Widened involvement
| by a finance matters writer 28 Mar 2006 Diploma in Financial Management Relevant to All papers |
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Wanting to contribute more to other projects, Peter Ede has found his opportunities widened with the study of DipFM
For over 20 years I have worked as a hydrology specialist for Mott MacDonald, one of the UK's largest engineering consultants. During my time with Mott MacDonald I have gained experience in both the UK and about 15 countries worldwide, primarily on water resources, irrigation, and flood control projects. International experience has tended to be more challenging and to involve greater responsibility, not least because of the sizes of rivers I have had direct involvement with - including the Nile, Mekong and Indus.
I decided to study for the Diploma in Financial Management as a result of an annual personal development review. I wanted to be able to contribute to the company and to projects in areas other than my core specialisation, and to be able to take on more project management roles. I also thought that it might be a useful way of broadening my CV. My employer has supported me by paying for the course fees, and by giving me time off for the exams.
Studying for the Diploma in Financial Management has given me greater understanding of financial matters that are becoming increasingly important in projects undertaken by my company. The DipFM has also provided me with wider experience of spreadsheet calculations/analysis, which has benefits for other work. My study has also been helpful in understanding news reports of some of the corporate scandals of recent years.
The course was challenging. Quite a few of the mathematical aspects were difficult to get right, at least until I learnt that some lateral thinking was often required to determine how various factors impinged on the question, and what points from other parts of the course needed to be taken into account. I found the development of corporate governance rather less interesting and challenging than the mathematical issues, probably because my engineering and mathematical mind prefers to do sums.
The projects were particularly interesting. One of the projects was based on a real company that happened to be in the news at the time, and it was good to be able to incorporate some up-to-date press comments.
The exams were well managed, with good facilities and helpful staff. This made the experience of taking exams for the first time in over 20 years slightly less daunting.
I would recommend the Diploma in Financial Management course to others.Although the DipFM can be done purely by individual study, it is difficult, especially when you have time commitments in the evenings and at weekends. If possible, try to get a friend or colleague to do the course as well. This would give you encouragement, some competition, and opportunities to discuss difficult questions, for example.
Now I have passed the Diploma in Financial Management, my future opportunities have widened - I have had significantly more involvement in project management and the directors of the company are on the lookout for ways that I could be of use on various projects.