Am in danger of becoming a 'passed finalist'?

RowanB

Genuinely sorry for starting another AAT doubting thread. I got some really insightful responses to my last thread. Thanks a lot for those. However, a lot of members received my question very negatively and I received a lot of insults, which I think might have been less numerous had questions been posed more temperately.

What I really meant was, am I in danger of becoming a 'passed finalist' by going on to complete Technician Level without acquiring practical experience, having recently passed Intermediate Level and began Technician Level? Could it actually be detrimental to complete the qualification without gaining relevant professional experience? Should I wait till I have found accounts work before continuing?

blobbyh

Of course you should complete the qualification now it's almost complete as even if you can't use it immediately due to the currently uncertain job market, it'll always be there on your CV and separate you from those that have nothing. Trust me, you won't be overqualified at AAT level for 'lower level' jobs such as ledger clerks since you'll have acquired the underpinning theory and thus be able to understand the double entries behind the computer transactions and the need for accurate coding.

I work at a recruitment agency (I can hear the usual groans) where qualification and experience nearly always go hand in hand but it's still better to have just one half of that than neither. While the rest of Europe is already out of recession there are signs appearing that the UK could also be picking up again soon and since depressions are cyclical, it's best to take advantage of it now and prepare yourself for when the upturn finally comes.

Criggers

Blobby talks sense.

As I have mentioned in the previous thread, a lot of employers will be impressed with the fact you are studying at all. The fact that you are willing to commit to AAT - even without employment - just goes to show that you are keen to get involved in the accountancy industry.

How will that be detrimental compared to someone who says:
"I didn't bother doing technician"
"Why is that then, RowanB?"
"Ah well, you know, in case I couldn't get a job I didn't see the point."
"I see... I think I've heard enough."
?

RowanB

Thanks a lot for the encouraging responses Criggers and Blobby. You've reassured me about what made sense to me and I hoped was the truth. Particularly reassuring that someone who works in recruitment thinks it's worth completing. I feel pretty confident now.

However, Sandy, for instance, thinks I am in danger of becoming a 'passed finalist' by passing AAT without experience, and I take that opinion on board as well.

Marga

i have a degree in Maths and a Masters in Stats.... although i havent ever had any experience in a business (i was before a teacher)

My boss was impressed with the two qualifications and that's how i got my job Business Finance Analyst...didnt know anything about maths applied to P&L's or any analysis to apply Business strategies but then i learnt it as i worked


Having on your CV that you have achieved Technician Level means that you are able to cover the topics ...some companies will take the chance to get an unexperienced person so they can "model" them as they need them....sometimes if you have been focused in one sole area, going to a broader field or changing fields is tough., however starting from no experience you can actually undertake more roles/tasks specifically

hope i make sense

RowanB

Ah, that's really interesting Marga. Thanks for that. I've got a degree in maths and stats and I'm hoping to do a masters in stats!

Marga

well i believe that will open your possibilities even more

glad it helped

RowanB

Excellent.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Marga

no problem anytime!!!

keep it up!!