Study Packages featuring our PassProtection guarantee. Use promo code Early10.

Order Your Study Package ➔

Productive Habits: A 7-Step Plan To Building Effective Routines

Productive Habits: A 7-Step Plan To Building Effective Routines

Sophie Macon • Study Motivation

The bedrock of an effective study process is to make sure you have a killer set of habits, forming a consistent routine. But how do you get one started?

How to plan and solidify your own effective routine ➔

CFA ESG Certificate: Our Easy Guide

CFA ESG Certificate: Our Easy Guide

Sophie Macon • ESG

ESG is taking off in more ways than one, and an ESG qualification can be a strong signal to show your commitment and expertise. But is CFA Institute's qualification the right one for you? In this guide, we go through the CFA Institute ESG certificate - exam format, costs, difficulty, width of recognition.

All about CFAI's ESG ➔

All Your CFA Questions, Answered in 1 Easy Read

AdAll Your CFA Questions, Answered in 1 Easy Read

UWorld CFA Prep • Prep Providers

Stop searching! Get our free, visual e-book for a clear roadmap to becoming a CFA charterholder: dates, fees, curriculum, career tips, and more.

Get Your Free CFA Guide Now ➔

Advance your career with a FMVA certification

AdAdvance your career with a FMVA certification

Corporate Finance Institute • Other Qualifications

100 hours of professional Wall Street training material. 24 courses and certificates included. 20+ financial models & templates.

Special rate with MYFMVA10 ➔

Certificate In Climate And Investing (CCI): A Complete Guide

Certificate In Climate And Investing (CCI): A Complete Guide

Sophie Macon • ESG

What is the Certificate In Climate and Investing (CCI)? In this guide, we will give you a thorough summary on what it is, topics covered, difficulty, exam schedules, employment opportunities.

All about CCI ➔

CFFP

CFFP's Masters In Financial Analysis (MSFA): Our In-Depth Guide

Sophie Macon • Career Advice

CFFP’s Master of Science in Financial Analysis (MSFA) is especially relevant for those keen on sought-after financial analyst roles, who would value the flexibility and ability to study for it whilst working. In this article, we go in-depth of what CFFP’s Masters in Financial Analysis program is about and how it compares to CFA.

Check out MSFA ➔

Be A Certified ESG Analyst

AdBe A Certified ESG Analyst

EFFAS • Other Qualifications

One exam, one cover-all registration. With no recurring membership fees.

Find out more ➔

Hedge Fund Career Path: Roles, Salaries & Progression

Hedge Fund Career Path: Roles, Salaries & Progression

Sophie Macon • Career Advice

With a reputation for offering some of the best salaries in the financial sector, a hedge fund career is one of the sought-after unicorns. Let’s take a deep dive into what does a hedge fund manager do, expected salaries, career progression, industry outlook and more!

All about hedge fund careers ➔

CAIA Pass Rates: How Difficult Are CAIA Exams?

CAIA Pass Rates: How Difficult Are CAIA Exams?

Sophie Macon • CAIA

We often get asked how difficult the CAIA exams actually are. In this guide, we will analyze this from three aspects: historical CAIA pass rates, third party benchmarking studies, and speed of exam completion.

CAIA exam difficulty analysis ➔

More guides, tips and stories ➔

forum

Want some help? Ask a charterholder.

300Hours • Forum

Get help with practice questions, the exam process, or advice on how to prepare.

Candidate support from 300Hours ➔