GEN NEXT: Passing the CPA Exam Teaches You More Than Accounting

Going through 700 pages of notes, studying for 500 hours, and answering 7,000 multiple-choice questions is what it took for me to pass all four sections of the CPA exam. For 17 weeks, I put myself first, watched hours of lecture videos, read and reread textbooks, and completed several practice exams. Needless to say, one could argue that the pursuit of the CPA credential is inherently a selfish decision.

During that unique and challenging time, those around me, including my girlfriend, family, and close friends, all accommodated my intense schedule and needs as I studied—and I’ll always be grateful for their support. Frankly, it wasn’t necessarily important to me to score highly on the CPA exam. I simply wanted to give myself the best chance possible to pass each test on my first attempt. That way, the amount of time and resources I spent studying, and the sacrifices those close to me made, didn’t go to waste. So, as you can imagine, when I did earn one of the top scores in the state on the CPA exam, I was elated and proud—not just for me, but for those around me who validated their continuous investment into my life and education.

Of course, one of those people who was along with me for most of my CPA journey was my grandpa. In fact, he’s the reason why receiving the top-ranking Gold Medal among the Illinois CPA Society’s Excel Award’s this year will always hold a special place in my heart. Yes, this distinction shows that all of my hard work didn’t go unnoticed, but it was the last thing I got to tell my grandpa about before he unexpectedly passed away. While I couldn’t celebrate the achievement in person with him before his passing, I’m so glad I was able to at least share the award news with him and make him proud.

Therefore, my advice to aspiring CPAs wouldn’t be to strictly practice a certain number of questions, type out pages and pages of notes, or prepare extensively for a specific number of hours. Instead, I advise CPA candidates to set test dates that work with their schedules, create corresponding study plans, stick to the plans they create, and more importantly, if possible, tap into the loving support system of friends and family to carry them through the journey. By doing so, you’ll not only learn the content of the CPA exam, but you’ll also learn some important life lessons along the way, which is just as important.

Throughout my pursuit of the CPA credential, the education I obtained about audit, tax, business, and financial accounting has benefitted me tremendously as I’ve have started my career in public accounting—and it’ll continue to aid me throughout my professional life. More importantly, the pursuit of the CPA credential has taught me so much more than accounting or the educational foundations needed for a successful career—it’s helped me develop a greater appreciation for those close to me who supported me and reinforced the importance of cherishing quality time spent with loved ones.

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• GEN NEXT: Paying It Forward: Inspiring the Next Generation of CPAs: Here are three pieces of advice for the next generation of diverse, thought-provoking CPAs entering the profession.