Mid 30 career change with CIMA -realistic?

Any

Roselondon wrote: »

Hi Lizling, thanks! I wouldn't mind to start with graduate opportunity (if there is any). My MBA also had some finance in it and my marks were quite good.

Look at gaapweb.com for finance jobs. I don't know where you are, but sometimes companies only ask for graduates with training and study package on offer.

AP007

Roselondon wrote: »

AP007, thanks. I know for the hours I would have to be slightly flexible. But at least, MA in commerce wouldn't be like those who work in banks or accounting firms!

Wouldn't be like those who work on banks or accounting firms? Which is what?

My old MA's (all three) used to be in the office long after we all left.

Roselondon_2

Any wrote: »

I am glad I can help.
I am completely biased so I won't even say it out loud, but one more advice I would give you - look at the jobs you might be interested in in your area and what they require, then look at what each qualification offers that might interest you and compare them against each other and the job pool in your are.

Also look at the exceptions you can get due to your MBA.

Sometimes people jump from CIMA to ACCA and the other way round.. be confident with your pick from the start.

I already started going through the requirements of posted jobs. online. It does help understand the job market and also give some confidence. I wouldn't mind start from graduate level. It's probably necessary taking into account I've been out of the industry for such a long time...

Roselondon_2

AP007 wrote: »

Wouldn't be like those who work on banks or accounting firms? Which is what?

My old MA's (all three) used to be in the office long after we all left.

I meant the recognised industry standard... Working in a financial department in a company in general is simpler than working in a firm or a investment bank...

National_Careers_Service

It sounds like you’re facing some frustration in your current work, and have come to a career cross roads.

It looks like you’ve already had some good advice from other posters which have put your career change plans to the test.

Maybe before making a decision on career direction, it could help to go back the basics of why you’d like to change career in the first place. You said earlier that your personality didn’t fit-in with the purchasing work that you’re doing. Could this be down to who you’re working with, the employer or the type of industry?

If it is any of these points maybe a more straight forward change of employer will help you feel happier in the work place.

With that point in mind, what do you know about an accounts office work environment? Do you know whether this will be more suited to your personality? And do you know that it will be work which you’ll enjoy?

Sometimes it can help to take a step back from your ideas and really think about why you want a change and re-evaluate what’s important to you.
You said that your family is your top priority; will this career change fit in with your family commitments, particularly if you have to start studying again?

I think that the advice offered by “Any” is very good, as you’ll need to know what’s going on in your local jobs market if you’re going to make realistic and informed career choice. It will also help you in gathering important information such as working hours and what employer’s priorities are in terms of qualifications, experience and of course – starting salary.

In the mean time, good luck with your researching, and do let us know how your plans are working out.


Adam