MBSE top achiever navigates Postgraduate Diploma path with determination

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Stay the course: to continue doing something until it is finished or until you achieve something you have planned.

Neo Mahlangu, one of Moonstone Business School of Excellence’s top achievers, lived up to this definition this year when he completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8) – his third qualification achieved via MBSE’s accredited online learning platform.

The 26-year-old, a paraplanner and administrator at Geoffrey’s Unique Investments, previously excelled in the Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6) and the Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5).

The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning is approved by the FSCA as a recognised qualification for FAIS Fit and Proper purposes in all product sub-categories for all categories of FSP. The qualification provides a clear pathway for students who have completed a BCom in Financial Planning or similar NQF Level 7 qualification to further their studies towards professional financial planning practice.

Mahlangu says, having done his NQF 5 and NQF 6 with MBSE, he thought it would be beneficial for him to expand his knowledge further by enrolling in the NQF 8 course.

What makes his achievement even more impressive is that – as with his other two MBSE qualifications – he completed this demanding course on a part-time basis within one year. MBSE students have the option to divide their studies over two years.

Mahlangu says having completed each of the first two courses within a year, he knew it was possible.

“I committed to studying every day after work. I made sure that I set aside an hour or two before or after doing my errands. The end goal kept me motivated,” says Mahlangu.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning consists of four compulsory models: financial planning environment, personal financial planning, corporate financial planning, and a case study.

Mahlangu highlights that the first two modules provided him with the essential skills required for the position to which he aspires.

“The material was user-friendly. The case study material was challenging; you had to think and apply,” he says.

Mahlangu shares that he originally enrolled at MBSE on the recommendation of his company’s compliance officer.

“And it’s affordable compared to other institutions.”

Asked whether he would recommend MBSE or the course to others wanting to further their studies in the financial arena, Mahlangu answered yes, adding that the lecturers and support teams were always readily available to assist, were efficient, and the course material was relevant.

“There was a time when I needed help with parts of the modules. Edel Goldbach (MBSE academic manager) and Tyrone Ford (MBSE senior lecturer) scheduled a meeting on Microsoft Teams with me, respectively,” he says.

Chart your career path

On completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, students will be eligible to apply to the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) to write the FPI Professional Competency Examination for the CFP® designation.

Career opportunities with this qualification include Certified Financial Planner®, professional wealth manager, professional financial planner, and entrepreneur.

Students who complete the Postgraduate Diploma will be able to:

  • Apply the six-step financial planning process in accordance with industry standards and accepted ethical practice to meet the financial planning needs of a variety of individual and corporate clients.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the legal/regulatory framework that applies to performing the functions associated with providing financial planning services to clients.
  • Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain professional client relationships by providing clients with appropriate communication, explanation of concepts, and financial education to enable them to make informed choices.
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge, values, skills, and attitudes in terms of the FPI’s Financial Planning Body of Knowledge in the areas of financial management, asset management, investment planning, risk management, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and ethics to identify and assess client needs, determine client financial goals, and develop suitable financial planning strategies to meet the needs and goals.
  • Produce and present an appropriate financial report based on the developed client financial planning strategies.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the value and importance of regular reviews of clients’ financial needs, goals, and strategies.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning is one of five accredited qualifications offered by MBSE. The others are:

Applications for the first semester close on Monday, 29 January.

Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za

For more information, contact us at help@mbse.ac.za