What sort of challenges should I expect as a graduate in finance ?

Hi Isaac, the finance graduate scheme can be challenging in terms of balancing work and the professional qualification...it's no easy feat balancing work, study and personal life! In saying that, you will have study leave and your line manager(s) will be aware of your dual responsibilities

That's great thank you for your answer, would you say there is any benefit to picking one of the professional qualifications over the other ? Could I also do both qualifications (one after another) ? Or is that unusual ?

You have the choice of one qualification, it would practically be impossible to do both! Bot qualifications are spread out across a 3 year period.

Both qualifications are different in their approach but have similar underlying bases in terms of the content covered... wouldn't say one if more preferable in terms of managing the challenge as they are both challenging qualifications. It would be worth exploring both to see which method suits your study style better.
I.e. CIMA permits you to choose when you want to sit your exams whilst ACA is structured and has set exam dates across the year. I wouldn't say this is the only thing you should take into consideration when choosing your qualification though but might play a part.

I.e. CIMA permits you to choose when you want to sit your exams whilst ACA is structured and has set exam dates across the year. I wouldnt say this is the only thing you should take into consideration when choosing your qualification though but might play a part.

Thank you I appreciate the advice

You're welcome!