Schane Bhugwathypersad, the top achiever in the recent Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5) qualification exams, says the qualification has equipped her with a robust set of skills, the most critical one being the ability to analyse complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
“This skill has been honed through a combination of theoretical foundations, practical applications, and collaborative projects. I’ve learned to break down complex issues into manageable components, identify key factors, and design effective solutions that consider multiple perspectives,” she says.
Shane’s achievement was mirrored by Urika Dasarath-Govender and Karien Groenewald who also excelled in the qualification.
The HCSTI, offered by Moonstone Business School of Excellence (MBSE), provides a comprehensive foundation in short-term insurance. The qualification covers key topics such as the fundamentals of insurance, risk management, personal and commercial insurance, underwriting, claims management, and the legal framework governing the industry.
Moonstone interviewed the three top achievers to gain their perspectives on the qualification, its relevance to their careers, and their advice for those considering enrolling. The trio underscores the value of the course in building practical skills and knowledge that directly impact their day-to-day responsibilities in the insurance field.
Schane Bhugwathypersad: a rising star in the short-term insurance industry
At just 25 years old, Schane is already building a promising career as a junior technical broker at Price Forbes.
Her decision to study at MBSE wasn’t a random one. She was drawn to the institution for its “strong academic reputation, innovative business education, and emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, and social responsibility,” which she felt aligned perfectly with her career aspirations and values.
“The cutting-edge curriculum and extensive industry connections it provided an immersive educational experience,” Schane notes.
Eager to fast-track her career, Schane decided to complete her qualification in one year. This ambitious timeline drove her to stay focused and manage her time effectively.
She says her interest in short-term insurance was sparked by the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the industry.
“I’ve always been fascinated by the way short-term insurance can provide individuals and businesses with financial protection and peace of mind in the face of uncertainty,” she shares.
The combination of technical knowledge, analytical skills, and interpersonal abilities required in the field drew her in, and she believed that her “strong communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to think critically” would serve her well in this industry.
Online learning allowed Schane to study at her own pace, a major advantage given her busy work schedule.
“One aspect of the online learning environment that I found most beneficial was the flexibility it offered. I was able to review course materials as many times as I needed, which helped me to better understand complex concepts.”
Staying motivated and organised was key to her success in an online learning environment. “I created a dedicated study schedule, setting specific times for studying, reviewing, and practicing each subject,” she shares. She also used digital tools like calendars and to-do lists to manage her assignments, and by breaking down larger tasks into manageable chunks, she was able to stay on top of her studies.
She says having access to MBSE’s wide range resources also played a crucial role. “The school’s library and online databases were incredibly helpful, offering a vast collection of resources that I could draw upon for studying and for assignments.”
When asked about her advice for those considering enrolling in the HCSTI, Schane offers clear guidance:
“Before enrolling, take a moment to reflect on your career goals and aspirations. This programme is a valuable investment in your future, and it’s crucial to ensure it aligns with your professional objectives.”
Schane would recommend MBSE and this course without hesitation.
“The curriculum is well-structured, and the faculty is comprised of experienced professionals who bring real-world expertise to the classroom.”
Urika Dasarath-Govender: charting success in short-term insurance
Urika, 30, is a representative under supervision and underwriting administrator at Caledonian Insurance Brokers (Pty) Ltd. Her educational journey reveals the determination, passion, and practical strategies that contributed to her success in a demanding field.
Urika’s academic journey with MBSE began with her completion of the Regulatory Examination 5 (RE5), but her aspirations didn’t stop there. The HCSTI proved to be a natural next step for her professional growth.
She says the course has been invaluable in deepening her understanding of the industry. “As someone who has been in the insurance industry for around seven years now, it had so much more information than what we think we know. It also has so many aspects that we don’t even realise we use throughout the day,” she says.
Her decision to complete the course over one year stemmed from a personal drive to push herself. “I wanted to challenge myself to complete the course within the year,” she notes.
Urika’s passion for underwriting was the initial spark that led her to pursue a qualification in short-term insurance. “I love underwriting, and I needed the qualification to become a representative,” she shares.
For Urika, the most critical competency gained from the qualification was a comprehensive understanding of all sections of insurance policies. “As an underwriter for both Commercial and Personal Lines policies, we work with all sections of the policies,” she explains. “This qualification gave me the knowledge to understand these sections from all aspects. For example, an underwriter views the sections differently than a claims person would. It even helped me understand how every detail affects rates and the types of questions to ask clients to understand their specific risks.”
Transitioning to an online learning environment was a new experience for Urika. While she appreciated the flexibility of accessing study materials from her cellphone, she found the pressure of online learning to be higher. “I was very thankful that we had the option to write exams at venues,” she says.
Among the online resources, she found the multiple-choice question (MCQ) mock tests particularly beneficial. “The mock tests marked your answers immediately and showed you where you needed to put more effort. They really helped to keep me engaged,” she notes. Additionally, a supportive WhatsApp group provided a sense of community and motivation throughout the course.
Effective time management played a pivotal role in Urika’s success. She adhered to the study plans provided by MBSE, which outlined which chapters to cover and when. “The study plans really helped with time management and meeting the expectations of the course,” she says.
For those considering enrolling in the HCSTI, Urika’s advice is simple but impactful: “Follow the study plan as best you can, and definitely use the mock tests. They really help you understand the types of questions that are asked in tests and exams.”
Karien Groenewald: upskilling for professional growth
Karien, 42, is a claims specialist at Discovery Insure. With a strong commitment to self-improvement and future growth, Karien’s journey through this qualification highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the insurance industry.
Karien began her journey with MBSE by completing her RE5 exam in 2023. “I chose MBSE because I was referred to by a friend who works for the FSCA,” she explains.
Completing the Higher Certificate in 18 months, Karien made a conscious decision to pace herself. “I was hesitant to take too many subjects as I still work full time, but in hindsight, I would have completed it in one year,” she reflects.
Her motivation for pursuing the qualification was deeply rooted in her professional aspirations. “I wanted to further my qualifications and complete a qualification in my line of work to upskill myself for possible future growth,” she shares.
Karien says the qualification provided her with invaluable skills and knowledge, particularly in understanding industry regulations. “It has granted me the opportunity to understand better how the regulators operate and the difference between the different regulators and who fits in where, and also the reasoning behind all the regulations,” she notes.
As someone accustomed to full-time, in-person learning, Karien found the transition to online learning both challenging and rewarding. “This was my first time experiencing online learning as I used to study full time. It was quite something to get used to as there are no classes to attend. You have to be self-disciplined and make sure you understand the work,” she explains.
However, the structured nature of the course helped ease the transition. “What I did enjoy was the manner in which the courses were set out – the breakdowns of every module and what was expected.”
Her approach to mastering the material included working through all assignments and self-assessments, as well as creating her own summaries.
“The exam preparation session was extremely helpful, and also the mock exam papers that were available online,” she says.
She adds that the course facilitators are very friendly and have an open door for any questions or concerns.
“MBSE communication is exceptional and well presented, making it easy to understand what is expected from a student,” she says.
Her positive experience underscores the supportive and student-focused environment that MBSE fosters. “They do everything from their side to assist learners to pass the course the first time round – all you need to do is put in the time and do the work.”
2025 enrolments are open
Applications for the first semester close on Monday, 27 January 2025.
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.
