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 did my graduation in Computer Science from Dhirubhai Ambani University.
Even during college, I was always more interested in how businesses and markets work than in pure tech. I used to follow financial news, read about companies, and found that stuff genuinely interesting.
At some point I decided to pursue that interest properly, and the CFA felt like the right path to get into finance seriously and even though i come from a small town like Rajkot my family heartly supported my decision, which filled me with confidence
What steps did you take to get into this field?
I started by learning finance basics on my own, reading up on key concepts and following markets regularly to understand how things actually work.
I also took a few relevant courses and certifications along the way. Eventually I discovered CFA and enrolled in QuintEdge’s CFA prep program, which gave me the structure and guidance I needed to prepare properly.
What made you choose QuintEdge for CFA preparation?
I looked at a few options before deciding. What I liked about QuintEdge was the transparency. All the LinkedIn reviews were legit – I connected with these alumni and discussed my situation with them, which really helped me get a student’s viewpoint before enrolling. And Yash sir’s demo lecture is where I was sold,
Once I enrolled, the doubt-solving sessions were really helpful too. Whenever I got stuck on something, I could get it resolved quickly. That kind of support mattered a lot when I was preparing alongside work.
What challenges did you face during your preparation?
Managing time was the biggest challenge. I was working full-time, so finding time to study consistently wasn’t easy. Some days were tiring and sitting down to study after work took a real effort.
Some topics were also difficult to get through initially. But regular revision helped, and whenever I was stuck, the mentors at QuintEdge were there to help me work through it.
How did QuintEdge make a difference in your journey?
The mentors were really good at simplifying things. Topics that felt complicated became much clearer after their explanations. They also kept me motivated during the phases where I felt like I wasn’t moving fast enough.
The mock tests made a big difference too. The feedback after each test helped me understand exactly where I was going wrong, so I could focus my revision on those areas instead of just going through everything again.
What outcome did you achieve?
I cleared CFA Level 1 with a score of 1800. It was a proud moment, especially given that I was preparing while working full-time.
It feels like a good foundation for the finance career I want to build, and I’m looking forward to the next steps.
Can you share your preparation strategy with us?
I followed a fixed daily schedule and made sure I was revising regularly rather than leaving things to the end. I practiced mock tests as much as possible and made short summary notes for each topic that I could go back to quickly before the exam.
More than anything, consistency is what worked for me. Studying a little every day is better than studying a lot occasionally.
What would you like to tell others who are just starting this journey?
Stay consistent and don’t get discouraged if things feel slow at first. There will be tough phases, but that’s normal and it gets better.
Get the right guidance, build a routine that works for you, and keep going. With steady effort, you’ll get there.
Dhwanil Shah’s journey is proof that the right mix of curiosity, discipline, and guidance can take you further than you think, even when life doesn’t slow down for you. QuintEdge proudly celebrates his achievement and looks forward to many more stories like his.
Also read: How I Managed ACCA with B.com and became country topper?
