u/Turc_5

Hey everyone,

I’m a Chartered Accountant (ICAI) from India currently working as a Product Manager in a SaaS-based lending/LOS platform. I have around 2 years of post-qualification experience in product management.

I’m considering pursuing CISA, but I’m trying to understand whether it would actually add meaningful value to my career rather than just being another certification on my resume.

My current role is more on the product / digital lending / technology side, but I also have a strong finance and accounting background because of my CA qualification.

My longer-term plan is to explore opportunities outside India — initially Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi, Qatar, etc.), and potentially later Europe, Australia or the US.

I’d really appreciate some honest opinions from people who have CISA or work in IT Audit, GRC, Information Security, Technology Risk, IT Controls, Cyber/Compliance, or related fields:

- Is CISA worth it for someone with my background, or is it mainly valuable for people already working in IT Audit?

- Could the combination of CA + CISA + Product/Fintech experience create any interesting career paths?

- What roles could realistically become accessible to me after CISA?

- Would it help with international/Gulf job opportunities?

- Does CISA actually lead to a meaningful salary increase, or does experience matter much more?

- Would you recommend CISA, or something like CISM / CRISC / CISSP / another certification instead?

- Are there any particular career paths where you think my CA + Product background could be an advantage?

I’m not looking for a generic “CISA is a good certification” answer. I’m particularly interested in real-world career outcomes, salary impact, international mobility, and whether you think it makes sense specifically for my profile.

Would really appreciate honest pros/cons and personal experiences.

Thanks!

Hey Kolkata!

So I’ve finally booked my tickets and I’ll be in the city from October 15th to 18th. It’s my first time visiting Kolkata, and I honestly couldn’t be more excited. I’ve read and heard so much about the city over the years that it’s been on my wishlist for a long time.

A bit about me—I'm 26M, working in finance/fintech, coming down solo from Bombay.

Since I'm coming right around Durga Puja, I really want to experience the real, authentic vibe of the city. Beyond the famous massive pandals, I’m super keen on exploring old Kolkata, colonial heritage, iconic spots, Bonedi Bari (traditional family) pujas, and just walking through the historic streets soaked in all the festive energy.

I’d love some advice on how to make the most of these 5-6 days without getting completely swallowed by the Puja traffic. Any recommendations for hidden heritage spots, quiet corners, or must-experience food joints during this time would be gold.

Also, if any locals or fellow solo folks are around and want to catch up for chai/coffee, walk around the old streets, or hop a few pandals together, let me know!

Looking forward to finally experiencing the City of Joy. Cheers!

EDIT: Based on everyone's suggestions, I’m changing my travel dates! I'll now be visiting from October 14th to 18th to catch the actual Puja energy.

​Since I also want to explore some quiet/offbeat Kolkata alongside the pandal hopping, do you guys think it'll be feasible during these dates, or will everything be super crowded by then? Would love your thoughts on how to balance offbeat spots during peak Puja!

Hey Kolkata!

So I’ve finally booked my tickets and I’ll be in the city from October 15th to 18th. It’s my first time visiting Kolkata, and I honestly couldn’t be more excited. I’ve read and heard so much about the city over the years that it’s been on my wishlist for a long time.

A bit about me—I'm 26M, working in finance/fintech, coming down solo from Bombay.

Since I'm coming right around Durga Puja, I really want to experience the real, authentic vibe of the city. Beyond the famous massive pandals, I’m super keen on exploring old Kolkata, colonial heritage, iconic spots, Bonedi Bari (traditional family) pujas, and just walking through the historic streets soaked in all the festive energy.

I’d love some advice on how to make the most of these 5-6 days without getting completely swallowed by the Puja traffic. Any recommendations for hidden heritage spots, quiet corners, or must-experience food joints during this time would be gold.

Also, if any locals or fellow solo folks are around and want to catch up for chai/coffee, walk around the old streets, or hop a few pandals together, let me know!

Looking forward to finally experiencing the City of Joy. Cheers!

EDIT: Based on everyone's suggestions, I’m changing my travel dates! I'll now be visiting from October 14th to 18th to catch the actual Puja energy.

​Since I also want to explore some quiet/offbeat Kolkata alongside the pandal hopping, do you guys think it'll be feasible during these dates, or will everything be super crowded by then? Would love your thoughts on how to balance offbeat spots during peak Puja!

I am in a massive dilemma. My super boss (25+ YOE leadership) just sent me a follow request on Instagram. I interact with him daily.

Here is the dynamic:

Workwise: Absolute genius. Brilliant, incredibly smart, and I respect his work ethic immensely.

Personally: Total bhasdiwala. Incredibly immature, makes nonsense jokes, and is deeply insecure about personal stuff. Literal child energy.

Because he is highly influential and insecure, I can't just ignore or reject the request—his fragile ego will definitely make my daily work life awkward. But I absolutely do not want him in my personal space.

What's the best corporate survival play here? Accept and instantly hide all stories/restrict him, or is there a better way to handle this? 💀

I am in a massive dilemma. My super boss (25+ YOE leadership) just sent me a follow request on Instagram. I interact with him daily.

Here is the dynamic:

Workwise: Absolute genius. Brilliant, incredibly smart, and I respect his work ethic immensely.

Personally: Total bhasdiwala. Incredibly immature, makes nonsense jokes, and is deeply insecure about personal stuff. Literal child energy.

Because he is highly influential and insecure, I can't just ignore or reject the request—his fragile ego will definitely make my daily work life awkward. But I absolutely do not want him in my personal space.

What's the best corporate survival play here? Accept and instantly hide all stories/restrict him, or is there a better way to handle this? 💀

I'm looking for some quiet spots where I can just sit peacefully and read books for a few hours.

My office hours get done in the evening, so I’m looking for a place I can head to right after. I am mostly looking for places on the Andheri East side, preferably near Marol, but anything in Andheri East or even Andheri West works if it's easily accessible.

Cafes completely work too, but the catch is it needs to be cheap. I don’t want to pay a bomb for expensive food/coffee just to sit and read a book.

Are there any hidden gems, pocket-friendly cafes, public parks, or peaceful study spots/libraries open in the evening where nobody will disturb me?

Thanks in advance!

I'm looking for some quiet spots where I can just sit peacefully and read books for a few hours.

My office hours get done in the evening, so I’m looking for a place I can head to right after. I am mostly looking for places on the Andheri East side, preferably near Marol, but anything in Andheri East or even Andheri West works if it's easily accessible.

Cafes completely work too, but the catch is it needs to be cheap. I don’t want to pay a bomb for expensive food/coffee just to sit and read a book.

Are there any hidden gems, pocket-friendly cafes, public parks, or peaceful study spots/libraries open in the evening where nobody will disturb me?

Thanks in advance!

Hey guys,

I’m around the Marol area and super bored today with absolutely nothing on my schedule. If anyone is free and down to hang out, let’s catch up!

We could grab a coffee near the Airport Road metro station or anywhere else nearby. Just looking for some casual chit-chat, time pass, and to talk about pretty much anything.

I’m a 26M. If you’re free and want to hang out, please drop a comment here or slide into my DMs. Cheers!

​

Hey guys! 🧗‍♂️

I'm planning a quick getaway from Mumbai to Hampi from June 26th to 28th. The game plan is to leave late Thursday night (June 25) and head back to reality by Monday morning.

The Itinerary: Non-existent right now! 🗺️❌ Only the dates and destination are locked in. I’ll sketch out a rough idea over the next 2-3 days, but I’d love for us to form a group first and co-curate the vibe, stays, and cafe stops together! ☕🏯

About me & The Crew:

I’m a 26M looking for a small group of max 3–4 people. Strictly zero gender bias—everyone is welcome! 🥳

I'm looking for folks who are chill, relaxed, and down to chat. You don't need to be a hyperactive extrovert, but please be willing to talk, share stories, and laugh along the way so we don't end up playing the quiet game for three days! 😂 Let's learn some new things from each other.

Hit me up in the DMs if you're interested, and let’s get this group chat started! 🚀🕺🏽💃🏽

Hey guys! 🧗‍♂️

I'm planning a quick getaway from Mumbai to Hampi from June 26th to 28th. The game plan is to leave late Thursday night (June 25) and head back to reality by Monday morning.

The Itinerary: Non-existent right now! 🗺️❌ Only the dates and destination are locked in. I’ll sketch out a rough idea over the next 2-3 days, but I’d love for us to form a group first and co-curate the vibe, stays, and cafe stops together! ☕🏯

About me & The Crew:

I’m a 26M looking for a small group of max 3–4 people. Strictly zero gender bias—everyone is welcome! 🥳

I'm looking for folks who are chill, relaxed, and down to chat. You don't need to be a hyperactive extrovert, but please be willing to talk, share stories, and laugh along the way so we don't end up playing the quiet game for three days! 😂 Let's learn some new things from each other.

Hit me up in the DMs if you're interested, and let’s get this group chat started! 🚀🕺🏽💃🏽

Hey guys! 🧗‍♂️

​I'm planning a quick getaway from Mumbai to Hampi from June 26th to 28th. The game plan is to leave late Thursday night (June 25) and head back to reality by Monday morning.

​The Itinerary: Non-existent right now! 🗺️❌ Only the dates and destination are locked in. I’ll sketch out a rough idea over the next 2-3 days, but I’d love for us to form a group first and co-curate the vibe, stays, and cafe stops together! ☕🏯

​About me & The Crew:

I’m a 26M looking for a small group of max 3–4 people. Strictly zero gender bias—everyone is welcome! 🥳

​I'm looking for folks who are chill, relaxed, and down to chat. You don't need to be a hyperactive extrovert, but please be willing to talk, share stories, and laugh along the way so we don't end up playing the quiet game for three days! 😂 Let's learn some new things from each other.

​Hit me up in the DMs if you're interested, and let’s get this group chat started! 🚀🕺🏽💃🏽