“When I interviewed for my current role, my manager said I demonstrated much stronger knowledge than the other candidates — especially with VAT. I think studying made a big difference.”

Progress Through the Levels — With Real-Life Flexibility

Magdalena’s employer supported her development, funding the remainder of Level 3 and her entire AAT Level 4 qualification. But balancing full-time work and study wasn’t always easy.

“I put Level 3 on pause for a while because I needed to learn the job. It took longer, but that’s the benefit of distance learning — you can slow down or speed up when you need to.”

By the time she reached Level 4, Magdalena found renewed motivation from an unexpected source — her son.

“My son was studying for his GCSEs. Every evening after dinner, we’d go to separate rooms and study. If he could be disciplined and consistent, I thought, then so could I.”

She completed most of Level 4 in just eight months, taking modules back-to-back and building strong study momentum.

Support That Made the Difference

Magdalena credits her tutor, Will, with helping her push through challenges — especially when English terminology made some topics harder to grasp.

“I could always count on my tutor, mailing him various questions and his responses were quick, clear, and really helpful. A few of his explanations the night before an exam helped me pass the next day.”

She also used Training Link’s online resources alongside AAT’s Green Light tests to reinforce her learning.

Looking Ahead

Now working for the local government, where qualifications are increasingly valuable, Magdalena is planning her next step: ACCA, after taking a short break.

“I want to keep progressing. Some ACCA exams will already be exempt thanks to AAT, so it feels like the right move.”

Magdalena’s Advice for New Students

“Be consistent. If you’re stuck, don’t panic — put the book away and come back tomorrow. And don’t leave big gaps between modules, because it’s harder to start again. I only wish I’d done this sooner.”