Our greatest teacher is the past, and former FAE students have much to say about the exams. Bryan Rankin, Head of Student Operations at Chartered Accountants Ireland, outlines their thoughts For FAE students, 15 and 17 August 2023 have been red letter days for some time, culminating in years of dedication and study.  After each main exam sitting, the student representative body CASSI issues a survey to candidates to garner their views on the exam and the education programme.  In 2022, the FAE CASSI Survey indicated that students found the following as the most beneficial resources in exam preparations – they could be equally as helpful for you in 2023. The FAE Exam Guide series Launched in 2021, the FAE Exam Guide series is an online resource carefully curated to help FAE students prepare for their examinations with ‘insider’-style views and tips from examiners.  The articles bring clarity to a range of FAE areas and contain valuable insights into the priorities and concerns of the examination teams.   At the time of writing, the 2023 Guide is expected to be published at the end of July. It is a must-read resource for all FAE exam candidates. You can find past issues online. Integrated case days By this time, FAE students will be aware of the series of integrated case days (ICDs) and have satisfied the requirement to engage with at least five of the seven available.  The considerable value of ICDs is that they help bring the four Core subjects together and integrate the knowledge and skills obtained from earlier studies and the work environment.  Attendance at five of seven live ICDs webinars is deemed mandatory and the bare minimum, but it’s a great idea to undertake all seven.    The feedback from past FAE students is that working through case days is perhaps the best way to prepare for the requirements of FAE Core.  All seven cases are available on the Learning Hub.  FAE Committee Report The FAE Committee Report (FAEC) from 2022 and earlier years can assist current FAE students in their exam preparation.  The reports explain how the papers are authored, marked and adjudicated while providing an overview of how 2022 students performed and examiner comments for each question.  The 2022 report provides key insights to current FAE candidates on what last year’s candidates did to pass the examination and, more importantly, highlights the areas where candidates continue to struggle, reiterating, where appropriate, advice from previous FAECs. FAECs are available in the exams section of the Chartered Accountants Ireland website; a student login is required.  FAE mocks Through the mock examinations, students can test their current knowledge, replicate their exam setting, gain vital first-hand experience and ensure their technology is working all before the FAE main exams start.  Students can avail themselves of a brand-new paper that’s closely aligned with the layout of the actual paper.  Past FAE students have underlined the importance of the mocks in preparing them for the real thing.  The FAE mock examinations for Core and Electives may be sat from 1 July to the evening of 9 July, with solutions, marking schemes and videos of lecturers recording their solutions available on 10 July.  Exam prep webinars The coming weeks will also see some key webinars that are not to be missed.  Following the FAE mocks, a series of post-mock exam webinars will bring clarity and answer questions students might have from the mock papers.   Then come the exam prep webinars in the last week of July, which promise to provide further guidance and some final tips on exam preparation, time management and technique.   All webinar times are detailed in the FAE timetables, available on the Institute’s website.

You’ve finished up your exams and now have some time to relax. However, you want to make sure you don’t lose focus. Suvi Inkinen shares her tips on staying motivated while having a restful summer With the CAP1 and CAP2 exams completed for the summer, some students might feel a slump in their productivity or worry they will get out of their established study-work-life routine. Here are a few ways to stay active while getting a much-needed break. Upskilling The summer is the perfect time to upskill in ways that may be unrelated to work.  For most students, it is a slightly quieter period and thus is great for branching out into different work-related tools. For example, teaching yourself how to use various digital assets. This is a good way to keep the brain active during summer. Prioritise your health Students should learn to prioritise their health to maintain an excellent work-life balance.  Working or studying late some evenings is a must, but students should always ensure that they’re getting enough exercise and rest.  A simple way to ensure a good work-life balance is to take your lunch break and have it blocked off on your calendar every day. If I’m working from home, I love to head out on a walk during lunchtime.  Another fantastic way to ensure there is balance in your busy life as a Chartered Accountancy student is to get actively involved in related societies, such as CASSI (or regional societies for Dublin, Cork, Ulster, Galway, Mid-West, Midlands and Limerick) for students or Young Professionals (YPs) once you qualify.  CASSI & YPs provide academic content through webinars, CPD events, exam top-tips and career evenings throughout the year, along with social activities such as BBQs, quizzes, cruises and weekends away with fellow Chartered Accountants. Prep for the next term? I recommend taking a break from studying over the summer period and starting fresh once the term begins.  The Institute’s exams are much more challenging than any college exam (in my opinion), and your brain deserves a break before starting again in September.  I always find myself motivated to begin studying again after taking time off and relaxing. You’ll have plenty of time to study before the next set of exams! CASSI CASSI is there for students, and you can contact us through any of our socials, which include: Email Address: cassinetwork@gmail.com Instagram: @cai_student_society LinkedIn: Chartered Accountants Students Society Ireland Our CASSI Education Officer prepares an exam survey sent to students via the Institute’s student affairs team after each exam. I recommend that students complete this survey as the results are brought to the Institute for review when assessing the marking scheme. This contributes to how exams are run in the future, ensuring your needs are being met. Suvi Inkinen is a Risk Assurance Associate at PwC Ireland 

How do employers attract and retain Gen Z? Full-blown member David Boyd explains The oldest members of Gen Z are now 26, only a few years out of university, an experience shaped by an abrupt shift to online learning, disrupted exams and prohibited socialising. Then the introduction of remote work put individuals’ priorities into perspective. So what does this mean for Gen Z in the workforce? Great Place to Work identified that Gen Z are the largest generation, 32 percent of the global population. By the year 2030, the number of Gen Z employees is anticipated to triple. While they are educated, skilled, socially conscious and resilient, their full potential is as yet unknown. Having grown up with evolving technology, they are more adaptable to change and accepting of efficiencies at work. Additionally, Gen Z want to work for an organisation that sees them as an individual, not a number. As this generation loves learning and puts diversity and inclusion first, a company’s culture can be their first non-negotiable factor in applying for a job. Forget the generalisation that all of Gen Z are “quiet quitters” because what they really want is transparency, action on diversity, and social and environmental responsibility from an organisation that will support their career development. Generation X and Millennial employers should be mindful of Gen Z’s use of anonymous review websites and social media platforms to assess organisational culture. Therefore, organisations should consider if their digital platforms feature people from diverse backgrounds and show support for LGBTQ+ communities, and their online presence is authentic, showcasing their values. Gen Z are said to be the most selective generation, who will change jobs and employers for better opportunities and value alignment. They pay close attention to the types of interview questions asked, particularly if the interviewer is empathetic towards their happiness in the role and good cultural fit. Some people hold the misconception that what Gen Z want at work is a Google-style lounge area and activities but what they really want is holistic benefits, particularly flexibility. Gen Z have experienced working remotely and so are keen to optimise their time outside work to meet their commitments and achieve ambitions. They are unwilling to compromise their vision to fit into a culture that does not fulfil their expectation to live outside working hours. Of course, flexibility includes more than just flexible working hours; it means internal mobility through acquiring a new skill or role. It is unlikely that Gen Z will settle in one role for the duration of their career without the opportunity for growth and development. A study by LinkedIn found that 40 percent of Gen Z are willing to accept a pay cut for a role that offers better career development. A further 70 percent had experienced a career awakening, initiated by the pandemic. Symptoms included boredom, a craving for more work-life-balance and the desire for a job aligned with their passions. Organisations that strive to attract and retain Gen Z should commit to making a strong initial connection with employees, utilise technology for efficiencies, take action on social and environmental global issues, and provide support for employees’ personal and career development. David Boyd is a Graduate Consultant at Grant Thornton in Northern Ireland

Jean Evans explores how the language women use at work can adversely affect their career prospects and how they can change it The way women use language can sometimes be perceived as undermining their confidence. It’s something women have been conditioned to do and it’s a part of how they communicate. No matter how expert, qualified or senior a woman is in the workplace, the consequences are the same. They are often unaware of the negative impact using self-defeating language can have on their career progression and professional life. Confidence and how women (and men) are perceived is often subliminal and imperceptible. Confident people get promotions, access to projects, support, financing and so much more. So, what happens when a woman is not confident at work? What happens when she undermines herself consistently without even realising it? What happens when her choice of words expresses a lack of self-belief or imposter complex? The result is that she may be turned down for a new job, passed over for a promotion, not given access to projects, or financial support ... the list goes on. Several factors can contribute to this perception: Hedging: Women tend to use more hedging language or qualifiers in their speech, such as “I think”, “maybe” or “sort of” to soften their statements or appear less assertive. This can create an impression of uncertainty or lack of confidence along with a need for validation from others. Apologising: Women often apologise more frequently than men, even when it may not be necessary. Apologising unnecessarily can give the impression that a woman lacks confidence in her opinions or actions. Politeness: Women are often socialised to be more polite and accommodating in their speech. While politeness is generally valued, it can sometimes be perceived as a lack of assertiveness or confidence. Upward inflection: Women sometimes use upward inflection, or ‘uptalk’, at the end of their sentences, making statements sound like questions. This can make them seem as if they are doubting themselves and seeking outward validation. Minimising achievements: Women often downplay their accomplishments or use self-deprecating humour to avoid appearing boastful. While this may be a way to navigate social norms, it can also inadvertently undermine their perceived confidence in their achievements. Minimising the intrusion: This often shows up as “I’m just ...” The word ‘just’ is heavily tied to point 2 in this list – apologising for intruding on someone by email, phone, etc. It’s important to note that these linguistic behaviours are not inherently indicative of a lack of confidence. No matter how expert she may be in her field, any woman may still fall into these linguistics patterns. They can be influenced by societal expectations and unconscious bias. But the fact is that every time this undermining language is used, women lose out. What’s the antidote? Firstly, it’s about women becoming aware of how they speak and write. My advice is that, if you can engage a coach or have a trusted bestie, mention this to them and ask them to highlight any linguistic tendencies that may not be serving you. After a few goes, you will become aware of when you’re doing it and then you can start redefining your speaking habits to back up just how confident and able you actually are. I had a coaching client recently who used the word ‘just’ a lot. I asked her to reread her emails before sending them and to catch herself whenever this word popped up. She texted me back the very next day to say her confidence had shot up exponentially because of this seemingly minor change. She hadn’t even noticed until then how she had been apologising for almost everything! And that was her first step towards a really positive change. Jean Evans is Networking Architect at NetworkMe

We all experience anxiety at times, after all, it is a normal and natural response to stressful and dangerous situations. It is our body’s way of keeping us safe and has been critical to our survival as a species. It can focus our attention, helps us react, and even improve our performance in certain situations. Anxiety is described as uncomfortable feelings of nervousness, worry, uneasiness and tension. A healthy amount of anxiety is perfectly ok and expected but what happens when it builds up and becomes difficult to manage? Signs of Anxiety Anxiety is a common state, it is estimated that one in nine people will experience anxiety in their lifetime. Anxiety affects people in different ways, but it has physical, emotional, and behavioural effects and signs. Signs of anxiety include: Being on edge, restless or irritable, feeling a sense of dread Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Repeatedly checking things or seeking assurance from others Avoiding situations or putting off doing things Change in eating habits – increased or decreased appetite, craving junk food Dizziness or trembling Sweating Racing heart Shortness of breath Physical aches or pain – headaches, stomach problems and nausea, diarrhoea, muscle tension or pain, jaw clenching Sleep problems – disturbed sleep, tiredness, nightmare, teeth-grinding Pins and needles A dry mouth Types of Anxiety There are several kinds of anxiety that can affect individuals and have varying symptoms and triggers. Here are the most common types of anxiety: Generalised Anxiety Disorder is the most common type of anxiety where sufferers feel constantly and excessively anxious about a wide range of situations and issues. Social Anxiety is characterized by an intense feeling of anxiety and self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Severe forms can cause a person to experience symptoms almost anytime they are around other people. Panic Disorder is an anxiety which causes regular panic attacks with no particular triggers. It is bouts of intense fear that are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, racing hear, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is repeated unwelcome thoughts and/or a compulsion to carry out repetitive behaviours that can be difficult to ignore. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety that is triggered by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. PTSD sufferers often relive these traumatic events through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. Tips to help with anxiety The causes and kinds of anxiety are complex. Anxiety requires treatment such as psychotherapy in the form of talking therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and/or exposure and response prevention (ERP) or in the short-term, anti-anxiety medication. However, there are many things you can do to help you learn how to manage feelings of anxiety. Keep a mood diary- Check in with yourself on daily basis and take note of how you are feeling at different times, rating how anxious you are feeling on a scale of 1-10. List what you are feeling anxious about and if there are things you can do to ease those feelings. Make time- If you are feeling particularly anxious, set aside some ‘worry time’ to go through your worries. When that time is up, consciously focus your thoughts on other things. Challenge unhelpful thoughts- Our thought patterns can exacerbate our feelings of anxiety and lead to negative and unhelpful thoughts. Challenge these thoughts and do not accept them as fact. Ask yourself: Is there evidence that confirms your thoughts Is there another way to look at it If you were to think positively about the situation, how would you view it Talk about your feelings - Telling someone about how you are feeling can help make things clearer for you. Relaxation techniques – Breathing and mindfulness exercise help keep you in the present moment and help your mind and body take control of a situation. Lifestyle factors- Eating healthy, regular exercise and getting plenty of sleep can improve your mental and physical wellbeing and burn off anxious energy. If anxiety is affecting you or someone you love, the Thrive Wellbeing Hub is here to offer advice, information and support on anxiety and for those who need it, we can arrange professional counselling. You can contact the Thrive wellbeing team by email at: thrive@charteredaccountants.ie or by phone: (+353) 86 0243294.

Each year in January we have Blue Monday.  Often referred to as the most depressing day of the year, researchers have cited the third Monday of January as a day when we are at our lowest, but it doesn’t have to be this way.  Blue Monday was awarded the gloomy title due to a combination of reasons. Christmas and New Year joy has evaporated, resolutions and motivation begin to crack and wane, finances can be stretched and we find ourselves in the thick of winter.  However, it is important not to allow the concept to become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The day can present an opportunity to check in with yourself, practise some self-care and a chance to look after your physical and mental health. Perhaps it is time to retrain our brain and change our outlook on the month itself- maybe January could be a time for gentleness, reflection and self-compassion rather than abstinence and self-criticism. January is a bleak month but a positive spin on the gloomy dark days of winter is to think of the days getting a little brighter with each one that passes and is another step closer to Spring and Summer. There is something reassuring about the subtle change in nature in anticipation of better weather that can lift our spirits and encourage us to look to the future. Or why not carve out some time for yourself this blue Monday and make plans to brighten up the day.  Enjoy a sunrise morning walk Have a slow, gentle morning or breakfast Spend quality time with family/kids  Explore, and appreciate, your local area and surrounds Get out in nature Plan an adventure or complete a task you have been avoiding Embrace online learning Tackle that big DIY project and much-avoided clear-out Develop a new gardening skills Learn to cook or bake something new Catch up with friends Activity/Health Now is a good time as we start new beginnings to think about your health. Being active and having a healthy heart has never been more important. A regular walk will make a big difference and there is plenty of workouts or classes online, no matter what your fitness level. Carve out time for you!  Self-care Managing our stress and anxiety levels is essential and many people use meditation or yoga. But everyone is different, and some find painting or gardening works. Explore some options and find what works for you.  Appreciation The New Year gives us time to reflect and consider our surroundings, our family, friends, and appreciate all that is good in our lives. It also gives us the opportunity to consider changing things which perhaps were not so good for us.