Achieving the CGMA® designation can be career-defining for aspiring finance professionals. Many professionals seek ways to enhance their skills while balancing demanding careers. Sihaam Dahir, a current Finance Apprentice at National Grid, shared that it is possible and rewarding to pursue the CGMA designation while working full-time. Opting for an apprenticeship rather than university, Dahir embarked on a path filled with practical experiences directly applicable to her studies toward the CGMA designation. Dahir accepted the offer of an Apprenticeship at National Grid, a leading energy company in the United Kingdom and United States that is investing £60 billion in infrastructure over the next five years to upgrade its networks for the future. National Grid’s New Talent Schemes — apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and industrial placements — offer opportunities to apply academic studies to the job in real-time. The benefit of apprenticeships is support from your employer and the ability to study while working. Theories come to life at work. ‘I believe doing an apprenticeship has allowed me to get exposure earlier to the real world of finance. I have been able to use the theoretical knowledge learned from my [CGMA] designation and apply it to real-world scenarios, giving me practical hands-on experience’, she said.
Starting the journey
Dahir's finance journey began in the sixth form, where she discovered a passion for the subject. After a summer work placement at an accounting firm, she learned about apprenticeships through National Grid as an alternative to university. The idea of gaining practical experience alongside the CGMA designation appealed to her, and she applied for National Grid’s Finance Apprenticeship. ‘I decided to go with the National Grid Finance Apprenticeship as I believed it was the most suitable one that would help me achieve my goals as well as our values being aligned such as diversity, equity, and inclusion and net zero’, she said. Dahir’s first role in the Fixed Asset (CAPEX) team offered hands-on exposure, from asset transactions to financial reconciliations, providing the solid foundation she needed to build her finance career.
Level 4 apprenticeship and pursuing the CGMA designation
Currently working and studying for the Certificate in Business Accounting, Dahir dedicates 20% of her work week to studying. Dahir’s journey doesn’t stop at the Level 4 apprenticeship programme. She plans to continue onto the Level 7 Accountancy / Taxation Professional Apprenticeship, which allows apprentices to study for the CGMA designation. The CGMA designation will open even more doors for her, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to succeed in leadership roles within finance.
Transitioning from school to a professional environment
At National Grid, Dahir was assigned a buddy and a business coordinator, and she was supported by Kaplan, the training provider for her studies. ‘National Grid has a fantastic culture of support, which helped me quickly adapt’, she said. Dahir also highlighted the benefits of being part of a cohort of apprentices with whom she shares experiences and support. These networks have been invaluable in helping her settle into the workplace and thrive in her role.
The value of hands-on experience
Dahir’s long-term goal is to become a qualified management accountant, and her apprenticeship has aligned perfectly with this ambition. ‘The hands-on finance experience I’ve gained, along with my Certificate in Business Accounting, has given me the confidence to continue developing and achieving my goals’, she says. The apprenticeship scheme at National Grid is designed to help apprentices build a strong foundation for their future careers, and Dahir is excited about her future in finance. With support from an employer like National Grid and the flexibility of tailoring the exam schedule, achieving the CGMA designation while working full-time is more than possible and can be the next step towards a successful career in finance. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to enhance your skills, there’s a route to suit your ambitions. Explore studying with CIMA. Learn more about National Grid’s Finance Apprenticeship Scheme, and determine which apprenticeship is right for you.
