From coding assignments to financial statements, Dhwanil Shah's journey into finance wasn't typical. Growing up in Rajkot in a middle-class family where education was always a priority, he pursued Computer Science at Dhirubhai Ambani University. But alongside his technical studies, he found himself increasingly drawn toward understanding how financial markets function.
What began as curiosity slowly turned into commitment. That commitment led him to enroll in QuintEdge's CFA program and successfully clear CFA Level 1 with a score of 1800.
Here's how he made it happen, in his own words:
How did you develop an interest in Finance and the CFA?
I completed my Computer Science degree at Dhirubhai Ambani University, but throughout college I found myself gravitating more toward understanding business and market dynamics than pure technology. I regularly followed financial news, studied how companies operate, and found the subject genuinely compelling. Eventually, I decided to pursue finance seriously, and the CFA certification seemed like the right pathway. My family from Rajkot was very supportive of this decision.
What steps did you take to get into this field?
I started by independently learning finance fundamentals — reading relevant materials, monitoring market activity, and trying to understand how things worked in practice. I completed various finance-related courses and certifications along the way. When I eventually discovered CFA, I enrolled in QuintEdge's prep programme because I knew I needed structured guidance to prepare comprehensively.
What made you choose QuintEdge for CFA preparation?
I evaluated multiple options before selecting QuintEdge. What really helped was the transparency I saw in LinkedIn reviews from their alumni. I actually contacted some previous students personally to ask about their experiences, and the feedback was consistently positive. But the moment I was truly sold was during Yash Sir's demo lecture — the clarity of teaching was exactly what I needed. The doubt-solving sessions also proved invaluable, especially since I was working while studying.
What challenges did you face during your preparation?
Time management was my biggest obstacle. Balancing full-time employment with CFA exam prep required serious discipline. After working extended hours, sitting down to study demanded real commitment. Some topics felt overwhelming initially, but consistent reviewing helped me get past those barriers. The QuintEdge mentors were instrumental in resolving conceptual difficulties whenever I got stuck.
How did QuintEdge make a difference in your journey?
The instructors were excellent at simplifying complex concepts so they made intuitive sense. The mock testing programme was particularly valuable — the feedback identified my specific weak areas, so I could do targeted revision rather than repeating everything. And the mentor encouragement kept me motivated even during the most demanding phases of preparation.
What outcome did you achieve?
I cleared CFA Level 1 with a score of 1800 points while maintaining my full-time job. Given that I came from a pure Computer Science background with no formal finance education, this was a really meaningful achievement for me.
Can you share your preparation strategy with us?
Consistency was the most important factor. I maintained a structured daily schedule and prioritised regular revision over sporadic intensive studying. I took extensive mock tests throughout my preparation, not just at the end. I also developed concise summary notes for each topic that I could use for quick review in the weeks before the exam.
What would you like to tell others just starting this journey?
Be persistent. There will be difficult periods, but they are temporary and completely manageable. With proper guidance, a personalised routine, and sustained effort, anyone can succeed — regardless of their academic background. Your starting point does not determine your ceiling.