Balancing work, study and motivation

We spent some time with Gurveer Singh Sunner who won the second-place ICS prize in the 2025 Integration winners category and asked him for his advice on how to balance the demands of working life along with studying to be a CA while at EY.

How do you balance work and study in a typical week?

Initially, balancing work and study was challenging; however, by developing strong time‑management skills and planning my schedule in advance, I was able to manage both effectively, even during the most demanding periods.

Have you found any routines or habits to make it easier?

Using time‑blocking throughout the week has been particularly effective, as it allows me to stay organised, complete all required tasks, and ensure sufficient time is allocated for revision.

What helped you to stay motivated throughout your training and overcome the tough times?

Regularly speaking with other CAs helped me gain a deeper understanding of the importance of resilience throughout the process. This perspective kept me motivated and enabled me to persevere through challenging periods, including long and intensive study days.

 

 

What have you enjoyed most about the CA journey so far?

The case study module was the most enjoyable, as it brings together all the skills learned throughout the course and allows them to be applied to real‑life, practical scenarios.

What support networks have you relied on throughout your studies and how did they support you?

Both my friends and family have provided significant support throughout my studies, offering encouragement, understanding, and flexibility during particularly demanding periods.

Who or what inspired you to want to train as a CA?

My uncle, who initially trained as a Chartered Accountant, inspired me from a young age through his career journey. Seeing his achievements motivated me to pursue the same path as a first step toward emulating his success.

What’s one small thing that makes a big difference when balancing studying and working?

A supportive work environment makes a significant difference. Being part of a team that understands the demands of balancing work and study creates empathy and flexibility, allowing me to focus more effectively on studying when required.

How do you use your ICAS Advantage study guides in your day-to-day learning?

I used the ICAS Advantage study guides to help contextualise the material, as they provide real‑life examples that make complex concepts easier to understand and apply.

What are you most proud of in your journey so far?

I am most proud of producing a prize‑winning script within my case study module. This achievement affirmed my confidence in analysing businesses and applying technical knowledge in a practical setting.

What were your first few months as a CA student like?

The first few months were initially challenging; however, with the support of friends and family, I was able to stay disciplined and focused, allowing me to adapt quickly and achieve the goals I set for myself.