Why did you choose CPA over other professional courses?
Before I started my CPA journey, I used to write comedy scripts for stand-ups, and as a curious person partially I sharpened a few more skills as well and only lacked a ‘professional degree’ to exercise my accounting profession. Studying for CA didn’t get me much luck while the credibility of CPA was quite in the air. I had my doubts at first, but learning about the value of CPA, its credibility in India & that it’s at par with CA certification, and the job opportunities that await after, was the ground reason to pursue CPA.
How did you plan your studies for CPA?
I am a resident of Jodhpur and back then when I was preparing for CPA there was no local center of Miles to attend. Initially every weekend I would travel from Jodhpur to Miles office at Jaipur to listen to live lectures and I had the entire weekdays to prepare at my own pace. This is how I completed one subject that is AUD from India. For the rest of 2019, I moved to Dubai to continue with the remaining three subjects and zeroed in my efforts to earn the CPA credentials.
My everyday routine was to wake up early, go through the lecture notes, watch the videos, and target to practice 100 MCQs per day. And it didn’t fail me to get my CPA credentials before my name.
What was your choice of study material for CPA preparations?
The video lectures top my list after that it was the Miles OTB, which had about 8-10k MCQs, 1K-15K simulations to work out. Someone who is dedicated enough to pass the CPA exam and has solved the MCQs will have a cent percent chance to clear the exam. Being an Indian opting for the international credential, you always have that insecurity that how am I even going to relate to the content. Here Miles came to the rescue and Varun Sir’s lectures are anchored to Indian scenarios which were much easier to understand. Therefore my preparation with Miles books, video lectures, and OTBs had been an absolute cake-walk.
What are your views on the demand for CPAs in the job market?
CPA is a big-fit for those seeking careers in big-4 after CPA. After I got my CPA, my inbox is pouring email responses for CPA job opportunities from MNCs as well as mid-sized firms and getting quite a good number of interviews too. As I need to have a certain amount of experience to apply for the CPA license, my first priority is to gain on-job experience. I am really excited and looking forward to catching the best opportunities on my way.
Any tips to share for our fellow aspirants-
- Commit to the books instead of collecting them
- Have a routine stuck to your mind
- Maintain a healthy study habit and keep it regular
- Practice a lot of MCQs to revise the subjects
