Once you're done with your intermediate examinations, the next big thing on your list is Articleship. Non-CA students may address this as an Internship, which is okay, but there's a huge difference between the two. Internships generally last for about 2-3 months, before other professionals sit for their final placements. However, we as a CA Student are required to spend 2.5 years of our life (after clearing both or either of the two groups of intermediate) working for a company or a firm. This rigorous practical training ensures that only competent professionals carry the baton forward.
Although it may appear as a hectic phase for any CA student, but everyone undoubtedly looks forward to the articleship period. It not only bridges the gap between the designation of an "intern" to a "CA", but also lays the foundation towards you becoming a successful Chartered Accountant in life. It brings with itself immense learning and growth opportunities!
Here are some points I'd like to share with you all to make your articleship days better!
•RESEARCH WELL BEFORE YOU JOIN
One of the basic things you should know before starting with your articleship is what type of a company or a firm to join. Some students find it a tedious task and hence end up joining their own relative's firms. They may earn a good sum of money and a comfortable working environment there, but might lag behind on the experience front. Therefore, choose a place where you're treated as an intern who has joined to gain experience and not to munch snacks and text!
• STIPEND ISN'T EVERYTHING:
Another thing you should keep in mind is to not run after money. A firm which gives you 2-3k today can help you earn 2-3 lakhs tomorrow, courtesy- the knowledge and skills you learn over there. So, going for experience today will pave way for handsome money for you tomorrow.
•TAX/AUDIT- THIS IS THE TIME TO CHOOSE:
Articleship is the time when you get to work in both the fields. On one side where you're required to file the returns, on the other your boss can ask you to visit client places for audit. So do your office job with utmost sincerity so that it helps you know where your real interest lies and you are able to make an apt choice for yourself in the future.
•GIVES YOU A HANG OF HOW CORPORATES WORK:
Joining a firm for commencing your practical training might be the first time when you step on field to work. Here you'll get a glimpse of how people actually work in an office. It'll help you acquire a disciplined work schedule and learn the skills needed to become a true professional.
•SPEND MAXIMUM TIME WITH YOUR MENTOR:
Build a Guru-disciple relationship. You should always be open to learn new things from your mentor. Ask doubts, put up questions and take all sorts of learnings from his rich experiences that will help you tremendously when you get on ground and start your journey as a CA.
•BALANCE YOUR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE:
Remember that your three years of articleship may be the most important, but they’re not the only three years of your career. Learn when to work and when to relax. During your work, you may be asked to go above your capacity and here you should know where to stop and ease yourself. Ensure you spend some time with yourself, your family and friends and not just stick to books and files!
Articleship is the golden period in a CA student's career (at least mine was). How a trainee undergoes it, would have an impact on the type of CA he/she is destined to become. Therefore, take this not as a burden but an opportunity to learn and have fun.
Good luck!