It is crunch time for students enrolled in Moonstone Business School of Excellence’s seven online qualifications.
The exams for students completing semester two kicked off last week, and they are scheduled to end next week.
MBSE is one of only a few private higher education institutions that provide online FAIS and insurance courses in accordance with the requirements of the South African Qualifications Authority.
Edel Goldbach, academic manager at MBSE, says there are many benefits to online learning. Besides saving time and money, it is flexible, builds transferrable skills, and offers career advancement opportunities. But, she says, at the end of the day, you get out of online learning what you put into it.
“Our philosophy is that we are there to coach and guide, but ultimately, it is up to you.”
Goldbach says MBSE knows that many financial advisers, brokers, and administrators have not studied for years but have a vast amount of experience. MBSE’s qualifications are structured to put students at ease with the learning, as well as the assessments.
“Online learning is perfect for self-disciplined, independent, tech-savvy, motivated, and driven people. It also requires commitment,” Goldbach says.
MBSE top achiever Tebogo Moiloa agrees that online learning requires self-discipline. But, he says, the pros far outweigh the cons.
The 2023 graduate completed MBSE’s Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (ACFP).
Moiloa says balancing his studies with work and personal commitments was sometimes challenging.
“There were times that I was unable to study because of family functions.”
He adds that loadshedding also resulted in his missing out on Zoom meetings.
“But I was able to obtain the recording of the session to catch up,” he says.
Moiloa says one of the best things about online learning is the flexibility it provides.
“It allows you to set your schedule. The flexibility is more valuable for individuals like me who are working and have family commitments.”
Another, he says, is the fact that you can access your course material anywhere.
“We were provided with a variety of multimedia resources – discussion forums, videos, and access to your lecture at any time.”
Essential foundation to become a financial planner
The ACFP (NQF Level 6) provides graduates with the skills and knowledge to provide holistic financial planning services to the “man in the street” and lays the foundation for further specialised studies in financial planning.
The online qualification also addresses the education requirement to obtain the Financial Services Advisor (FSA™) designation awarded by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa.
Click here for more information about the qualification and to apply.
Moiloa, who is a para-planner at Lighthouse Financial Services (Sanlam), says his motivation for enrolling for the ACFP was to enhance his career prospects in the financial services industry.
“Obtaining an ACFP certificate opened up opportunities for higher-paying roles and more responsibilities. Continuous learning is important in this field, and gaining advanced certifications is a way to stay up to date with industry best practices,” he says.
Moiloa adds that having an ACFP demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality financial advice and improving client outcomes.
“Having enrolled for MBSE’s ACFP allows me to take on more complex cases and work with clients who have more substantial financial portfolios.”
He says he would recommend MBSE “because of the quality of teaching, combined with very friendly lecturers and customer services”.
Why you should choose MBSE
- With more than 10 years of experience in work-place-integrated learning, we produce students who can apply their knowledge in practice.
- Our study material is developed and quality-assured by industry specialists. This ensures that the content is focused, relevant, and applicable in your work environment.
- We are dedicated to following a holistic approach, which enables us to offer students an unsurpassed depth of expertise and technical know-how.
- We are confident that you will not just obtain a qualification at MBSE; you will be prepared to engage successfully in the financial marketplace.
The Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning is one of five accredited qualifications offered by MBSE. The others are:
- The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
- Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
- Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
- Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)
Applications for the first semester close on Monday, 29 January 2024.
Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za
For more information, contact us at help@mbse.ac.za
