Question:
I did my A/Ls in Commerce stream, in 2008 and got AAB. Presently I'm following a degree programme (still in the diploma level) in ACBT, but with the results I got I think I can enter a government university.
From your point of view, evaluating these two, what do you think is the most appropriate thing for me to do in full time? what is more recognised?

Sajith Gamage Via Email
Dear Sajith,
Answer: I have three questions for you, prior to giving you my insights on the Road Map:

• You need to decide on your career first, it seems you have not found the correct path(please run through my full page guide on choosing the right career)
• You have not mentioned what area of study you are exploring at ACBT
• You need to decide between Extensity vs. Intensity (for example CIMA is a professional qualification, and others could be academic)

Let me also congratulate you on gaining entrance to university, deep analysis of your question also tells me that you were not expecting this result at the A/L exam, and the good news has forced you to look at the equation.

In order to make the right decision you may need to consult experts and your relation network prior to making the right choice.

As I see it your final decision would be based finding answers to the above as well as evaluating your options based on three factors your options are:

• Get in to University and finish and retake ACBT later
• Get in to University and add on CIMA ,drop ACBT
• Drop University ,finish ACBT and Top up with CIMA

To arrive at your decision the following key factors need to be considered:

• Time; for example the university system can have it usual delays, therefore CIMA and ACBT may provide the flexibility to hop in when the delays occur
• Recognition; again this is based on your career option, however you may need to check the recognition and transferability to an MBA or employer acceptance
• Cost; both CIMA and ACBT has its own cost components, so would you want to save now and invest more in a prestigious option
• Competence, again which would better prepare you for the future; threre is a difference between a qualification and competence. Competence is what you do with the qualification. Its not We have but what WE do with it

Follow the above process and you will arrive at the best decision.
Q: I am 25 years old. I got through CIMA foundation exam and I tried 3 times to pass CIMA intermediate exam, 3rd time I pass only one subject. That's an account subject. I have 2 years working experience in an audit firm.

I have good results in my A/L exam and I don't want to stop my career at this level. I need to follow any sort of valid accounting/management course. Can you name any course or degree programme? Can I get exceptions? Or will it be useful if I follow a teaching course. If yes what are the available valid courses or degree programmes.

Can I get teaching with CIMA foundation qualifications?
What would you suggest me to do, an accounting/ management course or a teaching course. (Commerce/Accounting teaching for year 10 &11 students). Will it be useful if I continue CIMA?
I am confused. Please help me on this.

Worried Nilakshi.
Via Email
Dear Nilakshi,
A: Firstly let me tell you Life is a Fight and nothing comes easy, Secondly, you know the saying , people who cant do teach, so you should not get into situation where you do not have the track record to show, Finally you may need to make change either your career or the type of the qualification.

I see three areas you may need to focus on:

• The institute you are following(may be the teaching methods are not suited to you)
• Your method of study is not effective
• The organization you work for is not giving you the necessary exposure

You could consider the following options the teaching move can come as option not as a core area initially:

• Try CIMA one last time , but with new methods, new processes and new institutes(I have had examples of students, who have failed a subject 4 times and who come to me for guidance and get through)
• Move on to a related softer approach of study which will give you credit for the foundation
• Think of a career change (better now than later), this would also include moving out of the audit firm and joining a focused company or a full service consulting house.

As a policy I am unable to tell you what course to choose, you may need to do your research first, but there are at least six options.
So go ahead and Re Invent yourself.

Dear Mr Saleem
Q: I'm a student who did my A/Ls in 2008. I did my A/Ls in the bio science stream and I was hoping to do Bio technology Bio engineering or anything related to science and technology. But I did not get good results in my A/Ls. So now I have turned to start something else. Ive turned to management side, law and IT. but I dont know which side to choose and I am confused. In todays world what is the best option to study?

Ashan
Via Email
Dear Ashan,
A: Please go through my Full page Guidance on how to choose a career do the question and write back to me with your answers.
I cannot guide without specific information about yourself.