“Just do it – it has really given me the confidence and reassurance that even if the task at hand looks difficult, you will be able to accomplish it if you put your mind to it,” says Natasha du Plessis.
Du Plessis was among the top three achievers in Moonstone Business School of Excellence’s Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5) following the latest round of qualification exams. Joining her on the podium are valedictorian Jacques Kleingeld, better known as Jax, and Lorinda Palmer.
This qualification offers comprehensive short-term insurance-related learning, providing a framework for students to develop crucial competencies. It covers key areas such as the fundamentals of insurance, risk management, personal insurance, commercial insurance, legal framework, claims management, and underwriting.
Moonstone interviewed the three top achievers to gain their insights on the qualification, its impact on their careers, and their advice for those considering enrolling in an online course.
Jax Kleingeld
For Kleingeld, head of claims, procurement, assessing and BI at Clarendon Transport Underwriters, choosing MBSE for further education was a decision driven by career progression. With years of experience in claims, Kleingeld sought to broaden his expertise, and MBSE came highly recommended.
Kleingeld completed the HCSTI in three semesters, with a firm deadline of 1 July. Reflecting on his choice to pursue this qualification, he succinctly stated, “Career progression”.
This drive to advance within his specialised field motivated him to deepen his understanding of various claims processes. Despite his extensive experience, Kleingeld found new insights within the course particularly rewarding.
“Although I have been in claims for many years, I found the insights in other areas of claims very rewarding as we are a specialised underwriter,” he shared.
The course’s comprehensive approach allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of pricing aspects, of which he previously had only basic knowledge.
“I now have a much greater understanding,” Kleingeld remarked.
The flexibility of online learning played a crucial role in Kleingeld’s successful completion of the course. Balancing a full-time job with studies, he appreciated the self-paced nature of the programme.
“Having a full-time job, the ability to complete the course at your own pace helped me greatly, and this is one of the reasons one remains engaged as the pressure and timing of things is under your own control to a large extent,” he explained.
To stay organised and manage his time effectively, Kleingeld relied on the study plan provided by MBSE.
“The planner helped a lot to give me a good idea from the get-go what is required for each semester,” he noted.
The study plan gives students a structure to follow per week across the semester and shows them exactly what they need to do each week to stay on top of their studies and avoid falling behind or feeling overwhelmed.
Additionally, he found the recorded examination preparation sessions invaluable, because they allowed him to review materials at his convenience.
“The recorded exam prep sessions were of great assistance, as I did not always have the capacity to attend the live session,” he said.
When asked for advice for prospective students, Kleingeld emphasised the importance of planning.
“Plan your efforts from the start so you do not get overwhelmed by the time the exams are due,” he advised.
Lorinda Palmer
At just 25, Lorinda Palmer, a claims and short-term insurance underwriter at Van Zyl Conradie Brokers, has already made significant strides in her career. Palmer’s journey began when Conradie, recognising her potential, offered her the opportunity to pursue qualifications, including the RE5 and RE1 (key individual) through Moonstone. This opportunity, coupled with strong recommendations from her colleagues, solidified MBSE as the preferred choice for advancing her education in the financial industry.
Initially planning to complete her HCSTI over two years, Palmer’s experience with MBSE’s distance learning proved to be a game-changer. She completed her qualification in just a year-and-a-half.
“I realised Moonstone distance learning is convenient, and the study material provided is adequate, reliable, and relevant,” Palmer shared.
This efficiency and reliability of the study material allowed her to accelerate her studies without compromising on the quality of education.
Palmer’s entry into the world of short-term insurance was somewhat serendipitous. Coming from a completely different line of work, she knew nothing about short-term insurance initially. However, her curiosity and desire to gain more knowledge quickly turned into a passion.
“After the first month of employment at Van Zyl Conradie Brokers, I was intrigued to gain more knowledge and to pursue a career in short-term insurance,” she explained.
The qualification was not just a formality; it was a crucial step in deepening her understanding and solidifying her career in the industry.
Among the various modules, the claims and underwriting module stood out as particularly challenging yet rewarding for Palmer. Managing the claims for her company daily, she found the content incredibly useful.
“There was so much helpful content that I learned and still apply to this day, which has really taken my knowledge and outlook in the claims department to the next level,” Palmer said.
The qualification provided Palmer with critical skills and competencies essential for her professional development.
“The insurance industry is constantly changing, and one must keep up with it. MBSE provided the foundation I required to start my career. I can discuss policies with confidence knowing the information I provide to clients is factually correct,” she noted.
The experience of online learning at MBSE was a positive one for Palmer. The well-organised platform and accessible study material made learning convenient and efficient, particularly since she lives in a small town in an outlying area.
“The online exams and assessments made a world of difference for me,” she said.
Natasha du Plessis
Du Plessis’ story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the dedication required to balance multiple roles while pursuing professional development. Du Plessis, 35, has recently celebrated her promotion to insurance underwriter (under supervision) for Raubex Group Limited – RG Brokers.
Her decision to study through MBSE was influenced by her brokerage’s preference for the institution.
“Our brokerage uses MBSE for all our FICA courses, insurance training courses, and compliance,” she explained.
Initially, Du Plessis was supposed to complete her course over two years as a part-time student. However, her determination and motivation to broaden her knowledge in underwriting and claims handling enabled her to finish her studies within three semesters. This dedication stemmed from her desire to excel in her everyday tasks at the brokerage.
Her journey in the insurance industry began in 2021 when she joined the brokerage as an insurance administrator.
“I found the insurance industry fascinating and wanted to broaden my knowledge and pursue a career in it,” she shared.
This curiosity and passion drove her to pursue a qualification in short-term insurance.
Among the various modules, the underwriting and claim management module stood out as the most rewarding for Du Plessis. It significantly enhanced her understanding of her daily tasks at the brokerage.
“The skills and competency developed through this qualification have positively impacted my professional development,” she noted, emphasising the importance of attention to detail in the underwriting department.
The convenience of online learning was a major benefit for Du Plessis, who juggles multiple roles as a full-time employee, wife, mother, and student.
“Online learning makes access to your study material and tutors very easy,” she said.
To stay organised and manage her time effectively, she printed out each module, kept them in separate files, and highlighted important information. She prepared for exams by summarising her work, often studying at night and on weekends.
Du Plessis found all the resources provided by MBSE helpful, particularly the support from Debbie Costopolous, short-term insurance lecturer at MBSE, during exam preparations.
She highly recommends MBSE, particularly for part-time students.
“It is convenient, resourceful, and support is easily accessible,” she said.
The Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5) is one of five accredited qualifications offered by MBSE. The others are:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
- Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6)
- Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
- Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za.
For more information, contact us at help@mbse.ac.za.
