My Path to CPA: Discovering Self-Care and Balance in Pursuit of the CPA
While working towards her CPA designation, Shruti Agnihotri, CPA faced a number of pandemic-related challenges, including stress, the impact on mental well-being and family struggles.
After a few unsuccessful exam attempts, she leaned on her family, focused on self-care and approached her studies in a way to help manage stress. Shruti passed the Common Final Examination (CFE) on her first attempt and is now a Senior Financial Analyst at Sun Life.
Shruti also credits her determination and lessons learned throughout the CPA program in helping her tackle stage fright. Shruti shares with us her path and challenges to the CPA designation.
What was the most challenging part of getting your CPA designation?
Throughout my journey towards obtaining the CPA designation, I encountered a significant challenge: effectively managing stress. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to prepare for the rigorous exams in a remote learning environment, which took a toll on my mental well-being.
Multiple unsuccessful attempts of the core exams and the realization of having only one remaining opportunity tested my confidence. In addition to this, a family member underwent treatment for an illness. Maintaining a positive mindset became an arduous task because of these two pressures.
However, I drew strength from the unwavering support of loved ones and created a comprehensive plan to address areas of weakness. I ensured a healthy balance of focused study and self-care. By breaking down the material into manageable portions, I maintained motivation and kept stress levels in check.
The support of my family shifted my mindset to think about serving the public interest and being part of something larger than myself. As I remembered these things, I was able to stay focused on my goals and this is something I am very proud of – and passed the CFE on my first attempt!
What are you most proud of either personally or professionally?
Personally, I take immense pride in the journey I've undertaken as a dancer over the past one and a half years. After completing the CPA designation, I rediscovered my childhood passion for dance, specifically Kathak, an intricate Indian classical dance form. It hasn't been easy, but I've embraced the challenges.
Drawing on the resilience I gained from my CPA journey, I faced any fears head-on. The lessons learned from multiple exam attempts gave me the determination to tackle challenges with confidence. It required immense dedication, hours of rehearsal and diligently incorporating feedback. Additionally, I embarked on a journey to overcome stage fright, which was a new experience for me.
Through this journey, I have come to appreciate pursuing passions outside my professional realm. It reinforces the belief that with dedication, resilience and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone, extraordinary achievements are within reach.
What is something you want to learn?
I've always been interested in financial crimes. With a background in accounting, I believe my knowledge of analyzing accounts, financial statements and accounting standards will prove invaluable in this arena. What excites me is the opportunity to play a role in fighting crime, fraud, corruption and terrorism. The field of financial crimes may not be glamorous, but it's crucial for maintaining the integrity of financial institutions and creating a society that is less affected by organized crime. It would be an honor to use my CPA designation while pursuing a career in this field.
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs?
As someone who had a lot of challenges, I understand the importance of setting clear goals and defining aspirations. For me, it was crucial to establish studying strategies that worked for myself, rather than following the approaches of others. Creating a study plan that matched my learning style and incorporating dedicated time for each area helped me stay organized and focused.
One significant lesson I learned was the potential harm of over-studying, which can ultimately have a detrimental effect on exam performance. That's why I wholeheartedly recommend incorporating a balanced lifestyle into your CPA preparation – take breaks, engage in activities that you enjoy and stay physically active to maintain focus during intense study periods. It's important to remember that self-care is an integral part of the process.
Above all, perseverance and maintaining a positive mindset were key to overcoming challenges in my journey. Embracing failures as learning opportunities and staying determined, even in moments of self-doubt, helped me stay on track towards my goal.
Remember, each person's journey to becoming a CPA is unique. Incorporate your own experiences, reflect on what drives you, and embrace the learning process. By infusing your personal touch into your CPA journey, you'll create a path that is not only rewarding but also deeply fulfilling.