Conventional Courses Vs Newbies- Student's/ Fresher's Dilemma ?

An interesting question that I come across very often these days is- which short term courses can help me achieve a similar status like a CA or CMA?

How is CFA or ACCA or CMA (USA) or others as a course?

Firstly, let's be clear with one thing whether-

  1. You are planning for an escape from hard work or rigorous routine of articleship, OR
  2. Have given up because of the number of attempts and are trying to explore other alternative options OR 
  3. You are about to enroll for a course and are looking at exploring the possible options OR
  4. You have recently qualified as a professional & are looking for additional courses to enhance your skills.
  5. You have been working for a few years and feel saturated. You want to sharpen your technical edge.
  6. You want to update yourselves with the latest industry norms of your domain.

Your choice of a course or qualification will be largely guided by these parameters above.

Short term courses and long term courses are designed differently.

Rigour of the tough curriculum ensures your survival as a professional Globally. 

The entrance exams are great filters in a way, they help students to understand their aptitude better and take informed decisions about their career and life.

The pattern of exams, the exemptions in papers, the internship or the training period is all differently structured, so how do you expect similar expertise only by virtue of clearing exams?

Certainly, the theoretical knowledge would differ which sets a strong base for application to practical situations.

But as I said if you are clear about your interests and know which domain stimulates you then it shouldn't be difficult to choose a course which supports your interest.

Any course must be chosen depending on your aptitude and interest.

Taking an alternative course is also fair if you realise that your aptitude is different. But please ensure that you have given your 100% before you drop something in which you invested your money, energy, emotions and time.

Every course has its own Charm, pros and cons. Every decision comes with its own set of privileges and challenges. 

No one course can make you the masters of every subject and topic of your interest. It's your own curiosity and innovative ways of finding answers that support your progress.

or There are no short term courses that can make you equivalent or at par to other long term courses. Its all about the Business Acumen that you develop in the long run and this is more guided by your abilities to adapt and learn the industry trends.

Instead, I can put it this way - any One professional course which provides you a sound knowledge of the subject of your interest is enough to help you excel in your career.

Qualities that can aid are your hard work, aptitude, attitude, and adaptability.

Learning is a continuous process.

If you think you have time to invest in self-development- Do take up certifications that can support your expertise.

Short courses that can provide you an insight into your domain and industry.

Short courses or certifications on advancing technologies and industry trends can be immensely helpful.

I have collected enough data over a period of time to prove that no courses or qualifications are a testimony to your natural strengths and abilities.

Degrees or courses help you enhance your knowledge base and stimulate your mental faculty. They can amplify your horizon. But they are no guarantee on ensuring you a secured long term job or work satisfaction.

How to leverage your knowledge and skills to your favor and your career depends on your own wisdom of availing opportunities.

Muhammad Siddiq Abdul Rashid

CFO at ModulEight Technologies | CIMA Dip MA

4 年

Thank you very much, Rachana Khare Shrivastava FCA, DFM! Definitely a good read.

Gulshan kumar Jha

Business Control Partner at Barclays || Ex Senior Risk Analyst at Accenture || Ex Operational Risk Controller at Credit Suisse || Ex SNB || Ex GRIL

4 年

One the most convincing article j ever read

Gulshan A.

Senior Associate at J.P. Morgan Asset & Wealth Management | Former AVP Strategy at Bank of America

5 年

Rich Article,covering various reasons to move out of traditional courses...choose wisely nd move aheaf! Thanks

Bimal Mehta

Managing Director @ TRANSPEK INDUSTRY LTD | Strategy & Growth

5 年

Rachana, if the student evaluates his thinking against the points that you have mentioned without any bias, he will get his answer. Will he be able to really do so? I doubt. What does the student mean by status? Nowadays, "I am a CA" does not impress people as it used to be. A course is as good as the student makes use of it. No course can help without constant learning and building excellent skills. Yes, a good course may open the door of opportunities but the success comes only with proving you abilities in field. I have seen enough number of mediocre CAs who are struggling to be successful. So, is the student talking about status of CA by looking at some exceptional professional? Or is he going by some general belief about CA? Is the student looking at shortcut to success without putting in time & effort needed to go through a course like CA? I feel unless the student is really looking for honest advice with a genuine interest to follow it, we cannot help him. It is not easy to know what he is really thinking v/s what is he telling us. Has he made up his mind & looking for an answer that confirms his decision? You are doing a very good job advising and mentoring the students. Now it is upon them to use the opportunity.

Pushpender Gupta

Chartered Accountant

5 年

Rachana Khare Shrivastava FCA, DFM?you did right differentiation between long term & Short term course.?

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