In this interview, Charlotte, our first Apprentice of the Quarter 2025, opens up about her journey so far, the challenges she’s faced, and the strategies that have helped her succeed in her CIMA apprenticeship. She also shares practical study tips and advice for fellow apprentices who are on their own path of development.
Congratulations on being chosen for First Intuition’s Apprentice of the Quarter Award for March 2025. What do you think was the biggest factor that led to your apprenticeship success this quarter?
Thank you! I think prioritising study where I’ve needed to outside of my study day each week has been important for making sure I pass my exams and progress through the apprenticeship. I’ve tried to maintain a positive attitude and ensure I feel confident and ready before booking my exams.
Was there anything that triggered your decision to choose a career in accountancy?
I studied History at university but ended up working as an analyst and discovering an interest in finance and analysis, before moving into the public sector. I’ve worked in different areas of government finance for almost 4 years now, and I wanted to make sure that I have the skills and capability to progress in my career. Finally undertaking a qualification felt like the next big step for me, and I look forward to seeing where it takes me.
What was your preferred approach to studying CIMA?
I prefer to study independently and figure things out for myself through practice questions, which First Intuition offers plenty of.
How has your company and colleagues supported you throughout your apprenticeship so far? How has this contributed to your success with CIMA?
My organisation and colleagues have been very supportive, many of my colleagues have been through a similar programme for their own qualifications, and I know they would help me if I needed any extra support.
Colleagues being understanding and respectful of my allocated study time made a massive difference to being able to pass my exams! Having a dedicated period of several hours to study each week makes a huge difference.
You’ve overcome several challenges throughout your CIMA apprenticeship, showing your strength and resilience. Do you have any study tips for other students and apprentices?
Be strict and efficient with your time and recognise that you’ll need to dedicate plenty of time outside of work/study hours, particularly in the weeks leading up to an exam. Practice questions are the most efficient way to fully understand a topic.
Which qualities would you suggest a new learner looks for in a tuition provider to get the best experience from their studies?
Flexibility and ability to adapt to your style of learning and quality of resources and materials available through the tuition provider, particularly practice exam questions.
How do you feel the CIMA apprenticeship route has benefitted you, and what has it added to your study experience and professional development?
The most significant benefit has been having a formal allocation of time in which to study during my contracted hours – it would have been extremely challenging balancing study alongside work without this.
Do you have any goals/plans in mind for when you finish your CIMA apprenticeship?
I’ll be starting my L7 apprenticeship in the summer, so I’ve still got several years of study ahead of me! I look forward to exploring different roles in Finance in the future and learning more about what I find fulfilling.
Read more of our Apprentice of the Quarter interviews | Find out more about the CIMA qualification