This is from the “Accounting Makes Cents” podcast episode #78 released on Monday, 18 November 2024.

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I can’t believe it’s been years since I started my journey. I officially became a CIMA associate 10 years ago, and it’s been so rewarding ever since. Not without its downsides or challenges, but for the most part, CIMA has really been an exciting journey for me. For the podcast, I’ve been at this for about 3 years now. I’m actually quite surprised I’ve stuck to a routine this long, although I do take off during December/January. What started off as just me sharing some knowledge with regards specific CIMA subjects/topics, has turned into a community around the world, of listeners of sorts. Thus, before I dive into today’s moment of gratitude, I would like to thank you all, listeners, for tuning in and being part of this space.

Anyway, for today’s episode, I thought it would be fitting for an anniversary and Thanksgiving theme, to touch upon the lessons I’ve learnt since earning my CIMA qualifications. It was one of the toughest but most rewarding things I’ve done in my life. It may sound dramatic but it’s true. It’s not just shaped my career, my opportunities, but also my mindset and approach to life.

So yeah, I hope you enjoy this. A bit of a personal touch today. I hope that by me sharing my journey, it helps someone else who is currently on their own journey, or maybe those who are still considering it, that it gives you the advice and insights you seek.

Jump to show notes.

My CIMA Journey

So I did mention that it was one of the toughest and rewarding things I’ve done. It was tough because I had already been out of school for many years when I decided to start my CIMA journey. I suppose it’s not uncommon. There are a lot of people who take CIMA after they’ve done their bachelor’s or honour’s. But I think being out of school for so long, you kinda have to relearn everything almost, in how to study, how to remember technical concepts, etc.

Additionally, it’s not just studying. You’re juggling work, family, life, and this monumental qualification all at once. There were nights when I’d be at my desk past midnight, textbooks piled up, trying to wrap my head around topics like Porter’s Diamond and Corporate Strategy. Yep, the E pillar was my kryptonite, haha.

And then there’s the rollercoaster of emotions. Anyone who’s waited for results knows what I’m talking about – endlessly pressing refresh on your email, hearts pounding. And yes, failing an exam is a possibility many of us face. But looking back, those setbacks taught me something about resilience and adaptability.

But here’s the thing: CIMA ultimately is so much more than just passing exams. It’s about the transformation you undergo along the way. The ability to think critically, analyse situations, and make decisions with confidence isn’t just something you learn – it’s something you start to live by.

So let’s look at the next stop. Because spoiler alert, crossing the finish line is just the beginning.

Post-CIMA

So now you’ve got those letters after your name, was that it? I mean it’s a big deal, but there’s just so much more:

Strategic thinking is a superpower. I didn’t realise it at the time but CIMA didn’t just teach me to analyse numbers. It teaches you to see the bigger picture. At work, I went from focusing on the bottom line like profits, expenses, etc. to asking, “How does this move align with our company strategy? What’s the long-term impact?” Suddenly, I’m no longer just a finance person, I’ve suddenly become a business partner.

I was also very surprised to find out that continuous learning never stopped. Just because you’re qualified doesn’t mean you know everything. In fact, CIMA kinda teaches you that you’ll never know it all – and that’s okay. Staying relevant means embracing lifelong learning. For me, that’s meant diving into topics like sustainability, data analytics and leadership. Remember the qualification is just the foundation, what you build on top of it is entirely up to you.

Networking is invaluable. CIMA connects you to a global community. This one took me a little while to truly appreciate. It is especially important in this new world of ours. Not that it’s that new, but it definitely is a different world from what we had a decade ago. I’ve met some incredible people who’ve offered advice, mentorship, even opportunities I never saw coming. But here’s something about networking, it’s not just what you get out, it’s what you can give too. Some of the most rewarding moments have come from helping others, whether it’s sharing study tips or offering career guidance.

Furthermore, with CIMA, you’re not boxed into one path. You actually broaden your career perspective, as you consider roles in strategy, leadership and operations. The key here is that you need to stay intentional about your career choices. I always like to tell people: just because you can do everything doesn’t mean you should. Figure out what aligns with your strengths, interests and long term goals. Think about where you wanna go with your career and how each role can bring you closer to that vision. 

So one of the biggest teachings we do on the case study masterclasses is that not only is your technical skill important, soft skills matter too. This shouldn’t really surprise a lot of students. CIMA gives you a strong technical foundation for things like financial reporting, business strategy, performance management. But they also hammer the importance of soft skills like communication, leadership, and adaptability. Because in the real world, it’s your ability to connect with people that makes the difference. Can you explain complex concepts to non-financial stakeholders? Can you lead a team through a challenging project? Can you adapt when things don’t go according to plan? These are generally the skills that determine how far you go in your career. And the good news is that you don’t have to be a natural at these, they actually can be developed over time, just like any other skill.

Yeah, so those are my 5 big lessons through my CIMA journey. As a former CIMA student myself, and now a CIMA tutor for over a decade, I’d like to offer some advice to current and possibly new CIMA students taking their own journeys.

Advice

Number one – be grateful for the challenge, they shape you. CIMA is hard. The sooner you accept that the journey is going to push you, the easier it becomes to approach it with the right mindset. Don’t aim for perfection. Aim for progress. It’s not about passing every exam (although it’s great if you do). Rather think of it as learning and adapting. Those hard parts about CIMA – the late nights, the failed attempts, the times when you felt like quitting – those moments teach you resilience. Understand though that I’m not advocating you fail to gain resilience, okay. It’s about the challenges and how they make the success sweeter in the end.

Number two – celebrate small wins. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, take time to celebrate your progress. Passed a section or level or subject? Celebrate. Found a study routine that works? Celebrate. Don’t just focus on the end goal. Remember to acknowledge the milestones you achieve along the way.

Number three – don’t do it alone. CIMA is a personal journey, but it doesn’t mean you have to go through it solo. Whether it’s leaning on family and friends, joining a study group, having a study buddy, connecting with mentors…having a support system makes all the difference. There’ll be days when you feel like giving up, and that’s normal. Having someone to vent to can be therapeutic. And if you’ve already qualified, take the time to thank those people who helped you get there. 

Lastly, build practical experience. As mentioned many times in my podcast and blog posts, CIMA requires practical experience for students to become associates. The sooner you start applying what you’ve learnt theoretically, the more it’ll stick. Plus, it makes studying more interesting when you can connect the dots between the theories and the real-life scenarios. 

Show notes simplified

In this special Thanksgiving and anniversary episode, MJ the tutor reflects on the transformative journey of earning her CIMA qualifications and lessons she’s learnt from it – about resilience, strategic thinking, and the power of lifelong learning. Whether you’re navigating your own CIMA parth, or considering it, this episode provides insights, advice, and moments of gratitude for the challenges and support that shape our growth.