CFA: Is it worth pursuing as a Quant?

[QuantQuestion]

If I am starting an MFE program in September 2020, would it make sense writing CFA level 1 this summer? Looking at the curriculum it looks quite dry, do employers look for this designation in their quants?

 

[IntoDarkness]

traditional asset managers still value it

 

[QuantQuestion]

traditional asset managers still value it

So then in your opinion it shouldn't be pursued if you want to go into trading/structuring/modelling? Would side projects be more appropriate?

 

[ExSan]

traditional asset managers still value it

What about non traditional asset managers?

 

[IntoDarkness]

if your non traditional asset manager does not mention something like "cfa preferred" then probably not