From Overcoming Challenges to Achieving CMA Success – Abhishek’s Motivational Journey

Meet Abhishek, a finance enthusiast from Kerala who earned his B.Com in Finance and Taxation. During his undergraduate years, he developed a strong interest in finance, particularly in the CMA US subjects. This curiosity quickly evolved into a career aspiration, prompting him to pursue the CMA US certification.

Abhishek was aware that the exams would be challenging, and they certainly proved to be. But, instead of feeling overwhelmed by the syllabus, he found it to be surprisingly engaging and manageable. He joined The Wall Street School and with the right guidance and a proper study approach from his mentors, he was able to keep his studies on track. Despite the challenges, Abhishek remained committed, putting in relentless hard work and dedication. His hard work paid off as he successfully cleared his CMA part 2 exams, turning his passion into a remarkable professional milestone.

Let’s take a moment to know more about Abhishek through the interview he shared with us.

Below is a transcript of his interview with us:

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

I graduated with a B.Com degree, focusing on Finance and Taxation. Honestly, I wasn’t always sure that finance was the right path for me at the beginning. But, during my undergraduate studies, I started to find finance quite intriguing, especially the topics related to management accounting. The more I delved into it, the more I enjoyed the subject, which ultimately led me to enroll in the CMA US course.

At first, I had some doubts about whether it was the right choice for me, but as I went through the syllabus, I discovered a strong connection with the subjects. I also noticed  that CMA US could be learned through practical methods, which I found much more engaging, and it appeared to be a path that could significantly impact my career. So, I made the decision to pursue it, and looking back, I’m really happy with that choice. 

Q2: Why did you choose CMA?

When I was looking into various career paths in finance, that’s when I discovered CMA US. Knowling its global recognition and the emphasis on management accounting, I found it quite fascinating. 

I won’t sugarcoat it, I knew it would be challenging.,But when I reviewed the syllabus, it seemed more thrilling than terrifying. The subjects were practical, and I could see their relevance to real industry situations. Additionally, the potential for international opportunities with CMA US was a very motivator for me. 

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

The most difficult part I found of my CMA journey was the change in my mindset. CMA pushed me to think like a professional rather than just a student, and that shift was quite challenging. It was all about directly applying knowledge to real-world situations, which demanded a deeper level of understanding and concept-grasping skills.

Another hardest part for me was the exam format itself. I had never faced an exam with 100 multiple-choice questions before, and adapting to the time constraints of answering all those questions in just 3 hours was tough. It took a while to learn how to manage my time effectively while maintaining the accuracy of my responses. However, with consistent practice and right guidance, I gradually became comfortable with both the format and the pressure.

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

Yes, I already had a feeling that CMA US exams would be tough, and they really were. But I also thought the syllabus would be very hard to understand. But, I was surprised to find that it was actually quite interesting and easy to follow. The concepts were explained in a way that made sense, and with the right approach, I could understand them well. While the exams were challenging, the whole process turned out to be more exciting and doable than I expected.

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

The training I received for my CMA exams at The Wall Street School was very helpful in passing the CMA exam. Our teacher Moosal Sir, with his 25 years of experience, offered us top-notch coaching and ensured that we grasped every concept thoroughly. His teaching style made even the most challenging topics easy to understand. Moreover, Shilpi Ma’am, the lead mentor for the CMA course, provided us with valuable industry insights and shared effective last-minute exam tips and strategies that proved to be very helpful for my CMA prep.We were consistently guided on the best study methods, which kept me focused throughout my preparation. 

Additionally, I would also like to appreciate the placement support I received after my exams which was very valuable for me to kickstart my career in accounts and finance. 

We have great admiration for Abhishek and his passion and dedication pursuit of excellence throughout his CMA journey. His commitment to his studies, even when faced with challenges, has been very inspiring. From adjusting to the new exam format to consistently putting in the effort, Abhishek has shown that with hard work and determination, success is attainable. The Wall Street School is proud to have played a role in his journey, offering the guidance and support he needed to reach his goals. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors and are confident that he will continue to thrive in whatever he chooses to pursue.