From Commerce Graduate to CMA Success – Keerthana’s Journey to Finance Excellence

Keerthana’s journey was more than just about passing an exam, it was about challenging herself, stepping beyond her comfort zone, and proving that she could accomplish anything she aimed for. With a B.Com background, she had always been interested in finance, but she realized that a standard degree wouldn’t suffice in today’s competitive landscape. That’s when she came across CMA US, a program that not only matched her enthusiasm for financial strategy and management accounting but also offered global career prospects.

However, the path to success was far from straightforward. Transitioning from traditional college exams to CMA’s analytical and application-focused approach posed a significant challenge. Keerthana had to completely revamp her study techniques, become proficient in the MCQ format, and gain a more profound understanding of finance. Additionally, she had to juggle her college coursework and CMA preparation at the same time like a balancing act that truly tested her patience and discipline.

Keerthana was determined not to let obstacles stop her. She signed up for The WallStreet School’s comprehensive CMA training, which offered her expert support, frequent mock exams, and sessions to address her questions. Gradually, her confidence blossomed, and she began to grasp the concepts with a well-thought-out strategy.

Then came the day when CMA results were announced. After two tense months of anticipation, she finally received the email she had been eagerly awaiting. She had successfully passed her CMA part 2 exams!

Her journey is a testament to what dedication, smart preparation, and the right guidance can achieve. 

Below is a transcript of her interview with us:

Q1: Can you tell us about your background and how you choose finance as a career?

I’m Keerthana Sanal from Kerala, and I recently graduated with a B.Com in Finance and Taxation. My interest in finance has been evident since my college days, but I realized that to truly excel, I needed a professional qualification that would deepen my understanding and help me stand out. That’s when I discovered CMA US. It offered everything I was looking for—global recognition, a structured learning path, and a focus on management accounting. I viewed it as the ideal way to establish a solid foundation in finance and open doors to international career opportunities. 

Q2: Why did you choose CMA?

Initially, I was uncertain about which finance career path to pursue. However, as I researched various courses, CMA US caught my attention because of its practical approach and emphasis on real-world financial decision-making. Unlike traditional accounting programs, it equipped me with skills that are directly applicable in the business world. Another significant advantage was its shorter duration—I was eager to complete a professional course quickly and enter the workforce. Nevertheless, I soon discovered that CMA was more challenging than I had anticipated. The syllabus was extensive, and the exam format was quite different from what I was used to in college. But rather than giving up, I persevered.

Q3: What was the hardest part of your CMA journey?

The hardest part for me was adjusting my study habits. In college, I relied heavily on memorizing theories and writing lengthy responses. However, CMA required a different approach—it focused on my ability to analyze situations and apply concepts in practical ways. I also found the multiple-choice question format challenging because even a minor error could lead to an incorrect answer. The two-month wait for my results was incredibly stressful, and I constantly questioned how I had performed. Some topics were difficult to understand, no matter how much effort I put in, which was frustrating at times. Eventually, I came to realize that regular practice and a focus on truly understanding the concepts, rather than just rushing through the syllabus, were essential for success.

Q4: Was the CMA course as difficult as you expected?

To be honest, I initially thought CMA course would be straightforward since it’s a short course but I was completely wrong. The syllabus was quite comprehensive, and the questions emphasized real-world applications rather than just theoretical knowledge. The biggest surprise came when I began practicing questions—I thought I had a solid grasp of a topic, yet I still made errors. That’s when it hit me that CMA is not just about knowing the concepts but also about applying them accurately. However, once I started revising regularly, taking mock tests, and concentrating on challenging concepts, things became more manageable. So yes, CMA was tough, but with the right strategy, it was entirely achievable.

Q5: How did CMA training help you clear your CMA exam?

The training I received from The WallStreet School played a crucial role in my success on the CMA exam. Their teaching methods were very different compared to others. I practiced numerous mock tests there, engaged in time-bound practice sessions, and attended classes to clarify my doubts, which really helped me understand the concepts. 

A big plus of my preparation was getting support from Shilpi Ma’am, the lead mentor of the CMA program at TWSS and an ACCA-qualified professional. She shared valuable industry insights, provided extra question sets, and offered guidance that significantly boosted my confidence before the exam.

I would also like to highlight my trainer, Moosal Sir, who has more than 25 years of experience and is US-CMA qualified. He offered timely support, ensured clarity of concepts, and conducted doubt resolution sessions during my CMA classes.

Plus, regular practice of MCQs and essay-type questions helped build my confidence for the actual exam. The two-month wait for the results was nerve-wracking, but all the anxiety disappeared when I found out I passed my CMA exams with excellent results. And my journey with TWSS didn’t just stop there, they also offered placement assistance, guiding me to find the right opportunities that matched my skills and career aspirations.

We truly admire Keerthana for her steadfast determination, and eagerness to take on new challenges in her career. She has shown remarkable resilience, from juggling her college studies with CMA preparation to adapting to a completely new exam format. Her journey demonstrates that with perseverance and the right mindset, success is attainable. The Wall Street School is immensely proud to have played a role in her journey, offering the guidance and support she needed to reach her goals.