Cathy Giordani
I am a Manager at Swain & Associates Chartered Accountants
What was your experience at Saint Mary's like?
It was a great learning experience due to the qualified professors and the case-based learning approach. The course materials contained current and relevant business information that I am able to apply to resolve business issues for my clients today.
What was the most challenging part of the program?
The MBA-CMA program required full-time employment in conjunction with 12 months of studies. That meant I had to balance my work responsibilities with my family responsibilities and allocate the right amount of time to studying. There were times when as a mom, a wife and an employee, I had to remind myself that taking the time for studies would produce positive results and have a major impact on my career path.
How is your career a perfect fit for you?
It's a great fit because I am able to balance a professional and personal life. I am also able to utilize my language skills on a daily basis, something I was rarely able to do with my previous occupations.
You're working at Swain &
Associates Chartered Accountants. What's a day you'll never forget?
One day I received numerous phone calls, attended client meetings and I had clients dropping by the office unexpectedly. Although this is not a typical day at Swain & Associates, it was memorable for me because I had taken the time to converse with each person who reached out to me...and as a result I felt rewarded knowing I had provided clients with the high level of service they expected and deserved.
What would you say to people looking to get into a career similar to yours?
For individuals looking into certification in accounting, consider enrolling in the MBA (CPA stream), which starts in January 2016. With an MBA and the CPA designation, you will gain other areas of study that will add value to your career and the clients you serve.
