If you’re thinking about joining Moonstone Business School of Excellence (MBSE) and completing one of the online learning platform’s recognised qualifications, you have just over two weeks to apply for the first semester.
Devon Lumley (pictured), an independent financial adviser at Lumley Associates CC, last year completed MBSE’s Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (HCWM). The 2023 top achiever says he highly recommends the online platform to any financial professional wanting to further their education.
“MBSE is a leader in the industry and online teaching in general. The systems and strategies they employ set you up for success. If you engage and work hard you will succeed,” says Lumley.
He says he enrolled in this course with the aim of becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
“MBSE is a respected role player in the industry and offers a solid foundation in Wealth Management with a range of accredited Higher Education Qualifications that will prepare you for a career in short-term insurance, compliance or financial planning.
The HCWM provides learners with a foundation for various roles in the financial services industry, or to kick-start their career in financial planning. The course is recognised by the FSCA for all product sub-categories of Category I FSPs, and it can be used to fulfil the Fit and Proper requirements for FAIS roles in Category I FSPs.
As MBSE is an approved provider accredited by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI), graduates of the HCWM can apply to the FPI for the designation of Registered Financial Practitioner.
The course consists of four compulsory models: Financial Planning Environment Fundamentals, Risk Planning Fundamentals, Investment and Retirement Planning Fundamentals, and Introduction to Tax in Financial Planning. Students can also choose one of three elective modules: Business Assurance Fundamentals, Retirement Funds Fundamentals and Healthcare Benefits Fundamentals.
Lumley says that his goal is to specialise in investment planning.
“The Investment and Retirement Planning module includes calculating Standard Deviation, identifying asset correlation, establishing the client’s investment risk profile and objectives, assessing asset allocation requirements, and matching it to a diversified investment portfolio to achieve the client’s financial objectives. I found this subject the most exciting and insightful along with the Tax in Financial Planning module as they go hand in hand.”
He admits that studying online could be challenging at times. Lumley, who studied part-time, says while MBSE Online education offers a great deal of flexibility, this freedom demands a high level of self-discipline and time management.
“Establishing a consistent routine, setting achievable goals, and staying organised were crucial in maintaining focus and productivity. I needed to be able to shift focus from studies to work to family seamlessly to overcome challenges on all fronts and deliver the success I desired,” says Lumley.
Besides his commitment to his studies, he credits MBSE’s well-structured study guides and the support received by MBSE’s lectures for his success.
Lumley says the study guides are structured in such a way that you can easily determine the core ideas and concepts.
“Examples are provided immediately after a new concept is introduced and the lecturers encourage you to send through questions.”
He says he made a conscious effort to actively engage with lecturers.
“I thought I was going to drive them crazy, but they were always happy to provide clarity on the subject and offered words of encouragement,” Lumley says.
His advice for prospective students is to write down their goals and their motivation for self–development and assess if their chosen course aligns with these.
“If you do decide to enroll then I would recommend experimenting with different study techniques, to aim high and put in the hours. The rewards will follow.”
Applications for the first semester close on Monday 29 January 2024.
The Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF5) 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 Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)
Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za.
For more information, contact us at help@mbse.ac.za.
