With a house full of exam takers presently across University, A & GCSE levels and knowing, given my line of work, that professional accountancy exams are on the horizon, my memory is drawn to my own youth and with a gratitude knowing that exams are in the past! However, as the cricket season arrives and the countdown to summer begins so does the exam season!So many of the population have to put the sun tan lotion away for now as most of them aged from fifteen to  the mid-twenties, do not seem to share the same glee at the arrival of May. These are the ones who look up excitedly at the glorious sunshine, then sigh dejectedly as they go indoors, laden with books. Or the ones who stare wistfully out of the window, because that sight is a lot more pleasant than the work before them. Yes, that’s right. Exam season is upon us.

Those of you who are shaking your head at the memory you are no doubt grateful that your days of cramming and highlighted flashcards are behind you but yet you must understand the value of exams (although in the midst of a final pre-exam cram, I may have received a different, slightly more tense response) as much of the foundation of the success of your career was determinedby those hours in the exam hall. Is it the right format? I am conscious many different forms of learning and examination now do exist but whatever way you wish to look at it, exam season presents the opportunity for us to prove ourselves, and demonstrate what we know and how we have advanced in our studies. Exams provide the means to assess what we have acquired and review it all, and demonstrate how we can use this knowledge to advance and develop in our fields.

Why is this relevant to you today in the sunshine of your post qualified career (no more exams – hurrah!)?  In business, it is necessary to similarly use the skills acquired to develop and improve in your field, and demonstrate your abilities every day. Though the days of three hours in exam halls with cramping hands are over, we do continue to put ourselves to the test and demonstrate our accomplishments in our career paths through the accumulation of “work place” knowledge and its application to the benefit of your business, colleagues and successful delivery of your role. Success thereby shaping the opportunities and further learning required to develop in your careers.

Here at ABPM, our aim is to help you achieve all that you aspire to in your chosen career paths, and we are on hand to provide you with the means to do so. We won’t make you sit any exams, but we will help you to demonstrate your skills in your career and show how you develop and advance as you pursue your chosen career path.

 

Rej Abraham Managing Director