Kick-start your career with a higher certificate at Rosebank College

There are academic pathways that allow you to start with a higher certificate and move on to a diploma or degree

18 October 2021 - 09:26
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Pathways provide access and the flexibility to work around your pocket and learning abilities.
Pathways provide access and the flexibility to work around your pocket and learning abilities.
Image: Unsplash/Patricia Palmer

At times we may have to start from the bottom and progress to where we want to go; the same applies to education. Many institutions offer different qualifications to enable students to access higher education and then move to higher-level qualifications to achieve their career or life goals. To keep up with the fast-paced business environment, one needs to keep learning to remain empowered and relevant. 

Whether you’re looking to enter the world of work as an employer or employee, or even start an NGO, arm yourself with skills to propel your venture or career. A wise man once said education offers you the ability to see things differently, solve problems and create opportunities.

Education can be viewed from different perspectives. This could be addressing skills shortages, grooming future entrepreneurs with skills to move their businesses forward, or empowering the future workforce. Factors such as affordability or a higher certificate pass in matric may leave some feeling they don't have what it takes to progress to higher education. There are academic pathways that allow you to start with a higher certificate and advance to a diploma or degree. 

Pathways enable access and progression for different learners.
Pathways enable access and progression for different learners.
Image: Unsplash/Patricia Palmer

How do pathways work?

Pathways provide access and the flexibility to work around your pocket and learning abilities. One can start with a higher certificate and progress to a higher-level qualification, such as a diploma or degree. Looking at the faculty of commerce at the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) Rosebank College, you can begin with an IIE higher certificate in business management.

Once you’ve completed this qualification successfully, you can progress to the IIE bachelor of business administration to refine your business skills. The benefit of starting with an IIE higher certificate is that it is an accredited qualification at an NQF level 5, empowering you to start work immediately after completing your studies. 

How to get started?

As with many things, thorough research and asking for advice is the first step. The internet has made information accessible; we now have mini-PCs in our pockets, with some mobile phones performing even better than entry-level PCs. Access to information means you can research any career you may want to pursue. These days, you can also verify the customer service offered by institutions and the quality of qualifications by reading online reviews.

Once you’ve done your research, choose your institution based on your preferences such as safety, cost, accessibility, to name a few. Finally, ask for advice before committing yourself. Many institutions have student advisers who offer advice on study modes, qualification types, and career paths. A student adviser is there to assist in aligning your career goals, academic abilities, and available study opportunities. 

The benefits of pathways

Pathways enable access and progression for different learners. This widens access for students who may not meet academic admission requirements into their desired careers. With access comes a responsibility to offer flexible modes of delivery to accommodate the changing demographics of the student population.

When considering a higher learning institution, think about modes of delivery, accreditation of qualifications, and the registration status of the institution. The proof is in the pudding — chat to some of the current students or alumni to verify facts.

For more information, visit the Rosebank College website.

This article was paid for by Rosebank College.

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