MyCIMA

Just started - should I give up?

Posted: Monday 07 December 2009 by Monika Gierszewska
Replies : 7
Keywords: career talk, CIMA certificate level, CIMA students, students

Hello,

I have a huge dilemma. I have just registered with CIMA in order to improve my chances of getting a job as an unemployed graduate (so many of us!). 

Now, it came to a point that I was granted all 5 exemptions for Certificate level. I've realised now that registration with CIMA simply won't help getting me a job. If I pay £200 for exemptions will I even get a Certificate to show potential employers? Or is it just a 'pass' to the next stage? 

I am thinking of resigning from CIMA and concentrating more on a job search rather than studying for exams... And then re-registering once I get a job. But then I'll loose £150 I paid to register - and have nothing. What to do?

Any advice/suggestions welcomed! 

Feasibility Study

Posted by Muhammad Jawad Baig on Monday 07 December 2009 07:20

Dear,

Following points may be considered:

 1. Are you sure if you save time of study (papers are five months from now), you will get a job due to this time saving. Study time may be late night and that time may not help you getting a job.

2. You will also loose 150 GBP.

3. It is suggested you continue with CIMA and search for the job. Certificate may or may not help you in getting the job right now. But think if you save 5 months time by studying and passing, how much benefit you will get once you clear CIMA in future. I think 5 moths worth MORE to you than any thing else.

 Thanks & best regards.

Muhammad Jawad Baig

What is it you actually feel you want?

Posted by Adrian Rutter on Monday 07 December 2009 14:08

Monika - apologies if I'm misunderstanding you, but I doubt very much if simply registering as a CIMA student would be of any immediate help to you in getting a job.

You haven't said what jobs you're searching for, but if they're in finance then being registered as a CIMA student would show potential employers that you're serious about a career as a finance professional. But, as Muhammad says, registration is just the start of a very long journey.

It is going to be tough studying CIMA and looking for a job, especially in such a tight market and when job-searching is almost a full-time job in itself. But if you want a career in finance, then my advice is to maintain your registration, pace out your studies so you can combine them with job-seeking, get along to your local branch events and meet other students and potential employers, and keep in touch with CIMASphere so you know you're not alone!

 Good luck in whatever you decide.

It worked for me

Posted by Sandie Morris on Monday 07 December 2009 17:51

Admittedly not in such tough times, but I got the very first interview I went to after I joined. (And they refunded all my fees to date.)

It depends whether you are committed to a career in finance... it becomes a more difficult decision if you might get a job for which CIMA study will not be relevant or funded.

 

Good luck.

Thank you

Posted by Monika Gierszewska on Monday 07 December 2009 21:32

Thank you for all the replies!

You have no idea how useful it is to read your views, when none of my family members or friends understands.

You are completely right, I can easily look for a job and study. It will not hurt me, but can only help and I'll develop my skills. I really want career in finance and management, so CIMA is the right route forward. Investing in knowledge is always the best investment!

Thanks!

 

 

to be or not to be!

Posted by Catherine Anderson on Tuesday 08 December 2009 13:13

Dear Monica,

Another positive thought for you :-  if I interviewed two people for a trainee accountant position and one had off their own back started studying, versus one who turned up and wanted to 'be in finance' then you can guess which I would choose!!!

Studying for these exams is such a commitment of your time, to actually see someone has already taken the first step will set you apart from those who you  are competing with.

I would recommend you registering with accountancy agencies by visiting them - this is all about being different, making an impression (positive hopefully!) If you can get a trainee finance role, then you will get help and support along the way - they do exist , even now !

Apart from Employment Agencies, it's also worth googling big companies for trainee graduate schemes - just watch out what the training is for (they aren't all for finance roles)

Don't be demoralised, you have to make the effort to keep in touch with those agencies you clicked with and they will find you something in the end.

Good Luck for the future - it is really worth it  

 

Attitudes

Posted by Anthony Ashworth on Friday 11 December 2009 01:37
Catherine Anderson wrote:

Another positive thought for you :-  if I interviewed two people for a trainee accountant position and one had off their own back started studying, versus one who turned up and wanted to 'be in finance' then you can guess which I would choose!!!

Catherine - how come I never met anyone like you when I changed career.  Could've done with someone with that attitude interviewing me when I'd just completed the 1st CIMA stage off my own back.  :-)

 

to be or not to be -2

Posted by Catherine Anderson on Friday 11 December 2009 12:17

It's funny you should say that, I have to confess that in one instance I recall a more senior colleague over-ruling myself and another manager when interviewing potential grads - the 'shiny' candidate was chosen (ie the one with lots of b-s), over the one who had shown commitment and started studying and surprise, surprise, the shiny one left within months of being recruited!.....

My view is , 1] if someone doesn't recognise that you have shown committment, they probably aren't worth working for  2] in the long run, actions are more important than words.

May I say, well done for not being thwarted in the early stages ! ...another sign of a good accountant!