Deepak Saini comes from Rewari, a well-known district in the state of Haryana.
In 2016, he passed his HSC (in Arts) and completed his graduation in Arts in 2019. Despite several career related confusions, he made a bold move to transition to doing ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) since he wanted to build a career in Finance and Accounting. He has now completed his Applied Knowledge level of ACCA, is undergoing a practical, skill-based program in Finance Modelling and Valuation, to kick start a lucrative career in Finance and Accounting.
How did he manage the transition to Finance and Accounting? How has his journey been so far?
He came to know about the “Integrated ACCA coaching + skills program” offered by The Wallstreet School after going through a series of videos on their YouTube channel relating to different aspects about ACCA (careers, curriculum, recognition, benefits etc.). Read on to know about his career dilemma, challenges he faced, reasons for making the switch and his review for this course.
Here is a transcript of his interview with us –
Why do you think that making the right career decision was so difficult for you?
Earlier I used to get stressed while thinking about my career. However, I have now realised that mine was a typical “3 Idiot” story. Since I was not clear about what to do so I let people around me take decisions on my behalf. Science sounded glamorous and most parents dream of their children becoming engineers and doctors. Studying science for me was like a practical demonstration of the “Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility”. After the initial euphoria, my interest in science started to fizzle out.
I was completely burnt out after class 11th and soon I gave up the idea of building a career in science. Commerce being equally tough, I thought about pursuing a career in Arts. It was indeed difficult to convince my father about pursuing Arts after science.
I did enjoy learning some bit of Arts but did I see myself making a career in the same field, well an honest answer would be that I was not at all sure of. Today, when I think about it, I was like a headless chicken and despite my diligent efforts of running around, direction was nowhere in sight.
Societal pressure after graduation pushed to find a job. I started applying for random jobs and even started preparing for bank PO exams. The most difficult part was that by now people had started judging me for my erratic career decisions.
How did you finally decide to switch from a Science and Arts background to Finance and Accounting? What were your apprehensions?
To be honest, I was thoroughly confused about which stream to build my career in. I had doubts about whether I would be able to understand finance and accounting without any prior background and knowledge. I used to read about companies especially the automobile giants and get intrigued by their business model, revenue, and profit numbers. I guess this is where my interest to pursue finance and accounting was also coming from. The switch may be interesting but it was not going to be easy is what I told myself.
In early 2022, I narrowed down my search to pursue ACCA. During my search for an ACCA approved learning partner, I came across The Wallstreet School ACCA Course and went through their website. Intrigued and impressed by their highly experienced faculties, I decided to write them an email seeking information for my initial set of questions. I had always heard about “The first impression is generally the last one” and in reality this came true for the team at The Wallstreet School. They replied to my email in detail and offered me a free career coaching session as per my convenience.
I took another month to research, build my own understanding about the course, and finally decided to opt for a face-to-face career coaching session. I along with my father met Mr. Akhil Iyer (Head Faculty for ACCA and CIMA programs at TWSS) and needless to say, that the 90-minute session was a game changer for me!
During the session itself, I made up my mind to pursue ACCA from The Wallstreet School. .
Akhil sir not only briefed me about the ACCA coaching program but also about things that I would need to work upon to build a career in Finance and Accounting. During the session, he shared his stories about how he was also confused about his career decision and comforted me with the fact “It is good to be confused. At least this tells me that you (Deepak) are thinking about your career. After all confusion leads to clarity”.
I enrolled myself with The Wallstreet School. In June 2022 as they say rest is history.
How has been your experience at The Wallstreet School?
Over the last one year, I have completed the ACCA Applied Knowledge Level which consists of 3 papers (Business & Technology, Financial Accounting and Management Accounting). I proudly tell everyone I met that despite coming from a science and arts background, I cleared all the 3 knowledge level papers in the first attempt. People give credit to my focus, commitment, and preparation. However, I give all credit to The Wallstreet School. and their panel of esteemed faculties (Mr. Akhil Iyer, Mr. Amit Jugia and Mr. Animesh Chaudhary) for my success.
The last one year involved in-depth live classes to understand the nitigrities of the different subjects, doubt clearing sessions, practicing questions, appearing for quizzes, mock tests and most importantly feedback on 2 key aspects – What was I doing right and things that I could improve (academically and professionally). I used the words coaching and mentoring as synonyms but I guess not only did I understand the difference but I also found my coach and mentor(s) at The Wallstreet School.
Before getting into the chaotic phase of my career decisions and transitions, I was also a state level boxer. However, injury coupled with lack of direction in life, I gave up on boxing as well. It was in July 2022, after the Business & Technology class, I and my batch mates were chit chatting about hobbies and their importance in helping us lead a balanced and happy life. Listening to my passion for boxing, Akhil sir motivated me to follow a 5/2-day rule – study diligently for 5 days so that you earn yourself 2 days to pursue your hobbies. This set the way for me to return to practice boxing as well.
I started learning about how to apply concepts to real life situations. ACCA, its curriculum and the all-round guidance of the faculties at The Wallstreet School. have been helping me build skills such as research, problem solving etc. Being a graduate and having completed my ACCA Applied Skill level, my next milestone is to find a good job and start my quest of gaining practical experience. In line with this, I have now started with the flagship Financial Modelling program at The Wallstreet School. which has helped more than 5k professionals get a head start to their career in the corporate world.
I am glad to have chosen The Wallstreet School. Their ecosystem has provided me with a peace of mind that career building process is not at all complicated. I just had to get the right advice to be able to make the right decision and be in the right place, with the right set of professionals.
To connect with Deepak, you may directly Contact The Wallstreet School
