I remember how my eldest brother (C.A from Pakistan, Double masters in Finance &. I.T. CPA from USA) advised me to join a Chartered Accountant firm after part 2, ACCA. Unfortunately my part 1 and part 2 period dragged so much (because of the hard accounting subjects) that he and my friends in practical work advised me to join the firm as soon as possible.
Currently i m at a local C.A firm internationally known as Grant Thornton, in MCS (Management Consultancy services) department. Although i m preparing for my 2.4 and 2.6 papers side by side (mostly on weekends) i must admit that in this short duration of about two months since i ve joined it i ve picked a few handful professional things...more related to the attitude towards a specific task, just because of "being in a professional environment!"
For instance, in writing a business letter to a client, what specific things to be addressed and how to be conveyed ina professional manner. Similarly, how to prepare a draft business plan to get started with and creative ways to market a business product, or render a report convincig enough for any financial institute to provide financial lease or loan to the business finance seeker. There s alot more to it yet!
The tips lie in the environment one becomes part of. Learning oppertunities are always around if one s mind is open to it. like they say:
"Learning is...an open mind to one and all, to learn life s lessons great and small!"
My advice is, make your way rather than wait for any oppertunity to knock! Oppertunities come your way anyway, but to make the most of it, prepare yourself to take advantage of them. Thoretical information is just like a paper degree without practical exposure. (This goes for whatever qualification you go for).
Without practice, keeping in touch with those qualifications is difficult, and theoretical value is nothing much. To prove oneself worthy of the task, it s best to develop the skill to be adept at not only verbally, but practically as well! So know your business well!