Hello Folks, my name is M.Usman Aqeel , a Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), SAP Financials Associate Certified, and recently enrolled on the MSc in Professional Accountancy program with the University of London. I am currently working in the construction industry as an Asst. Finance Manager with a group of companies in Dubai, UAE.

Before enrolling on the MSc program, I discussed this with my seniors and colleagues, and some of my colleagues were concerned that I would not gain any immediate benefits from studying this programme, but others were encouraging. And I thought what will I lose if I started? I had nothing in my mind, and thank GOD I took this decision and got the opportunity to pursue my masters from one of the world’s top universities. I met with amazing people from different parts of the world on this platform where we share different ideas and work as a team. I also got the opportunity to connect with professionals in my field with different schools of thought.

It was not an easy decision for me to start the MSc keeping in mind my hectic and long working hours. I work with a group of companies and follow my two finance team members, while my reporting levels are to higher management which requires a high level of attention and focus. My working hours are 9am to 6.30pm excluding travelling.

I divide my day with 10 hours at my work place, and 3 hours for studies, alongside 3 hours for social networking, family, daily tasks and 7/8 hours for sleep.

As I live alone here, I need to manage everything myself from laundry to grocery shopping, but I believe that when there is a will, there is a way. Education is something we need to think beyond of cost-benefit analysis. I choose it as my status symbol, what is yours? Or what is your excuse? I am looking forward to completing my MSc in December 2017 and attending my graduation ceremony in March 2018. I am sure it is going to accelerate my career in the right direction.

This is my plan to achieve my goals, do you have a plan? If not, plan it today because: ‘There are risks and costs to action: But they are far less than the long range risks of comfortable inaction’,- John F. Kennedy. It is the start of a new year so make your resolutions, set your goals clearly if you have not done so yet, work for where you want to see yourself in the future and come out of your comfort zone.

There is no elevator to success but only hard work and consistency . Think beyond boundaries of self-interest and make sure the benefits of your actions reach a maximum of people in society. Be the change you want to see in the world.

If you are suffering from something, trust me, you are not alone.

I wish you the best of luck and a successful year ahead, and keep in mind “Life is all about making the right decisions at the right time.”

Warm Regards from Usman Aqeel, Dubai, UAE.

Usman is enrolled in MSc Professional Accountancy programme and studying from Dubai, UAE