Why did you choose this programme? The CMA in general, and why the CMA at the VU?
After comparing different options such as the CFA, MBA, CMA, or a second Master’s in Finance and Accounting, I found the CMA programme at the VU to be the most economical and time-efficient. It provides both knowledge and networking opportunities, and the CMA is a certification with a strong reputation in the financial field.
How do you look back on the programme and lectures?
It was certainly a full schedule, combining work during the day with lectures in the evening. Looking back, however, the CMA programme at the VU covers a wide range of topics—corporate finance, accounting, investment instruments, and many more. It offers excellent breadth and versatility, and the curriculum is highly systematic. In addition, our lecturer Brigitte regularly invited guest speakers from practice, which made the lectures much more practical, accessible, and relevant to the professional field.
How do you use the material covered in the programme in your work? What has the programme brought you?
This programme feels like a mini-MBA. It gave me a fast track to acquiring practical knowledge of financial and accounting language. More importantly, it helps me think in terms of how a company actually operates, keeping the bigger picture in mind. That makes it highly useful and directly applicable in my daily work within the global audit department.
As someone with a non-financial background who now works as a data analyst in the audit function, I truly experience the CMA programme as a valuable boost to both my knowledge and career.
Are there aspects of the programme that particularly stayed with you or that you especially valued?
The networking and IMA events were fantastic extras.
