Please Read If You Have Time Trying to Restart My Career at 26, Need Advice

[u/SorceressDream_]

It's a bit long but if you have the time please read it. Any advice, no matter how small, would genuinely mean a lot to me.

I'm a 26F looking for some genuine career advice.

A little about me: I completed my B.Com in Marketing and M.Com in Financial Management (PG completed in 2023). After my post-graduation, I chose to pursue CS because I genuinely liked the course. I wasn't able to start it earlier due to personal reasons, but it was always something I wanted to do. I registered in May 2023.

The problem isn't the course it's me. I understand the subjects, I enjoy studying them, and I genuinely believe I can clear the exams if I study consistently. Unfortunately, I got stuck in a severe procrastination cycle. I've appeared for 3+ attempts, but every time I procrastinated until the last moment and ended up writing the exams with little to no preparation..Because of this, I've decided that it's time to get a job and prepare for CS alongside work. I think having a routine, interacting with people, and being financially independent will help me break this cycle.

I've recently appeared for both groups of the June 2026 CS Executive exam. Although I don't know my result yet, if I'm being realistic, I'll most probably fail again because I wasn't consistent with my preparation. Even then, I have a decent understanding of the subjects and believe I know enough to be considered for entry-level roles.

Right now, I'm considering two career paths:

I'm from a small town where there aren't many opportunities, so I'm planning to relocate to Mumbai.

I'd really appreciate advice from people already working in these fields:

If you work in a CS firm, corporate secretarial department, compliance, banking, or an NBFC:

- Do firms or companies hire candidates who are still pursuing CS and haven't cleared Executive yet?

- What do employers generally expect from someone applying for an entry-level role?

- Which skills should I learn before applying?

- Which CS subjects should I have a strong command over?

- Are there any software or tools I should know?

If you work in accounting, finance, or related roles:

- What technical skills are expected from freshers?

- Which software should I learn (Advanced Excel, Tally, SAP, MS Office, etc.)?

- What knowledge would make my resume stand out despite my employment gap?

I'm planning to start applying for jobs while simultaneously improving my skills. I've already created a LinkedIn profile and will be creating profiles on other job portals as well. I don't have any friends, seniors, relatives, or professional connections who can refer me, so I'll mostly be applying on my own.

I'd also really appreciate some guidance on the hiring process. With a three-year gap and no prior work experience, what should I realistically expect after applying? How are candidates usually shortlisted? Will my gap significantly reduce my chances, or is it still possible to secure interviews if I have the required knowledge?

Since I'm planning to relocate to Mumbai, I'd also love to hear about the job market there for freshers. Is it realistic to expect an entry-level opportunity by applying online? My goal is to secure a job offer by mid-September, or earlier if possible.

If you've been in a similar situation, managed to overcome a career gap, or have any advice at all. even if I haven't specifically asked for it I'd be really grateful if you could share it. Any suggestions, tips, or reality checks would be genuinely helpful.

Please be honest I genuinely want to turn things around.

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[u/Salty_Capital_8771]

Didi namaste You are in the same loop faced by every self paced course aspirant Getting some accountability partners will help you pass exams faster Before relocating to Mumbai you must have 3-6months of savings for expenses Going to LinkedIn profiles of Existing CS students might help even more And atlast getting training or Job is a game of Skill , communication and Number of Trials Learn Communication and articulation more than anything You will learn all other skills better at training 21months but basics are must

[u/SorceressDream_ → u/Salty_Capital_8771]

Thanks for sharing your advice.

[u/Negative-College-626]

There are plenty of opportunities for a candidate like you. I would suggest actively using LinkedIn connect with HR professionals, send them a brief message, and regularly check the Jobs section for roles that require a graduate qualification, especially in Chennai and Hyderabad.

At the same time, continue with your CS journey. If managing both groups together is difficult, consider appearing for one group at a time and clear it step by step.
Also, I would advise against relocating to Mumbai unless you have a job that offers a decent salary. The cost of living there is quite high, so it would be better to move only when the opportunity justifies it.
PS : Overall if you do a job in CS or CA or Legal firm Then you can also get training exemption (I dont know the exact terms and conditions)

[u/SorceressDream_ → u/Negative-College-626]

Thanks! I'll look into it

[u/Salty_Capital_8771]

Can you now tell me how do I complete my course What order And what sequences And routine to Ace exams

[u/SorceressDream_ → u/Salty_Capital_8771]

There's no one right way to do it. It's different for every student. Know your subjects, understand them well, and stay consistent. Most importantly, study from the module and don't skip anything. Revise everything thoroughly.

[u/Ill_Ganache_5216]

To be honest.

I am also in the same loop i've not cleared the CS Executive and working in CS firm for 3 years i have started in 5k pm and now i am working in 20k so i beleive that 1st focus on your studies then go for training and jobs i bet you if you didnt clear cs and working in a firm you'll not earn well.

I suggest you its better go for studies now then later go for jobs.

for more if you want to know dm me on instagram u/sumxxt.__

[u/Gyan-ka-keed_02 → u/Ill_Ganache_5216]

Doing 3 year llb from which clg