 Q:. I'm a 16 year-old student and have just sat for the O/L exams in 2008. I have been having a special interest in the IT industry for a long period. I have successfully completed the International Computer Driving License examinations in 2005 and the Diploma in Computer Studies examinations in 2006. My latest achievement is the successful completion of the BCS Certificate level examinations in October 2007 and the BCS Diploma level examinations in April 2008. I'm hoping to do the BCS Professional Graduate Diploma examinations this year. After that I'm expecting to pursue my higher studies in a good university without doing the A/L examinations. Do you think that my decision is feasible? Can you give me some suitable advice on this?
Zaakki Ahamed
Via Email
Dear Zaakki,
A: First let me congratulate you on your achievement. In most instances my recommendation would be for you not to let go of you're A/L's since the road to advance level studies also develops an overall balanced individual, rather than too much of focus on studies only.
After all you need to ask yourself the question what do I want to gain out of this in terms of my future goals. You can have a great qualification ,but lack critical skills in leadership, team work, project management and contingency planning as well as communications and interpersonal skills.
I know this for fact since I was both deputy head prefect and deputy athletic captain at the same time, the experience I got during this time period cannot be recreated and has helped me to be what I am.
Prior to making a decision you need to find answers to three questions:
Where will this get you in the long term in terms of the qualification(since you will have a first mover advantage)
What balance do you want to achieve with work experience(you have not mentioned your career goals)
What about the soft skills mentioned above example your leadership, team working and other related skills(you need balance with both IQ and EQ/emotional intelligence)
If you can find answers to the above , you could continue with your current decision.
All the best
Dear Sir,
Q: I am 20 years of age, male student, passed English, French and Economics in G.C.E. A/L examination 2007.
At present I am studying CIMA fundamental stage. I am planning to do a degree in Business Administration from a private institution in Kandy which will take three years from now on. Until then I may not able to gain any experience required to get a good position in Management Accounting field.
I expect answers from you for the following questions.
n Would I be able to successfully complete both CIMA and BBA, since I have done languages and Economics for A/L.
n Whether degree issued by foreign university (University of Sunderland) is valid and recognized in Sri Lanka.
Whether these two programmes will conflict each other.
Your kind advise and answers are very much appreciated.
Hewa Pathirana
Via Email.
Dear Hewa,
A: Taking a more objective look at your question you have three options to consider:
Finish your CIMA (all stages) and move on to an MBA in this way you will have a core qualification and also have the required experience and not recreate the wheel
Since you have started your CIMA fundamental stage, finish that and then move on to BBA directly ,where again you would stop the duplication
Do both, where this will be a waste of time and resources and since you are not really not sure of your skill level there is also a risk involved.
I see three hidden issues in your question:
You do not have a clear Vision board
Your focus is on the qualification and not what it gets you to , for example doing CIMA and balancing this with experience and later an MBA would get you to the top
n You are talking to the wrong people, for example the education advisor has not looked at what this qualification can get you to , rather wanted to finish the sale and enroll you.
As far as recognition as a policy I am unable guide you on this , however please ask for accreditation documentation with regard to recognition status from the provider and check if you could transfer to an MBA later.
My objective for you is to have a primary qualification and at least two years of experience at 24. All the best.
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