Striking a Balance between Work and Home Life

For Rana Atallah, the most challenging part of earning her CFA charter in 2006 was the discipline required for self-study. But she's the first to admit that she had a special advantage: a husband, Rafik, who was also studying for the charter. In fact, when she and Rafik first began preparing for the CFA exam, they were newlyweds. They spent many nights poring over the CFA exam study materials and quizzing one another for Levels I and II.

"When one of us was lazy, the other one would be pushing," recalls Rana.

As the Level III exam approached, the couple had a newborn son at home and Rana wasn't keeping up with the study schedule she and Rafik had agreed on. They were sharing the tasks of taking care of the baby, but they found that balancing child care and preparation for a rigorous exam was very difficult: Rana failed Level III, but Rafik passed.

"This is a story that I am very proud of as it shows how supportive my husband is," Rana says. Rafik pledged that he would look after their son and let Rana focus on studying for Level III, which she passed the next year.

If you aren't fortunate enough to have your spouse as a study partner, Rana recommends joining a study group. "Find a group that's similar to you, in terms of dedication, and you will support each other through it."

Having the support she needed to succeed was a major consideration when Rana first looked into pursuing the credential. Before making the commitment, she did a lot of research to determine which academic program would be best suited to her career goals and lifestyle.

"I considered doing a master's, but when I heard about the CFA [designation] and looked at the syllabus, I realized that this was a very hands-on degree," she says. In many ways, she adds, the material in the CFA Program is extremely beneficial on the job and more practical than some university degrees.

"There is a certain respect and appreciation for holding the CFA charter," Rana explains. "If you look at most job descriptions, the CFA charter has become a prerequisite, or at least preferred, in so many of the job descriptions in the finance world."

At NBK Capital, where Rana works as a portfolio manager, the CFA charter is the preferred credential for new hires. She manages the Qatar Equity Fund, which invests in securities listed on the Doha Stock Market. Rana also focuses her efforts on Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman as a member of the team that manages the Gulf Equity Fund.

And even though she has a busy professional and family life, Rana volunteers as the public awareness chair of the CFA Kuwait Society, and her husband serves as board secretary. Rafik and Rana served on the two action groups responsible for establishing the CFA Kuwait Society in 2008.

"We were careful to serve on different committees with different functions that met on different nights so that one of us would be home with the boys," she points out.

Rana says that earning her charter was one of the best choices she has ever made, particularly for her family. "I have more flexibility and can seek more attractive work packages that are more beneficial for my family, and likewise for Rafik," she says. Plus, she adds, grinning at her husband, "balancing between a professional and personal life is a lot easier when your spouse is understanding and not demanding."

Interview conducted in November 2009.

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