This is the story of Ajay, our dedicated student who recently qualified CMA Part 1 with an impressive score of 450 out of 500. He was already working as a management controller at a top MNC and on the surface, it looked like everything was going well. He had experience, stability and a respected role in finance. But deep down, Ajay felt stuck.
Every time he sat in meetings or prepared reports, he knew he could do better if he had a stronger grip on concepts like cost management, budgeting, and internal controls. He wasn’t satisfied just doing his job. He wanted to understand the reason behind the numbers.
Over time, that feeling started growing. One day, after struggling to explain a cost variance in a team meeting, Ajay went back to his desk and sat quietly for a few minutes. He realised he needed to upskill, not just for promotions, but to feel more confident and capable in his role.
That’s when he decided to pursue the US CMA course. He didn’t join for the certificate. He joined to fill the gaps he knew were holding him back. He committed to the process, studied consistently, and didn’t let his job become an excuse.
Today, Ajay has cleared Part 1 of CMA with a score that speaks for itself. His journey proves that even with a full-time job, it is possible to take control of your career and grow in the right direction.
Below is our conversation with Ajay — Straight from his experience
Q: Ajay, what made you choose CMA US in the first place?
Ajay: There was a time at work when I had to make a forecast for a new product line. I managed to complete it but somewhere I felt I was just using templates. I didn’t fully understand the logic behind some numbers. That’s when I felt the need to study again and strengthen my basics.
I started looking at courses that are practical and globally valid. CMA USA checked both boxes. It had exactly what I wanted to improve in like budgeting, cost management and financial planning. And because it’s respected across the world it felt like the right choice not just for my current job but also for any role I might take up later.
Q: You work full time. How did you manage your studies along with it?
Ajay: It was tough in the beginning. I used to think I’d study after work but by 9 PM I’d be too tired. So I changed my plan. I started waking up earlier and would study from 6 to 7:30 AM. That became my fixed time. Even on weekends I gave at least 3 to 4 hours.
I remember there was a time we had back-to-back reviews at work and I was exhausted. But I had a mock test that Sunday and I didn’t want to skip it. So I revised cost formulas while having dinner and made quick notes on my phone. Small efforts like that added up.
The regular doubt sessions really helped. I asked the same question about standard costing at least three times but the faculty explained it patiently every time. That kind of support kept me going.
Q: Were there any topics that gave you a tough time?
Ajay: Yes, inventory costing methods were super confusing. I kept mixing up FIFO and weighted average and made silly mistakes. In one of the mock tests I got 5 questions wrong just from that chapter. I felt like maybe this subject wasn’t for me.
But then in one session Moosal Sir our course trainer explained it using a milk packet example. Like if you buy milk on Monday Tuesday and Wednesday at different prices and sell it on Thursday how would you value the cost? That real life example just clicked. After that topic became one of my strong areas.
Q: What helped you the most while preparing for the exam?
Ajay: Mock tests. Without a doubt. The questions were not just theory based. Many of them were case studies that felt like real situations at work. One question was about reducing overheads and that same week we had a similar discussion in my office.
That connection between what I was studying and what I was doing daily gave me a lot of confidence. I also started making mistake notes. Every time I got a question wrong I’d write down the reason. By the end I had around 40 sticky notes on my cupboard. Before the exam I just revised those and it made a big difference.
Q: How did it feel when you saw your result?
Ajay: Unreal. I was expecting something around 400 but when I saw 450 I just stared at the screen for a few minutes. I didn’t know how to react.
It felt like all those early mornings and skipped weekends were worth it. More than the number, it gave me confidence that I can balance work and studies if I plan properly. Even at work I feel more confident now. I speak up more in meetings and I understand the reports better.
Q: How important was CMA coaching and the kind of support you received during your CMA prep?
Ajay: Honestly, the coaching gave me the direction I needed. I had the will to study, but the way the syllabus was taught and the kind of regular support I received made a big difference. The classes helped me understand challenging topics in a simple way, but worked even more was the mentorship of Shilpi ma’am behind the scenes.
Though she wasn’t taking our classes directly, but her involvement was still very present. She made sure no student felt stuck or left behind. Whether it was checking in on our progress, helping us build the right study routine or just being available when motivation dipped, that kind of support is rare.
It’s easy to lose track or feel overwhelmed when you’re working full-time and studying side by side. But knowing someone is keeping an eye on your progress and pushing you gently to stay consistent really helped me stay on course throughout the journey.
Q: What would you say to someone who wants to start CMA?
Ajay: Just start. There will never be a perfect time. Work will always be busy and life won’t magically slow down. You have to create time.
Also choose a learning setup that suits you. I tried to study alone at first and wasted time. Once I joined proper classes and started following a routine things got better.
And if you can try learning something practical alongside like financial modeling, it would be a
plus point. I did that and it helped me understand Excel reports better and how financial decisions are made. That extra exposure really helps in connecting the dots.
Ajay’s story is not about shortcuts or talent. It’s about showing up every day, staying consistent and believing that small steps matter. Whether it’s flipping through notes in the metro or doing one more question set before sleeping it all adds up. His journey proves that even with a job and a busy schedule you can chase your goals and crush them.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajay-hustler/
