Beauty and brains are a rare combination which you hardly see nowadays, especially in Pakistan. Now just top it off with someone who has taken this rare combination to the international level. So, let’s meet the girl who has got both, brain and beauty – Zara Naeem!
The Pakistani student Zara Naeem recently broke the internet with her news of securing the highest marks in the international ACCA exams among other 527,000 students from 179 countries.
Besides studying, Zara Naeem is an extrovert who is popular among her friends and loves to spend time with her family. She is also a makeup enthusiast and has an Instagram account where she shares different makeup tutorials.
Zara Naeem Dar, who has become the pride of Pakistan by topping the ACCA global exam gave an exclusive interview to HTV. The interview comprised a detailed discussion on her educational journey, aspiration, challenges, and of course, her future goals!
HTV: Where are you from and what’s your qualification background?
Zara Naeem: I have done my O’ Levels and A’ levels before I started my career in accountancy. My family background is from Kashmir and we have settled in Lahore for now.
HTV: What motivated you to go for ACCA?
Zara Naeem: The main motivation that drew me to ACCA was my love for accountancy. And also, the flexibility and global mobility that ACCA offers to its members.
HTV: What were the challenges that you faced during your ACCA studies?
Zara Naeem: There were a lot of challenges that I had to face during my ACCA journey. I had some personal challenges and some study-related challenges. Everyone has a dark period in their life where they find everything so difficult and it becomes really hard to cope up but Alhumdulillah I overcame all of those hurdles and obstacles and I believe I am much stronger than I was when I started my ACCA journey.
HTV: How did you manage to score the highest in a male-oriented field?
Zara Naeem: I think the reason behind me scoring the highest in ACCA is that I have been consistent in my studies since day 1. Not for once, I thought that this is impossible. Even when I was having the worst of days, I would think that it’s okay, it’s a bad day and it’s not like it’s the end of the world.
HTV: What is the Scope of ACCA for women in Pakistan?
Zara Naeem: The world is becoming a better place for women. A lot of companies are providing jobs to women. So, I think the same is the case with ACCA, more women are getting in this field and excelling.
HTV: What’s your advice for the young girls who see you as an inspiration and want to pursue a career in the accounting field?
Zara Naeem: My advice for the young girls who want to pursue their career in accountancy would be that it’s not easy only if you think you cannot achieve it. You have to think it is achievable, have to believe in yourself and you have to work hard to achieve what you want.
HTV: You’re also a makeup lover! Would you like to become a renowned Makeup Artist one day or be in the top Accountancy firm? What career would you choose and why?
Zara Naeem: I love makeup, it’s another passion of mine and it makes me feel good. But if had to choose between accountancy and makeup, I will definitely go for accountancy.
HTV: What’s your next plan?
Zara Naeem: My next plan is to complete my ACCA and get the relevant and practical experience that I need from the accounting industry and hopefully start a consultancy firm of my own that would provide services to international companies.
HTV: Any last words that you’d like to say on achieving such a great milestone in your life?
Zara Naeem: Lastly, I would like to thank God, my parents, and of course my teachers. It’s all mutual efforts because of which I have been able to achieve this and I want to thank everyone who has contributed to my achievement.
Youngsters in Pakistan have real potential and talent. We must encourage such precious gems and acknowledge their valuable efforts for their family and the beloved country. We congratulate Zara Naeem for becoming the pride of Pakistan and wish her the best in her future goals!
