From a Dropout Engineer to a CA(SA): My story from ‘almost quitting studies to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant.

• You can fail in life and still end up where you need to be because failures are pivotal moments in your success journey. 
• Hi, I am Khaleel Essa a Chartered Accountant from SAICA (The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants).
• To be honest it was never my intention to pursue Chartered Accountancy. Both my parents are B.Com Graduates (Accountants but not CAs) and neither of them pursued a career in accounting.
• I almost quit studying before deciding to pursue Chartered Accountancy.
• Here is my story from ‘almost quitting studies to qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. If I managed to qualify as a Chartered Accountant, it is possible for anyone.

Humble Beginnings

I come from a somewhat humble background and prior to moving to Dubai, I traveled abroad only once. My parents strived a lot to provide my sister and me with good quality education.

Growing up I was very interested in motorcars, engines, etc, and architecture.

I did the technical drawing in high school instead of standard Biology and was greatly inspired after reading ‘The Fountainhead’ by Ayan Rand, a story about an architect. So after school, I applied for both Architecture and Mechanical Engineering (and not Accounting!).