Why did you choose this programme? The CMA in general, and why the CMA at the VU?
I chose the CMA programme at the VU because I am committed to developing myself into a well-rounded finance professional. Being at the early stages of my career, I see this as a crucial time to build a strong foundation and broaden my perspective. Management accounting particularly appeals to me because it goes beyond the numbers it is about understanding the bigger picture and analysing what financial insights mean for the business as a whole. In my role, I work with a variety of clients who are seeking to improve their finance organisations, and I have found that management accounting plays a key role in driving that improvement.

I specifically chose the VU programme because of its strong academic reputation and the structure of the weekly in person seminars, which helped me stay engaged and motivated. I had also heard very positive experiences from colleagues who had completed the programme, which gave me confidence that it would be a valuable investment in my development.

How do you look back on the training and lectures?
The lectures helped me understand the topics in a far more practical way. The facilitators were enthusiastic and clearly passionate about what they were teaching, which made the sessions engaging and enjoyable. Everything was well prepared, and the sessions added real depth to the literature by connecting theory to real-life examples.

I also greatly valued the in-person format. Hearing perspectives from peers often explaining how they applied the topics in their own roles made the learning experience dynamic and directly relevant.

How do you apply the materials in your work? What has the programme brought you?
The programme refreshed my existing knowledge and added a new layer of depth. I learned new ways of looking at financials and understanding what they mean for an organisation in both the short and long term. For example, I now have a clearer view of costing methodology, how budgets are prepared, and how different parts of an organisation are interconnected and this is only a small part of what I have gained.

Thanks to the CMA programme, I have already been able to apply this knowledge in my work. I better understand how my clients organisations operate, which allows me to provide more tailored and relevant advice. The programme also made me enthusiastic to continue learning and developing, as I truly enjoyed the experience and feel that I have grown substantially in both knowledge and perspective.