Business and commerce graduates among preferred employees of companies in MENA region
IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) Middle East is urging university students to acquire professional certifications to jump start their careers.
The premier global association of accountants and financial professionals in business is offering university students the opportunity to become a member of IMA for one year, at a reduced cost of $25. The membership will allow them to qualify for the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) program offered by the IMA and boost their employment prospects once they graduate.
Early this year, a survey released by bayt.com and YouGov says business and commerce graduates are among the preferred new hires of top companies in the MENA region (Middle East Job Index 2012), besides computer science graduates.
"With such a competitive job market in the UAE and elsewhere in the region, we are encouraging students to take the extra step to make them more desirable as far as employment prospects are concerned. A diploma is good, but thousands of others have the same qualification. A certification, especially IMA's CMA certification, will further enhance the students' skills and their qualifications," said Jim Gurowka, CAE, IMA vice president of international development.
As an IMA student member, college and university students can have a more in-depth understanding of the accounting and financial management profession, as well as explore future career options, build their professional network even while they are studying, and enjoy reduced CMA certification entrance and exam fees.
"Students can get a head start by preparing for and sitting for the CMA exam while they are still in school," continued Mr Jim Gurowka.
IMA student members are also entitled to participate in the Internship Connection program, which connects employers with students seeking internships and summer positions. There are also mentoring opportunities with established professional members, organized through IMA local councils and chapters.
In addition, they will have a chance to enhance and showcase their leadership and management skills through IMA's Student Leadership Conference (www.imastudentconference.org). This exclusive IMA event enables students to explore management accounting career options first-hand while networking with experienced professionals.
Throughout their year-long membership, students can engage with other students, professionals, academics, and thought leaders at IMA student chapters at colleges and universities, local IMA chapters throughout the U.S., and the international LinkUp IMA social network
"The professional network they can establish will be an invaluable asset once they begin their job search. For those who really stand out during their year-long membership, IMA members will remember and that might be the deal maker that can seal their employment, here or abroad," added Mr. Gurowka.
To qualify for student membership, individuals must be enrolled in at least six (6) undergraduate or graduate credit hours, or the equivalent, per semester, at a college or university in the UAE. To receive the discounted student membership rate, they must register from 1-31 October 2012 at http://www.imamiddleeast.org/student-promotion.php and use the code STUMEM 2512.
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About IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants)
IMA®, the association of accountants and financial professionals in business, is one of the largest and most respected associations focused exclusively on advancing the management accounting profession. Globally, IMA supports the profession through research, the CMA® (Certified Management Accountant) program, continuing education, networking, and advocacy of the highest ethical business practices. IMA has a global network of more than 60,000 members in 120 countries and 200 local chapter communities. IMA provides localized services through its offices in Montvale, N.J., USA; Zurich, Switzerland; Dubai, UAE; and Beijing, China.
For more information about IMA, please visit www.imamiddleeast.org..
For more information on the press activities, contact:
Shenoy
ekadaa PR
Dubai, UAE
Tel: +9714-3912100
Fax: +9714-390 4740
Email: shenoy@ekadaa.com
© Press Release 2012
