The following is an actual conversation between a first-year commerce student (21 yrs old) and myself. It demonstrates how full of themselves these froshes are, thinking they know everything.

Student: Have you decided whether you want to go into CMA or CA yet?
[CMA = Certified Management Accountant; CA = Chartered Accoutant]

I: Yeah, I'm gonna go for my CA.

Student: Why did you choose CA, but not CMA?

I: Because CA is much more internationally recognized than CMA, which is virtually meaningless in the States. Plus, after getting my CA, I can pretty much go anywhere I want in the finance / business sector.

Student: Er... [snickering] I think you're missing out on the business reality here. There are actually jobs that don't want CAs. That's why I'm gonna go for both CMA and CA.

[Right about now, something snapped in my head. I am missing out on the business reality here?]

I: [chuckling] Oh yeah? Please, do give me some examples of business jobs that specifically reject only CAs. It'd really be nice for me to know.

Student: [paused for 4 seconds, staring at her dish] Well...

I: And do you know how much work experience CMA and CA each requires? CMA will take you two years, then CA another 2.5 years, plus 3 more credits of accounting courses.

Student: [speechless] Oh...

--------------------------------

I can't help but think, "was I really that stupid when I was in first year?"

I probably was.