Good day sir

Having gone through this trend from the beginning to this point I must commend your effort and good thoughts toward those seeking for employment opportunities most especially recent graduates like me.

But sir I will like u to clarify few things for me based on my current situation.

I recently graduated from the university( wrote my final exam last two weeks) and will be going for service soon,but the issue is I will be 28 by the end of my NYSC( no thanks to Covid 19 and ASUU that added two additional years to the time I was suppose to graduate) .

I also will be graduating with 2.1 in Accounting not to forget that I possess ND( National diploma) in Accounting(distinction) but prior to me obtaining my BSC I worked with unity bank for 2 years as a DSA( direct sales agent or relationship manager or marketer)with my ND and I have the option to go back as a graduate trainee.My boss insisted that I should come and I am rest assured that I will get in( she is a manager in the bank currently with AM as her grade) all this is due to the good work relationship while working under her as my boss.

With the above, I need your insight on how best I can get into Stanbic ibtc ( as that is my target).
it is clear that I am not qualified for the graduate trainee position due to age factor.

Should I accept the unity bank position after my NYSC then work for few years and jump ship to stanbic as an Experienced hire or I should look out for other positions in stanbic other than the graduate trainee role..

Thank you as u patiently read through this and your insightful opinion there after.

richmondefosa:


This is wrong and false.

I have been able to interact with a lot of people from this thread who did interview and failed. They reapplied for other roles and were successful. An interview is a meeting where they physically assess you and your suitability for the role.

If you weren't successful, it means you were not suitable for hat role. You may be suitable for other roles.

Imagine applying for a role as the chief information security officer. At interview stage, the realise that you're not fit for the job.

Meanwhile you're really good at customer service.

I know others that were successful in an interview but unfortunately, the role has been filled or is limited. They'll keep you in a pool. So when next there's an availability, you're contacted ASAP.

Someone from nairaland was in this scenario for a couple of months. She has gotten an offer now.

Don't give up!

Please sir I need help on how to prepare and pass the assessment test( odysse)..any material as to past questions and insight on how to pass the assessment test will be appreciated

richmondefosa:


Interview is not the last stage o.

Nothing is concrete until you get your offer letter.

Please sir I need help on how to prepare and pass the odysse assessment test..any material as to past questions and insight on how to pass the assessment test will be appreciated

maik99:
To whom it may concern…
Stanbic Graduate Trainee Programme is currently open
Good luck to everyone who’ll apply.

@skyview01 your story is quite inspiring.

I am also an accounting student but presently in my finals while still maintaining a decent CGPA of 4.something and above .

As you have said, the accounting profession is not a money spinner and as such want to ply your path of using my degree to japa.

please i would appreciate if you can enlighten me on how to go about it. Preferably, using master degree route. lastly, would u advice i start my ICAN after my degree program in that it might give me certain advantages for a masters abroad.


Thank u .

Skyview01:

Nope. Accounting as a field is in high demand for migrating out of the country but not a paying profession.

No real money in accounting with limited upward mobility.

I went into banking in Canada before founding my own company.

I needed lots of money and accounting would not give that to me unfortunately.

I was a science student from high school headed for engineering before i switched to accounting which i never loved.

Good day sir. Thank you u so much for your advice and workout plan for me..May God increase your wisdom..

Sir,as per your write up,I will appreciate it if you can help me with the pdf files of Shl and GMAT test question and answers so I can start practicing them. Here is my gmail for the pdf files. covenantajolore@gmail.com.

As person the situational judgement question what ways can u suggest for me to go about practicing this types of questions.

Jesusmylord:
You did the right course especially when you put the Nigerian labour market into consideration. It's easier to get a job if you are an accounting graduate and it’s going to be a plus for you if you have ICAN before you finished your NYSC.

To answer your question, Do I stand a chance of securing a graduate trainee position in a top multinational organization requesting for 2.1 and above within the age bracket of 26 and below post-NYSC, Given that after my service I will be 27?

Multinational organization, 27 years after NYSC, and 2:1.
Yes, PWC will be your best bet.

The following are my guides for you:
1. Endeavour that your PPA during the NYSC is a place where you have time for yourself. The best places could be Ministries and Secretariats (LGA, State, or Federal).
2. Draw a realistic timetable for your ICAN exam and aptitude Test. Maybe 3 days for ICAN and 2 days for aptitude test preparation/practice in a week. PWC uses SHL format, I can send you pdf files if you don’t mind. Also, you need to practice situational judgment questions.
3. Work on your presentation skills and develop your skills on how to work in a team. You will need these skills during an assessment centre after you scale through the stage of the aptitude test.
4. Start what I said above early into your service year. The quality of your life you will get after NYSC is directly proportional to the time you invested preparing during the NYSC.
5. NYSC is not time to play away your time but it's an avenue to strategies how your future will be. Please mingle well with people, and socialize, but don't let anything take away your 5 days of studying for your ICAN and aptitude test from you.
6. Save some portion of your NYSC allowance, I believe by the 9th month you should be able to pay for the ICAN exam yourself.
7. Don't underestimate anyone during the service year. Lest of people you don't expect might be the ones to give you the link to climb the ladder to the top.
8. Be prayerful. Nothing is certain in this life. Apart from your sound academic performance, and the skills your developed, you need a bit of grace (luck) to achieve your goals and dreams.
9. Finally, “So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy (Romans 9:16).” Again, pray for grace and mercy. You need them in your journey in life.

I wish you the best in the remaining time of your undergraduate studies, service year, and journey in life.

Thank you sir for your assertion u have restored my hope with your word..

I am an ardent reader on your post Here on Nairaland I am a fan..most especially on the travel section

ednut1:
Pwc for about 3 years now no longer use age for graduate trainee. Ecobank is 27 and below. Every one cannot start at top companies. Many started from smaller companies and have worked their way up.

Thank bro. But the issue of leaving Nigeria is the finance which I don’t have access to.

One other alternative would be a scholarship but I don’t have much information on how to go about it especially the free scholarship.

While some required I am done with my first degree before applying and other processes.

thegooddieyoung:


Broh congratulations on your 4.20 CGPA but just know that 2:1 and first class do not really guarantee a better life out there.
I might appear a little blunt but please by all means if you can, try write General GRE and leave this country.
The competition is really tough and the system is skewed against your age already.

My candid advice to you would be to think more about leaving Nigeria now that you are still young.

Where there is a will, there will be a way broh

Thank you sir

nuele:
Don't be discouraged o. Though my area is engineering. I miraculously got trainee position @32. I didn't manipulate age though I applied 2 years ago.. Still yet I was far above 26.

My advice is this. You are not God. You can't say your future is this or that. Just keep moving maximally. You on track.. Good grades... Apply a lot during your NYSC, don't wait until you get discharge cert. And immediately you av that, intensify the job hunting process.

Find money too, cos you wud av to travel for tests. Wish you the best. Remember this.... Don't give up.

Accounting

Flangelo12:
Course?

Good evening Nairalanders

I write to seek your view on My current situation.

I am a final year student in one of the best Federal university in Nigeria(Name withheld) and certainly, will be graduating with a second class upper within the 4 point range CGPA.( I was on a first class cgpa But my cgpa was slashed no thanks to my department I was a victim as well as others)

My worry is, I will be 26 years when i eventually write my final paper as a student then come service(NYSC) by then 27 max after service.No thanks to COVID- 19 pandemic and ASUU which engulfed my chances of graduating below the 26 age bracket.

In light of the above, Do I stand a chance of securing a graduate trainee position in top multinational organization requesting for 2.1 and above within the age bracket of 26 and below post NYSC,Given that after my service I will be 27.

Ps:I am an accounting student and I intend to start my ICAN exam during service.

My current CGPA is 4.20 ,resuming for my final year come July this year.

Good evening Nairalanders

I write to seek your view on My current situation.

I am a final year student in one of the best Federal university in Nigeria(Name withheld) and certainly, will be graduating with a second class upper within the 4 point range CGPA.( I was on a first class cgpa But my cgpa was slashed no thanks to my department I was a victim as well as others)

My worry is, I will be 26 years when i eventually write my final paper as a student then come service(NYSC) by then 27 max after service.No thanks to COVID- 19 pandemic and ASUU which engulfed my chances of graduating below the 26 age bracket.

In light of the above, Do I stand a chance of securing a graduate trainee position in top multinational organization requesting for 2.1 and above within the age bracket of 26 and below post NYSC,Given that after my service I will be 27.

Ps:I am an accounting student and I intend to start my ICAN exam during service.

My current CGPA is 4.20 ,resuming for my final year come July this year.

How sir? Can u please expatiate.it might help myself and others to make better decision before committing our time and energy on a futile endeavor.

Jimmy231:
The fire go touch every where he don touch ICAN they have been compromised

Good morning Nairalanders.

Yesterday, myself and the husband to my cousin sister (both and their kid just relocated to the United state on the 25th of December last year) had a chat via WhatsApp therein a conversation came in where he asked if I have started ICAN (I am an accounting student currently in level 300 second semester with a cgpa of 4.45 in one the top federal university in Nigeria) of which I replied “No”

Thereafter, he advice I should start now that he will personally take up all the expenses till I qualified after I must have make enquiry and give a report to him on the process and cost of registration.But the issue is this,

* I plan on starting during NYSC as I am almost done with my degree and moreover,I don’t see myself qualifying before I graduate so I see no reason to want to start this journey.

* The extra work load this would have on me combining a degree program with it, is something I am not ready to handle at this point.

* lastly, starting now will means commencing from foundation level. Although ,I have a National diploma certificate from kaduna polytechnic with a distinction in accounting as this might allow me to start from ATS 3 given that the polytechnic I graduated from is ICAN accredited...

The above are the reason behind me not wanting to start this ICAN journey which I plan on telling him..

The caveat here is,I do not want him to start seeing me as being unserious or non appreciative of the fact that he is ready to help me and here I am giving him excuses.

I believe this would be a win situation for both parties cos I will be more prepared and focus if I am to write the exam when I want to(during NYSC) saving him money and time Compared to failing as a result of being force to start the exam now Couple with other factors I have pointed out above...

What’s would you suggest I do in this position.

Good morning Nairalanders.

Yesterday, myself and the husband to my cousin sister (both and their kid just relocated to the United state on the 25th of December last year) had a chat via WhatsApp therein a conversation came in where he asked if I have started ICAN (I am an accounting student currently in level 300 second semester with a cgpa of 4.45 in one the top federal university in Nigeria) of which I replied “No”

Thereafter, he advice I should start now that he will personally take up all the expenses till I qualified after I must have make enquiry and give a report to him on the process and cost of registration.But the issue is this,

* I plan on starting during NYSC as I am almost done with my degree and moreover,I don’t see myself qualifying before I graduate so I see no reason to want to start this journey.

* The extra work load this would have on me combining a degree program with it, is something I am not ready to handle at this point.

* lastly, starting now will means commencing from foundation level. Although ,I have a National diploma certificate from kaduna polytechnic with a distinction in accounting as this might allow me to start from ATS 3 given that the polytechnic I graduated from is ICAN accredited...

The above are the reason behind me not wanting to start this ICAN journey which I plan on telling him..

The caveat here is,I do not want him to start seeing me as being unserious or non appreciative of the fact that he is ready to help me and here I am giving him excuses.

I believe this would be a win situation for both parties cos I will be more prepared and focus if I am to write the exam when I want to(during NYSC) saving him money and time Compared to failing as a result of being force to start the exam now Couple with other factors I have pointed out above...

What’s would you suggest I do in this position.

How boss? Speaking for a final year student like me

Highways:
You can leave on a fully funded scholarship and still get paid stipend



Use your brain

Ok.but you didn’t drop your email nor WhatsApp number..
Or should I drop my WhatsApp number?.

JapaProf:

Send a DM.

Good day..
Please how can one start applying in the aforementioned school...

I am currently in level 300 but I am at home due to ASUU strike.. I want to know the process involved so I can start applying for scholarships before graduating... as a way to japa...I would need more enlightenment from u sir...

JapaProf:
Those who will prefer to pass on the the opportunity should get their transcript and reapply elsewhere.

University of Canberra in Australia has scholarship programs for students from Nigeria

Good day Nairalanders,

Please I am soliciting for your help regarding where I can locate any good but recognized ICAN tutorial center in suleja,Niger state...I know they are lots of them in Abuja but considering the transport fair and stress of commuting from kaduna road to Abuja which is inside town would not be easy...

I took a decision yesterday to start my ICAN journey starting from ATS 3(cos I have National diploma from a ICAN accredited institution, which would allow me exemptions) given that ASUU is on strike and the FG are not ready to solve the on-going strike and also I have become really bored at home, so I need something to challenge myself, so I believe ICAN would do that....and moreover time is going and I wanted to get busy with my life...since ASUU and FG are toying with our future as a student in this country...

PS I am an accounting student currently in level 3 in the university having completed my National diploma in accountancy from kaduna federal polytechnic with honors 3 years ago.

This would be my first ICAN tryout, so any suggestions, tips and advice on how to make this ATS journey a success would be appreciated....

Travel to America to do what exactly sir... advice needed...

wacoj:


I am a chartered Accountant. Qualified almost 8 years ago.
But listen to my advice my brother. If you have the money in tact, gather it and travel to America.

It’s best you used the time and energy spent in writing this to do something productive.. it would help u a lot...

From your write up I can see you are passing through a lot and frustrated which of course I am not the cause....if you cant give your verdict without making insulting statements, then I suggest u just read and pass...

geewean:
You see this life, you can never please humans especially NIGERIANS. We are worse than the children of Israel who provoked God multiple times with their excessive and impatient requests.


I won't be shocked that this OP is an outsider in the profession: he hasn't written any of the exams before.

There was a time frame the general results were so bad. People even gave tribal and ethnic dimension to the results that it was created to favour the Yorubas which was wrong. I am a south south person. Many aggrieved students members collaborated and wrote to the national assembly under Chuba okadigbo and David marks regime but no response.



The turning point was when ACCA invaded the Nigerian market aggressively showcasing the benefits of enrolling with them. The pass rate was boooooom. Students saw an alternative the " frustrating ICAN".ICAN responded by re evaluating the curriculum to meet international standards and opened up it's procedures. Redesigned it's study packs. Viola students started doing well. Only those who had abraod ambition consider ICAN.



Juxtapositically, ICAN is a more tougher exam compared to ACCA. ACCA splits it's finance paper into F9 and P4 . ICAN Meger both into a single paper called SFM. Literally, you are doing two papers in one while our counter parts in the UK are doing it in piecemeal.



This are my observations, this few years that we have witnessed massive churn out of chartered accountants. One significant factor has remained relatively constant which is the emergence of ICAN tuition rabbai.


I know how umthe understanding of IFRS was like Greek and Latin. I read it on my own Omo no where. When I came across Teach yourself group accounting and IFRS by Casmir . Infact my head popped open. I didn't attend any physical classes to ace my FR and CR papers without sweat. Mr Nkiri in Calabar helped me pass dreaded PM at skills stage . His uncommon explanation dymstified the papers like mad to me.


This OP is an absolute reflection of the crazy mentality Africans carry due to the impact colonial oppression has had on us. African now see life from the harder perspective. The slavery mentality sold through generations to generations that reached this OP deserves an Oscar or a balloon dor.

See the way foreigners ace their ACCA papers and get certified. You didn't complain. Your brothers and sisters are doing the same now it's generating bitterness in you like kainji dam.
Why do we wish things to be difficulty for ourselves. Third party Working experience with Britons and US shows how they make life easier. But your own is different for bad.


I know Nigerias problem is not an Abuja problem. Until we as a people get our thinking faculty right to celebrate people then blaming the politicial class will be an eternal exercise. Tommorow laidis na you go dey front seat for church or on Friday lead the prayer row in the mosque but in yuur mind you wish things should be Very very sweaty for Nigerians. What a fallacy.

ICAN has not reduced her standards at all.Many of those you see on LinkedIn celebrating their achievements failed over and over to get it.Some even gave up at some point.You don't know their travials,their private tears,how much they spent but you have energy to stay behind your keyboard and type nonsense all because you want a front.

I am even disappointed at your tertiary education sef.What education should have done to you is to make you research minded.I expected a more factual post based on objective findings through empirical means of questionings and interviews.Than spewing rubbish from your dirty mind.


Tommorow if ICAN deliberately starts to complicate matters it's same you that will create hastags on social media #JusticeForIcanStudents.etc.Politicians have studied your type well and know this people don't wish good for themselves so let's milk the common wealth to our benefit and at their expense.

I was even thinking you will expound on vital issues in the process like students not focusing on passing exams alone as work place demand is different from the exams . realignment of focus on integrating tech into the profession.


I really pity the future of black Africa with the current bandwidth of mentality.

Good day fellas!!

Early this morning I log into my LinkedIn account and on my newsfeed I saw series of congratulatory messages and inspiring quotes from peeps on the ICAN results that just got released...

Although, I was happy for them, at least it’s time to enjoy the reward of their handwork and investment paid off...but while on this, my mind was troubled not for bad reasons though, but in that the number of graduating chartered accountant are way high in there numbers and some student still in school are veering to get chartered as well...with this in mind I began to question myself if ICAN as it is today is still worth it or just overrated given the basic law of demand and supply...more chartered accountant plunging into the system with few but highly competitive job around..what does the future hold for this peeps......

Conversely, began to notice that most people who became chartered and those who are one day looking forward to be one are doing for The grams, to feel among, to impress friends and family that they are smart as most saw that only a genius can pass the exam according to them....

The craze to feel counted and ego boosted( not all though) has made the profession too saturated leading most accountant unemployed or underpaid( the ones who saw it as their career life goals)....

With this in mind is the ICAN journey a worthy to embark on( for who who are yet to, myself inclusive) or is it just overrated...

Ps on the level of difficulty attach to the exam how true is it.. for those who has written... I have seen and come across peeps who brag about its difficulty in a bid to make themselves special and downplay the efforts of others who had failed in the exam... this is particularly common among the current crop of ACA...

It there a secret or special kind of strategy and approach one need to know or failed to know that makes the ICAN look as if it’s only surmountable by the genius alone....

I come in peace......

Please sir I am also interested...
Add me up to the group...
I am a student and would loved to be skilled thank you...

Chuksmonika:
nothing much there bro... Am into email copywriting and article writing... But I will advise you to learn email copywriting, it's pretty easy... You can be charging 50$ to write a single email...

I will mention you in our thread, once you read the thread at least twice, NOTHING ON EARTH WILL MAKE YOU NOT TO MASTER EMAIL COPYWRITING... NOT EVEN YOUR VILLAGE PEOPLE...LOL!

Good day sir..if I got your assertion right, are you saying for one to be eligible to work in the UK with ICAN qualification, one must first register with ICAEW. And if yes can one who didn’t register with ICAEW before possessing ICAN qualification work in the UK as well?

FemiZets:


Of course, you can get a job in UK but you must first register with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) signed a Pathway MOU Agreement with The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) on May 10, 2018. Under this Agreement, ICAN members may apply to become members of ICAEW with or without writing further examinations. My advice is for whoever to first register with ICAEW.

So what profession would u advice one to go? And what advice would you give to an undergraduate accounting student who is in his finals but haven’t yet started ICAN exams but has lost desire for the profession...

blank:


It's only lucrative for those working in a Big 4 firm and that's just to give you a boost to get a higher paying job eventually.

If you have plans to relocate, you can use it (ACCA) to get exemptions when converting to whatever country's CA.

Like any other profession, it's not that lucrative and so stressful to acquire.

I'm a chartered accountant but will not advise my kids to go into it not like they would listen. I didn't listen to my dad. It's a bloodsucking profession.

How sir? Any workable strategy to apply when writing ICAN exam would be appreciated.
A lot of my peeps keep telling me the rate difficulty attributed to ICAN exam is overrated. But then I need a workable plan like how to study each subject, how many past questions I should attempt for each subjects etc

Naijabad:
I wouldn't have been where I am today without ICAN.

After qualification, make sure you add some skills relevant to accounting such as excel skill, Sound knowledge of IFRS, Good knowledge of Nigerian tax laws and how to defend tax position, Knowledge of international finance, know how to recover excess bank charges from dubious banks (because 90% of Nigerian Banks are dubious), etc.

If you are good at the above, you will consult for other companies aside your primary place of employment.

What I have earned from side hustle is far more than what I currently earn per month, all thanks to FCA after my name.

As per difficulty, ICAN of today is one of the easiest exams any slowpoke can pass.

How is accounting the most selling profession? Ohh I guess you mean to say the most selling profession with meager pay. That would be better put...

Naijabad:
Accounting, the most selling profession worldwide

Noted. I will do as you said.
But how can I keep in touch after I must have met the grade target..

golor:



Depends on your grade for scholarship.your last four semester results...so work hard to get at least 4 point and above in your remaining semester

Please I would like to know how u went with the scholarships to Canada and the guidance as well as the process involved.
I am currently in level 300 Accounting but my schooling has been on hiatus due to this current ASUU strike. So I want to start preparing myself as soon as the strike is called to start applying for scholarships with my bachelors degree... that has been my main plan aside getting a job in Nigeria....
Your advice and guidance would be appreciated..

Ps I lack the fund to school abroad so fully or part scholarships would suffice for me ..

golor:




Yes of course. I am not an undergraduate. I left school since 2017 . I am following this strike cause of my transcript for my scholarship to Canada. What do you want me to call him God !!! I call him sir or boss

What are moral compass?
Here to learn.

9jaRealist:


You don’t need “48 laws of power”, just need a MORAL COMPASS!
>

Good day Nairalanders,

My current CGPA is 4.40,and I am in level 300 currently first semester studying Accounting, which is a 4 year course.

Graduating with a first class has been my goal ever since I got into the university via direct entry( graduated with distinction as the overall best in my set, Kadpoly accounting).

But lately I have lost the motivation to put in the work to achieve my goal due to the delay in academic session caused by the incessant strike action, covid 19 and what not,but I still harbor the desire to graduate with a first class but just too lazy and unmotivated a-times to pick up my books and study.

My question is, would a first class still be possible? And if yes Any advice and easy/smart method that I can deploy to achieve this goal would be greatly Appreciated. Also for anyone who has experience this and has successfully scaled through this ordeal, your advice is also welcomed.

Ps I am a kind of person that don’t love reading for reading sake,but I don’t like failure and I work smart in such a way that can get me the result I wanted...( I don’t cheat nor pay to pass cause that’s impossible in my school)I am never an efico. I just want to do well and be counted among the best...

Thank you.

I am currently in level 300 Accounting department... I swear you get luck ooo

The VC Dey dull us and even ASUU strike and FG Dey use is play Ludo

PermSec01:
from your write up i just figured it out..... But yh btry ooo.... 4.40 CGPA.... Wat level are yhu
.

By the way i'm done and dusted 4rm BUK and i think at the right time, to escape both una new VC badluck on the school electricity and ASUU as well

My sincere appreciation goes to everyone that has contributed thus far, and the amount of wisdom I got here is breathtaking. I will pick and implement the ones that suit my current disposition.
I am a bit relieve now given your advice.God bless all Nairalanders, you all are the real MVP.