Help a brother out!

[WayfaringStranger]

Hi, my name is Daniel and I am 24 this year.
And I am here to seek guidance and advice.

I have made a whole lot of stupid mistakes and foolish decisions when I was younger by not focusing on my studies. Graduated secondary school with an O level, L1R4 score of 16 and got into Singapore Polytechnic (DIPLOMA IN COMMON ENGINEERING).

I dropped out of SP when I was in my year 2 because I did not know what was going on and playing catch up was too much. In other words, I gave up because I was lazy.

After I dropped out, I enlisted and was still muddling about. But this time, instead of sitting on my ass, I was struggling to find my direction. I've learned many things about myself throughout these two years. And I find myself cursing my past mistakes and decisions.

Right now, I am a 24 years old male with nothing but an O level to my name. I am considering a few academic routes to take (less than 4 years and local.) Please advise.

1. ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Go for my acca qualifications while working to fulfill the 3 years relevant experience.

2. ACCOUNTING PRIVATE DEGREE:

-Management foundation studies FULL TIME(for o level holders)

-Diploma in Accounting FULL TIME

-SIM UOL Degree in Accounting and Finance FULL TIME

ACCA

3. BIZ ADMIN PRIVATE DEGREE:

-Management foundation studies FULL TIME(for o level holders)

-SIM UB Degree in Accounting and Finance FULL TIME.

What do you think?

 

[MoonLight555]

Hi, my name is Daniel and I am 24 this year.
And I am here to seek guidance and advice.

I have made a whole lot of stupid mistakes and foolish decisions when I was younger by not focusing on my studies. Graduated secondary school with an O level, L1R4 score of 16 and got into Singapore Polytechnic (DIPLOMA IN COMMON ENGINEERING).

I dropped out of SP when I was in my year 2 because I did not know what was going on and playing catch up was too much. In other words, I gave up because I was lazy.

After I dropped out, I enlisted and was still muddling about. But this time, instead of sitting on my ass, I was struggling to find my direction. I've learned many things about myself throughout these two years. And I find myself cursing my past mistakes and decisions.

Right now, I am a 24 years old male with nothing but an O level to my name. I am considering a few academic routes to take (less than 4 years and local.) Please advise.

1. ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Go for my acca qualifications while working to fulfill the 3 years relevant experience.

2. ACCOUNTING PRIVATE DEGREE:

-Management foundation studies FULL TIME(for o level holders)

-Diploma in Accounting FULL TIME

-SIM UOL Degree in Accounting and Finance FULL TIME

ACCA

3. BIZ ADMIN PRIVATE DEGREE:

-Management foundation studies FULL TIME(for o level holders)

-SIM UB Degree in Accounting and Finance FULL TIME.

What do you think?

Bro I really empathise with u.Have you ever thought of going back to poly again and work ur way through to local uni?will take u about 5-6 years.But u be abit older.But honestly,no matter which route u take u will still be considered a mature learner.So if ur fine with it.Pursue what you want but do not dropout halfway.U had been through a lot,use that to ur advantage,be different from the kids in school that only knows how club.All the best to you bro!!!!

 

[mypillowtalks]

Hi, i was from singapore poly too, i did diploma eee back in 2009.

At that time some of my classmates were about 24 years old n finished ns. But he can study full time due to financially stable. So i feel that it is ok and not weird if u continue or restart ur engineering diploma. Age doesn't matter.

In my opinion, it will be good if u can get a local uni degree,may or may not be an engineering degree. I believe it is worth it if plan to work in sg in th3 future.

Sent from Your Favourite Non-Biting Talking Pillow using GAGT

 

[meteorlaxy]

Hi, my name is Daniel and I am 24 this year.
And I am here to seek guidance and advice.

I have made a whole lot of stupid mistakes and foolish decisions when I was younger by not focusing on my studies. Graduated secondary school with an O level, L1R4 score of 16 and got into Singapore Polytechnic (DIPLOMA IN COMMON ENGINEERING).

I dropped out of SP when I was in my year 2 because I did not know what was going on and playing catch up was too much. In other words, I gave up because I was lazy.

After I dropped out, I enlisted and was still muddling about. But this time, instead of sitting on my ass, I was struggling to find my direction. I've learned many things about myself throughout these two years. And I find myself cursing my past mistakes and decisions.

Right now, I am a 24 years old male with nothing but an O level to my name. I am considering a few academic routes to take (less than 4 years and local.) Please advise.

1. ACCOUNTING PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Go for my acca qualifications while working to fulfill the 3 years relevant experience.

2. ACCOUNTING PRIVATE DEGREE:

-Management foundation studies FULL TIME(for o level holders)

-Diploma in Accounting FULL TIME

-SIM UOL Degree in Accounting and Finance FULL TIME

ACCA

3. BIZ ADMIN PRIVATE DEGREE:

-Management foundation studies FULL TIME(for o level holders)

-SIM UB Degree in Accounting and Finance FULL TIME.

What do you think?

Honestly speaking, to get a job in the first place will be difficult as you need relevant accounting experiences. But it is good to pursue ACCA or any related accounting qualifications cos afterall Uni grads getting the workforce still required to go through the same phase.
I am not sure about your 3rd choice. But i think your 2nd choice seems more practical to me. As you focus on your full time studies and at the same time during your uni breaks to take up internship programmes to help you build up your portfolio & gain experiences.
Aside from these choices, you can look up in some firms that may provide opportunities and career programmes while you are studying.

 

[cherryblossoms]

no prob la just go back poly. i got a classmate did 2year jc then go ns then go poly. then go local U afterwards.

if not u just go sim dip (1.5yrs) then go simge (uol, rmit, ub) for the deg of your choice.

 

[AngelBurst]

As you correctly pointed out, there are many routes and qualifications in the accounting industry. Each with their owns pros and cons.

If you're absolutely sure you want to join this industry, I'm going to recommend you the fastest and most efficient pathway forward based on your circumstances.

(Note this recommendation is tailored for TS, who is already 24 years old, have dropped out of poly once, and have gotten past his previous mistakes. This post is not intended for other applicants in more common circumstances seeking a career in accounting.)


1. Enrol for the ICAEW Certificate in Finance, Accounting and Business (ICAEW CFAB)

> There are no entry requirement, you can apply even without an O levels!
> 6 modules, which you may have touched on back in poly.
> 12 months or less
> Computer based exams, modules can be taken in any order, any time of the year.
> Is a stepping stone to the ICAEW's ACA (See Step 2)

2. Move on to the full ICAEW's ACA qualification (9 more modules), seek employment at a ICAEW authorised training employer (ATE)
> If you were already working at an ATE while doing your CFAB, the working experience can be considered.
> 3 years of working experience + 9 modules to become an ICAEW Chartered Accountant.
> Testimonials from peers taking - it's easier than SQP.

3. Apply to ISCA to become a Become a Chartered Accountant (SG) after becoming ICAEW member.

 

[AngelBurst]

no prob la just go back poly. i got a classmate did 2year jc then go ns then go poly. then go local U afterwards.

if not u just go sim dip (1.5yrs) then go simge (uol, rmit, ub) for the deg of your choice.

3 years poly + 3/4 years university + 3 years professional qualification...

This is okay and common, but given that TS is already 24 years old, seems a bit long. Not to mention there is no guarantee his polytechnic grades can qualify him for a local university.

 

[AngelBurst]

Honestly speaking, to get a job in the first place will be difficult as you need relevant accounting experiences. But it is good to pursue ACCA or any related accounting qualifications cos afterall Uni grads getting the workforce still required to go through the same phase.
I am not sure about your 3rd choice. But i think your 2nd choice seems more practical to me. As you focus on your full time studies and at the same time during your uni breaks to take up internship programmes to help you build up your portfolio & gain experiences.
Aside from these choices, you can look up in some firms that may provide opportunities and career programmes while you are studying.

As a polytechnic drop-out, he wouldn't be able to start ACCA straight away. Would have to take the Foundations in Accountancy first.

This path would have a similar duration as ICAEW, which is why I recommend that over ACCA due to the RMA with ISCA.

If TS isn't completely sure he wants to join the accounting industry, I would instead recommend getting a degree which is far more versatile.

 

[AnimalPlanet]

Take private A levels and study hard for that 1 or2 years. Are you financially stable to do that?

 

[MoonLight555]

Take private A levels and study hard for that 1 or2 years. Are you financially stable to do that?

A levels is really really nt a gd idea.it requires a lot of self discipline and a good tutor to teach him from scratch.Not to mention cost of it.The shortest route to success may seem tempting.However,The risk-to-benefit ratio is too high.Do consider wisely.

 

[SupremacyAI]

Embarking a journey to be a fully qualified CA will not be an easy route for ur case. You will probably face lot of setback while studying n working at the same time. However, I wish u all the best. Stay focus, and believe in urself will make it one day.

ICAEW CFAB doesnt require formal cert to start with so it is more reachable for u. U cant take ACCA without a recognised diploma/A level.

 

[Bernana]

You are not alone... I'm more jialat than you..
I only took my diploma at age 36 (5yrs back) =D
And yes, my highest qualification is only dip..as no mood to take degree..

I will suggest to take up skill course instead, and work at the same time to gain experience. Take something you are interested in.

 

[MoonLight555]

You are not alone... I'm more jialat than you..
I only took my diploma at age 36 (5yrs back) =D
And yes, my highest qualification is only dip..as no mood to take degree..

I will suggest to take up skill course instead, and work at the same time to gain experience. Take something you are interested in.

Respect to u bro.

 

[WayfaringStranger]

Thank you so much for replying. I didn't expect so much help. I really really cannot thank everyone enough. I have been searching for answers on forums for many months now. Thank you all so so much.

Time is a big factor because I am in a relationship. I am with her for 2 years now and we have plans for the future. I don't want to keep her waiting for too long because I feel that it is unfair for her.

For now. I think for now, my decision is to go for SIM-UOL Accounting/Finance. While I am working, I will go for my ICAEW-CFAB with exemptions and complete my ACA.

After completing ACA, I will be heading for CA Singapore qualifications.

Does this sound reasonable?
Please advise! Thank you so much!

 

[juventusfc27]

im unsure what the difference is between accounting n auditing, BUT if u do intend to work in big 4 accounting firms (deloitte, ernst&young, KPMG, pricewaterhousecoopers), pls be aware that during their peak season, u will be expected to work until late or shld i say close to and / or after midnight...so think carefully if u wanna enter big 4. this one not i say wan, a lot of edmwers say working in big 4, at least 2-3 out of 12 months involves working close to or past midnight.

u need to make a decision abt your gf, which i feel is better to breakup since your studies is gonna take a long time and in my opinion u are wasting your gf's youth.

i have only seen 1 out of 10 cases in my life, in which the couple were together for 5 or more years and ended up in marriage. the other 9 were breakup cases...

 

[patryn33]

Hi, my name is Daniel and I am 24 this year.

Time is a big factor because I am in a relationship. I am with her for 2 years now and we have plans for the future. I don't want to keep her waiting for too long because I feel that it is unfair for her.

For now. I think for now, my decision is to go for SIM-UOL Accounting/Finance. While I am working, I will go for my ICAEW-CFAB with exemptions and complete my ACA.

After completing ACA, I will be heading for CA Singapore qualifications.

Does this sound reasonable?
Please advise! Thank you so much!

24yrs old, what is your plans for the future? how long is too long?
what are U waiting for? no degree cannot get married? or no degree means no $$, no $$ cannot get married? what is marriage expectation? landed or HDB?

work hard for whatever path u choose. reasonable depends on your determination and perseverance. if have none of these and still wants easy reasonable goal.. perhaps others have solutions for u

 

[yodatan]

im unsure what the difference is between accounting n auditing, BUT if u do intend to work in big 4 accounting firms (deloitte, ernst&young, KPMG, pricewaterhousecoopers), pls be aware that during their peak season, u will be expected to work until late or shld i say close to and / or after midnight...so think carefully if u wanna enter big 4. this one not i say wan, a lot of edmwers say working in big 4, at least 2-3 out of 12 months involves working close to or past midnight.

u need to make a decision abt your gf, which i feel is better to breakup since your studies is gonna take a long time and in my opinion u are wasting your gf's youth.

i have only seen 1 out of 10 cases in my life, in which the couple were together for 5 or more years and ended up in marriage. the other 9 were breakup cases...

I don’t think it’s right for us to judge whether he should breakup with her or not, this is personal and between ts and his gf

But TS, if your gf sticks it out with you while you finish your studies, she is definitely a keeper and worth working hard for!!!

General advice is, better late than never, get your qualifications and do some part time work in the meantime

Even if you start later than younger grads, if you eh kan and a bit more mature, can perform, usually can rise quite fast and catch up with the younger grads one