50 questions .......

[DReid]

...... well 5 really !<BR><BR>Why did you decide to take the AAT qualification ?<BR><BR>What was the hardest part of the syllabus for you ?<BR><BR>How would you rate your tutors ?<BR><BR>Did you ever meet a careers advisor from the AAT at a careers fair ?<BR><BR>Has being a member improved your credibility at work or resulted in a promotion ?<BR><BR>

[dante]

1) It was offered to me at work, and seemed a practical qualification.<BR><BR>2) Finance papers in general.<BR><BR>3) Mixed, but generally good!<BR><BR>4) No.<BR><BR>5) Yes, one promotion part way through, and a subsequent move just before I passed technician, which also now gives me progression to Cima.

[schoey]

1) It was part of study package I took when I started my current job. I had been looking for jobs with the training incorporated.<BR><BR>2) Costing was never an easy one for me.<BR><BR>3) Good, they provided good support and taught effectively.<BR><BR>4) No.<BR><BR>5) Yes, I feel it has helped me gain progression. I feel proud putting the letter after my, I worked hard for them. Its also a great base for further study.

[DReid]

I am disappointed by the reluctance of forum members to share their experiences. I would have thought that 200 views would have solicited a better response !<BR><BR>I decided to pose these questions because as an AAT careers advisor I could only relate to my own experiences when asked these questions by students during careers fairs. Four of these five questions are by far the most frequent I am asked apart from &quot;How much do you earn&quot; and &quot;Why are you an accountant and not a film star&quot; ( well... maybe the first one slightly more !!)<BR><BR>Come on people... don't be shy.<BR><BR>David

[nadia]

1- French qualifications not recognised as much as NVQ<BR><BR>2- Taxation-There are too many points to absorb.<BR><BR>3-La creme de le creme! They were so supportive due to a foot injury (nerve damaged) I missed some lessons over the Intermediate and Technician Stage... they helped me as much as they could. They were brillant.<BR><BR>4- No<BR><BR>5- Maybe. From Accounts Payable Assistant (IT company) to Senior Cash Accounts (Retail Company). They were looking for three years experience, I have none and they took me on board. It is a self promotion.<BR>But, I would like to be allowed to shine in Management Accounts. I could be a great asset by using my AAT experience.

[SHEELAGH]

hy are you only asking members these questions?

[DReid]

In answer to Mary's question ....<BR><BR>These questions are aimed at any AAT full member or student member who has an opinion and cares to offer it !<BR><BR>I would be particularly interested to hear from students, to get an up-to-date opinion of the AAT education process, what got them started and how they are finding it.<BR><BR>David

[alexander]

Q1 I was advised that the AAT was a good entry level qualification for someone not working in accounts.<BR><BR>Q2 The hardest part was business taxation. There are so many things to remember and combine in a single computation. I'm doing ACCA business tax in Dec 03 and it seems easier by comparison.<BR><BR>Q3 Most of the tutors were very good. They were supportive yet emphasised the need to help yourself as well.<BR><BR>Q4 I didn't speak to a careers advisor before I started but have introduced myself at careers events since then. <BR><BR>Q5 I don't know about membership improving my cred but the qualification certainly does. The doors do start to open for you when you have it.

[LK]

I am now studying for the CIMA and decided to do AAT first in order to get used to studying and gain some sort of qualification incase I do not manage to qualify. I was also a mentor to others taking AAT (many years experience in accounts) and thought I would gain more credibility if I had the qualification myself.<BR><BR>The hardest part of the course perhaps was finding time to produce a MAS project and other portfolios. I got used to it though.<BR><BR>I am studying at a college in Huntingdon and find the tutors well managed and supportive. I rate them highly.<BR><BR>Never.<BR><BR>I have got more credibility and continue to support others who are taking AAT. I probably will not get any more promotions until I finish CIMA or get another job. I also work part-time due to having small children and this hinders my prospects more than anything else.