In February 2013 after approximately 20 years since leaving school I took the plunge and signed up for AAT Level 2. Fast forward to October 2013 and I finally received my final exam result for AAT Level 4 and there it was in black and white – Donna Smith MAAT.
I had worked in a finance office for several years without any formal qualification but the time was right to start doing something for me after bring my son up, who’s now 18 years old. Initially when I signed up I wanted to prove to myself that I was competent in what I was doing but now I want career progression, which is where my next journey is taking me.
Completing the AAT in 8 months wasn’t easy whilst working full time and looking after the family home but with the constant support from my family, friends, employers and Premier Training it was all so worthwhile.
Winning the PQ Magazine Award for Distance Learner of the Year 2014 just topped it all off. Next year this could be you, even a nomination is an achievement in itself.
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- Donna Smith PQ winner!!!
So here are a few tips to help you get through:
- Use your tutor, that’s what they’re paid for, it’s hard not being in a classroom environment but they’re always there for you.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all have our “dark moments” when we think we can’t carry on because we can’t get our heads around something. Even if you think it’s a really silly question please ask, your tutor will not think any less of you. Remember they were all students at some point.
- Don’t study when you’re tired, the chances are nothing will register.
- Study breaks, make sure you take them and you feed your brain.
- Use all resources available including the AAT websites, Green Light Tests and the Practice Assessments. There are also practice questions on the Osborne Books website which I found to be invaluable.
If you want to succeed you will. Nothing is impossible in life but we all have to take different journeys to get to the end result.
Good luck to you all with your studies and hope this helps.
Donna Smith MAAT
