Full Name: Tanvi Rathaur
Occupation: Student
University: Manipal University, Dubai
CIMA Entry Route: Professional Gateway Route
CIMA Award achieved so far: CIMA Advanced Diploma in Managament Accounting
1: Why did you choose CIMA and how has it added to your personal/professional success?
I chose CIMA since the syllabus integrated both the financial and non-financial aspects of a business with a strong focus on ethics. The competency framework ensures that as a CIMA student my business, people, technical and leadership skills were to be tested at all levels leading up to the CGMA qualification and this would give me an edge over other candidates while applying for a job. It gave me an insight on how activities like auditing, financial reporting and analysis takes place in a business.
2: How did it feel passing your CIMA exam/s?
It felt great! My hard work paid off and got me a step closer to my goal of gaining the CGMA title.
3: What was your chosen study method? Why did this work best for you?
I enrolled myself with a CIMA tuition provider, where I was guided through the entire syllabus using the Kaplan Study Texts while self-studying the concepts using the Kaplan Practice Kits and mocks. This worked best for me as it was a systematic approach - I was learning and practicing at the same time. It ensured my concepts were strong even if the exam was after a month. I also joined CIMA study groups on Facebook and CIMAConnect where I got a chance to interact with fellow students and motivate myself reading their success stories.
4: What did you find the biggest challenge and how did you overcome this?
The biggest challenge was answering questions within the given timeframe. I focused on practicing timed mocks. This ensured I finished my OTQ exams a few minutes before the stipulated time of 90 minutes. For the case study exams, I focused on my typing speed and structuring of my answers to include all the necessary tasks.
5: How did you balance studying with a university, work, your personal life?
I made a timetable that included set times for studying and revising, pursuing my hobbies and spending time with family and friends. Weekends were solely meant for revising and socializing, thus giving me a break from all the hard work over the week.
6: If you could give one key piece of advice to another student scheduling their exam tomorrow, what would it be?
Practice, practice and more practice! Doing so will not only help to get familiar with the concepts but will also increase your speed in answering.