CFE credential – The final push
Since last year, I’ve been working on pursuing my CFE credential and the daunting task of studying for the required exam. As with many goals, this one is taking a lot longer than anticipated, and now I’m left to wonder why, on this beautiful Colorado summer day, I’m stuck inside studying.
It’s been difficult fitting in study sessions between client work, volunteer projects, and some sort of a life. And now it’s down to the wire, a place from which I seem to work well.
So, what have I learned so far?
I’ve learned that I still love learning, and I’m still good at it. After being out of school so long, it took a while to remember how to effective retain information. Taking notes helps – and lots of repetition.
I’ve learned a lot about the U.S. court system and filings. It’s helped me understand the process, what’s missing from court records and why, and much more, saving me lots of time when analyzing my search findings.
Finally, I’ve learned that as I approach some of the more challenging sections in the review course (law and accounting principles) and the exam, I need more focus. It takes too long to get back to it after a break, and putting in an hour here and there definitely doesn’t work.
Yes, it’s time for a change of tactics. I’ve cleared my calendar, caught up on client projects, cleaned out my inboxes, and put my family on alert. For the next month, I’m limiting my activities to incoming client work, one pressing volunteer committee, and the CFE study course. That’s it. No Facebook, Twitter, or blogging. No sleeping in, lunches with friends, or hikes in the Colorado mountains. I can see the finish line, and it’s time to focus.
I’ll keep you posted.
Thank you for reminding us to never give up and keep trying!!!