It seems like a blink of an eye since I was in the depths of preparation for my Final Admitting Exam (FAE). Scarily it was, in fact some 19 years ago.
I convinced myself this was “IT” I had to pass, I hadn’t come this far to only come this far. Gaining charter-ship to CAI was the finish line I had in mind after a seven year slog, I mean, learning journey. Little did I know, it was only the start..
I m a music lover and the soundtrack of my study chapter of my life, at that time, was a song called the Reason by a band called Hoobastank. (If you now go and look this song up, apologies because it will be an impossible song to get out of your head). Everytime I hear the lyrics, I m transported back to my desk with my lever arch files and those wee blue books which we so meticulously underlined in auditing class.
“I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning”
The irony of these lyrics isn’t lost on me. It is so absolutely true I am far from the perfect person and the reason I am telling you all this because if I can do it and pass these exams, so then can you.
So on the eve of FAE week, here are the top tips:
1 Exam technique is key.
(Watch the time and know when to move on)
2 RTQ 👀read the question
(You ve no idea how your brain can trick you into answering a question you think you want to see and prepared for)
3 Remember: you know way more than you think.
(Be brave and show the examiner you can hit the competencies!!)
4 Its a marathon not a sprint.
3hours and 50 min seems like a really long time but once you are in the exam room, the adrenalin kicks in, the time absolutely flies in (also don’t forget some snacks for stamina)
5 We are proud of you. We see you and know how hard you have worked. One of the best bits of our job satisfaction comes from seeing you succeed and become a Chartered Accountant.
(BDO is first and foremost a training firm. We ve always got your back and you have GOT THIS.)
Nigel Harra
Sam Howard
Breandán Lundy
Tara Campbell
Ann Lundy
🙌Wishing all of our FAE students who are sitting exams next week the very best of luck🙌
Should you have any queries, please get in touch at faeexam@charteredaccountants.ie.
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