Should I gain work experience before Level 3?

I'm about to complete my Level 2 in December but I have no accounting experience, I have read somewhere that I should postpone going onto do Level 3 until I have found an entry level position as I will be over qualified, is this really the case?
I have worked in retail management for the past 8 years but really want to set myself up as a self employed bookkeeper and then possibly go on to become chartered. I really want to get on and complete Level 3 as soon as possible but I don't want to make myself unemployable.
Any other tips on how I can get from Retail Manager to self employed bookkeeper are welcome?
I have worked in retail management for the past 8 years but really want to set myself up as a self employed bookkeeper and then possibly go on to become chartered. I really want to get on and complete Level 3 as soon as possible but I don't want to make myself unemployable.
Any other tips on how I can get from Retail Manager to self employed bookkeeper are welcome?
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Comments
It’s great to get experience in the finance and accounting sector as soon as possible! Many students apply for their first role before, during and after Level 3 so don’t worry about being overqualified.
I’d advise you read these two threads. The first recommends job roles you are suited for after completing Level 2. The second answers the question: Should I look a job while studying AAT, or wait until after?
As for what you do after AAT: Many of our members go on to be self-employed and it’s one of the main advantages of studying with AAT. We have a member in practice (MIP) scheme which you can read about here.
One thing I will mention is that to be a MIP you need to be a full member of AAT (MAAT). To be a full member you need to pass Level 4 and demonstrate that you can meet our work experience criteria. This is why it’s important to get a relevant job in the industry as soon as possible, so you can start to build up your experience portfolio.
Let’s say you got a job in the industry now. By the time you start Level 4, you might already have enough experience to qualify as MAAT so we could process your application as soon as you pass your final Level 4 unit!
As for becoming chartered: Most chartered bodies offer exemptions for AAT members, so if you become qualified with us you can start your chartered journey one step ahead.
I appreciate this is a lot of information to digest at once! If you have any further questions, we’ll do our best to answer them here but you might also want to sign up to our live Facebook Q&A on progressing to full membership. It’s called #MAATchat and will take part in December.
Kind regards
I suppose if you were to start Level 3 and you were unable to find a job as you received feedback that specifically said it was because you were overqualified, you could always not mention that you're studying for your Level 3 diploma on your CV and only mention the Level 2 certificate?
I'll leave this one for our members to answer!
I'm going to carry on with level four alongside trying to get work experience, but that's partly because I can't look for full time employment for another couple of years due to childcare.