Triumph Over Trials: Fidel Nyabusha's CTA Story

Alumni Impact

13 Jan 2025

Embarking on the journey to become a Chartered Accountant is no small feat, and for Fidel Nyabusha, it was a path filled with both challenges and triumphs. From his initial struggles to his eventual success, Fidel's story is one of perseverance, dedication, and the transformative power of education. In this article, Fidel shares his inspirational journey through the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) and the Chartered Accountant (CA) qualification, highlighting the pivotal role that Milpark Education played in his success. Join us as we delve into Fidel's experiences, the obstacles he overcame, and the lessons he learned along the way.

Bridging Two Worlds

Engineering Principles in Accounting

When I finally received my PGDA results and discovered that I’d passed, I sat at my desk for a long time, just soaking it all in, relieved that all my hard work had paid off. This was my third attempt at a PGDA CTA, but this time I understood the assignment better than ever before, all thanks to Milpark.

I’m often asked why I transitioned from aircraft maintenance engineering to accounting, and the simple answer is that I had always dreamt of becoming a chartered accountant (CA) from the time I discovered what it was at the age of 15.

The two professions are very similar: the skills are transferable between the two as they are both principle-based, and application is key; for example, in accounting, when you are presented with a complex problem by a client, it is prudent to first break it down to find the problem as you would an engine or aircraft component.

Navigating My PGDA Challenges

My first attempt at a PGDA CTA was in 2019 at a residential university, followed by my second attempt at another distance learning institution. I kept passing Tax and Management Accounting and failing the other two modules. After writing a supplementary exam in 2021 and failing it, I took a gap year. I kept passing Tax and Management Accounting and failing the other two modules. After writing a supplementary exam in 2021 and failing it, I took a gap year.

In 2023, I enrolled at Milpark, and, as expected with a PGDA CTA, the experience was a rollercoaster ride. However, I had a renewed sense of confidence stemming from the way the lectures were structured and how following the advice, tips, and methods to their madness helped me understand the content a whole lot better.

This time around I did more question papers, which helped me see the bigger picture, and why the lecturers emphasised a specific approach to each module. The internal and external support was also immensely helpful. I especially loved how responsive the lecturers and other students were to questions posed on Yammer.

Staying Motivated Through Challenges

I am a big dreamer, and we all need motivation to keep going. Run your race at your own pace, and don’t give up because you are the CEO of your career, and this qualification teaches us more than just debits and credits.

There are many life lessons that you can learn from tackling this beast! I remember, at age 29, beginning my first year at university with plenty of enthusiasm, but I’d never struggled with school as much as I did with a PGDA CTA! However, I never gave up, and neither should you.

Don’t ever stop dreaming! Focus more on the why and not the when, and you will succeed. Remember that excuses are cheap, regret is expensive, but trying is priceless. The day you decided to take this course, the seed was planted so nurture it and see how it grows into a strong and formidable tree.

In Conclusion

Fidel’s journey to achieving a PGDA CTA qualification was filled with challenges, growth and triumph. What made all the difference was choosing a learning institution that believed in his potential as much as he did.

Milpark Education’s structured support, interactive learning methods and accessible lecturers gave Fidel the confidence and clarity needed to succeed. Apply today and start your journey towards a career in chartered accountancy with Milpark.

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