Let’s face it, finance exams are rarely any fun and, for many, ploughing through weighty tomes and trying to get to grips with impossibly tricky concepts can be stressful - particularly when there’s a lot to lose. It really shouldn’t have to be that hard. In this article, we’re looking at the ways in which structured learning can untangle the complexities and help you to build confidence through sensible organization, clear milestones and proper support.
Structured Learning As A Path To Certification Success
The term “structured learning” is a fancy way of describing a model in which studying takes a more human approach. This means that you follow a clear path of defined goals, with modules chopped up into easy-to- digest chunks. And yes, this has been proven to work. Take the example of a student cramming for the Securities Industry Essentials certification. By adding the
SIE practice exam to their prep, they’re able to take advantage of mock tests which are designed to show them where they’re doing great and where they might just need a little extra help…
Clarity through an organized study plan
The thing about finance is that it covers a multitude of sins - and certifications often involve keeping a number of finance balls in the air at any given time. For most of us, juggling a number of topics all at the same time can be overwhelming and counterproductive as it’s simply not the way that the human brain is designed to work. Instead, structured learning is more like climbing a short flight of steps whereby each step allows you to take on information which, in turn, leads you by the hand onto the next step.
This kind of organic learning is proven to be much more successful for many as it follows a natural progression. Whether you’re looking at market structures or regulatory frameworks, this model is all about an intelligent flow of knowledge which tells a story - rather than tons of random information that feels disconnected and confused. Students using this approach say that their learning feels more purposeful, less complex and more enjoyable.
Set milestones to track progress
Finance certifications are a marathon, not a sprint and it can be easy to lose track of where you are and where you’ve been after
months of preparation. Just like a good story, structured learning feeds the information to you in chapters; accompanied by practice tests.
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Not only does this make your learning seem less daunting but you get to see real progress - and perhaps have a little happy dance when you complete each section, ready to move onto the next. This also allows for pause and reflection and, where necessary, a reset if you find yourself getting off track (a lot easier to do after mile one than after mile 10).
Active practice and self-assessment
With any kind of exam, there’s an amount of reading involved but this is not the best way to retain information. Structured learning helps to prepare you for that all-important exam by delivering timed tests and assignments to get you accustomed to the exam conditions you’ll face on the big day.
Build consistency with study routines
Depending on what kind of student you were, you may remember, as a kid, manically cramming for exams the day before - if so, you’ll probably remember how that went! Finance exams are gruelling and complex and quick bursts of study simply don’t work. The beauty of this learning model is that it encourages you to create healthy study routines which fit into your lifestyle and responsibilities. Not only does this reduce pressure but it can significantly help you to retain more of the important information through purpose rather than pressure.
Leverage peer and mentor support
No man is an island - and the same goes for finance students. Studying can be a lonely pursuit; but it doesn’t have to be. Part of the human condition is all about the ability to
exchange ideas and this goes double for studying. Having access to mentors and peer discussions is a great way of taking the isolation out of your studies and making them a lot more fun. This also makes our work more well-rounded as we can tap into different perspectives and views.
Let’s also mention group study. As well as providing a gang of cheerleaders when you’re studying, sharing challenges and progress also helps to keep you accountable and on-track. Mentors, meanwhile, have been there, done that and are therefore perfectly placed to lead you down the right path - and steer you away from the wrong one.
Adjust the plan when challenges arise
A few years down the road, when you’re enjoying your shiny new role in finance, you’ll come across your fair share of bumps in the road. As with your career, your learning may not always run smoothly. And that’s OK – we all arrive here at some time or other. The great thing about structured learning is that it’s paced, so you can pause, assess and make adjustments if you need to. You’ll also learn to turn your frown upside down by tackling problems head-on … and turning them into positives.
Conclusion
The world is changing - and so is the way that we learn. Rather than memorizing massive chunks of information that we’ll forget two days after the exam is over, this type of intelligent study is built to last. Bite sized modules, test and reflect periods and peer and mentor support mean that you’re setting yourself up for success - one learning step at a time.
