Did you encounter problems when starting your accountancy career? If so, how did you overcome them? We asked students around the world. By Camilla Berens, freelance journalist.
It can be hard getting onto the first rung of the career ladder - and moving up from there. But perseverance pays, according to CIMA students.
UK student Alex Longson found it a struggle to get a full time job at first and decided to gain experience in part time work while he was looking for his ideal role. 'Employers tend to want someone with experience and this can be a problem when you're starting out,' he says.
Determined to secure the CIMA qualification, Alex funded his own studies while working in a number of temporary roles. He then got a lucky break in 2006 when he moved into a temp-to-perm role at Freedom Finance, his current employer.
Now he is given full study support and is working with a team of qualified accountants.
'I think a lot of people will need to fund their own studies to start with,' he says. 'I'd hope that most employers would then recognise the determination and commitment shown, and give new starters a much needed chance.'
Read widely
In Australia, CIMA student Simon Sheen believes it's important to try out jobs in a range of different sectors.
'Don't be afraid to attend an interview even when you're not sure of the role. It can be a valuable experience - and it can offer a nice surprise if the company is more relevant than you first thought,' he says.
While you're starting out, it's useful to read widely and keep up to date with business news and developments. 'Keeping interested in the business world is a good motivation to continue you studies and will enable you to impress your employers with your understanding of what is happening in the business arena,' says Iranian student Ladan Nasiri.
In Ireland, Deloitte student Alice Carroll agrees and adds that a broad knowledge of business issues will also impress examiners. 'I read a lot of business books and biographies on people like Michael Eisner and Richard Branson,' she says. 'I find that I'm always able to relate what I'm reading to something I've learned in my CIMA studies. It shows the exam marker than you're interested in your subject and it gives you an advantage.'
Gaining acceptance
A big issue is gaining acceptance, as sometimes it can be difficult to find colleagues who really understand your capabilities as a CIMA student. 'I think it's like that in every job,' says Barati Mogane, a Unilever trainee in South Africa. 'When you start out people don't know what your potential is and you have to earn their trust. By constantly performing, they will eventually have faith in your abilities and trust your judgement.'
Barati's tip is to soak up knowledge as fast as you can.
'Absorb all the knowledge from those around you, particularly those who have been around for some time,' she says. 'There is so much to learn and the quicker you do so, the sooner you can start to really add value and make an impact.'
Coming up with a fresh view is also an asset, she says. 'The business world is ever-changing so you must be able to think outside the box - and on your feet - when critical decisions need to be made. Most importantly, you've got to be able to know exactly what effect the decisions you make will have on the bigger picture.'
Links
See more tips on starting a new job at CIMA MYJOBS.