MBSE top achievers shine: how these financial pros thrived with online learning

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As the first-semester application deadline approaches, Moonstone Business School of Excellence (MBSE) has earned a glowing report from its top achievers, reaffirming its reputation as a leading online learning platform.

Dèvon Jordaan, 34, an administrative assistant at PSG Wealth Tygervalley and the top achiever in MBSE’s Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (ACFP), describes her experience as “fantastic”.

“The courses are engaging and enjoyable. The lecturers and staff are approachable, creating a supportive learning environment,” Dèvon says.

Stéan Bouwer, 40, director at TOHI Group in Paarl and valedictorian of MBSE’s Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (HCWM), also commends MBSE for its informative updates and helpful lecturers. Stéan says he would “wholeheartedly recommend MBSE to anyone seeking an online educational provider”.

Grant Greenfield, 54, a retirement benefit counsellor at Verso Benefits Administrator (Pty) Ltd, joins Stéan as a top achiever in the HCWM qualification. Returning to studies after three decades, Grant applauds MBSE for its outstanding student support.

“The support staff was very helpful. The lecturers were always available to answer questions,” he says.

Moonstone interviewed these achievers to gain insights into the qualifications’ relevance, their career impact, and advice for prospective students.

Dèvon Jordaan

The ACFP qualification equips students with the essential skills and knowledge to offer comprehensive financial planning services to everyday individuals. Beyond that, it lays the groundwork for further specialised studies in the field. This qualification meets the educational requirements for obtaining the FINANCIAL SERVICES ADVISOR™ (FSA™) designation awarded by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI).

Dèvon’s academic journey through MBSE has been one of growth, perseverance, and professional advancement. Having completed her ACFP (NQF 6) in just one year, Dèvon is now gearing up for her next milestone – an NQF 8 qualification through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with MBSE, which she aims to complete by 2027.

For Dèvon, choosing MBSE was a natural decision.

“PSG relies on Moonstone for all COB training and qualifications requiring NQF levels. It was the natural choice, and I’m glad I went with them,” she explains.

Despite juggling a full-time job, she was determined to finish her qualification swiftly.

“With proper planning and scheduling, it didn’t take up as much of my free time as I initially thought,” she shares.

Her entry into financial planning was unexpected but transformative.

“My journey into financial planning was serendipitous – I ended up in the industry somewhat by accident. But once I was in, I absolutely loved it and knew it was the right path for me,” she recalls.

Among the course modules, mastering Standard Deviation stood out as both a challenge and a triumph.

“It brought me to tears out of frustration! But once the concept clicked, I realised it was actually quite straightforward. That moment of understanding was so rewarding,” she says, adding that seeing it tested in the exam was a gratifying validation of her hard work.

Two critical competencies emerged from her studies: a deep understanding of retirement products and proficiency in the Time Value of Money.

“Understanding retirement products has made me the go-to person in my office for related queries, and I’m hopeful it might lead me to specialise in this area,” he says. “Mastering the Time Value of Money has been empowering – I can now run numbers and assist advisors in ways I couldn’t before. It’s a confidence boost and makes me feel like a valuable contributor to the team.”

Dèvon found MBSE’s online learning platform effective and flexible.

“The pre-exam videos were especially helpful. The lecturer would highlight key areas to focus on for the exams, which was invaluable for staying on track and motivated,” she notes.

She relied heavily on the provided Study Plans to stay organised, calling them a “game-changer”. Additional resources like mock exams, video tutorials, and lecturer support further smoothed her learning journey.

Her advice for prospective students? Prioritise preparation.

“Map out your study schedule early, and everything else will follow naturally,” she says.

Stéan Bouwer

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.

For Stéan, completing the HCWM (NQF 5) through MBSE was about enhancing his professional expertise and immediately applying the skills learned. While he has not yet enrolled in another course, he notes, “Perhaps I’ll revisit a different course in the future when I require further in-depth information.”

Stéan’s decision to study with MBSE was influenced by a combination of affordability, curriculum relevance, and the convenience of online learning. Opting to complete the course in just one year, he explains, “I like to finish studies quickly to either start using the newly learned skills or proceed with the next qualification.”

His motivation to pursue a qualification in financial planning stemmed from his business needs.

“Our business has a lot of areas that overlap with financial planning – mainly investments and structuring deals involving third-party financing. I felt the need to have a better understanding of the financial markets in South Africa and how financial planning works within all relevant regulations,” he shares.

Among the course’s modules, Stéan found the Investment and Retirement Planning Fundamentals particularly rewarding.

“It gave me a better understanding of the types of investments available and how to select an appropriate mix for different investment needs,” he says.

On the other hand, the Financial Planning Environment Fundamentals posed a challenge.

“I find myself more interested in applying what I’ve learned than studying regulations, but it provided the necessary foundation to understand how everything ties together.”

The course has already impacted Stéan’s professional development significantly.

“It gave me the tools to look differently at investment portfolios and change the way we used to invest. I can now more effectively structure investment deals with higher yields,” he reflects.

Stéan appreciated the flexibility of online learning, which allowed him to study at his own pace.

“I study best close to examination dates and block off a few days in a row to focus. I wouldn’t do well in a class environment, as my day-to-day work requires me to be flexible,” he says.

His study strategy revolved around blocking dedicated study days, muting distractions, and using MBSE’s online self-tests and past exam papers to prepare thoroughly.

When asked about advice for prospective students, he underscored preparation and focus.

“Use the study guide and proposed planning guidelines. Give yourself enough time to familiarise yourself with the online environment. Thoroughly read what is required – it can make a difference in your grades,” he advises.

Grant Greenfield

For Grant, enrolling in MBSE to complete the HCWM was a carefully considered step toward advancing his career in financial planning. This was his first experience studying with MBSE, but based on his positive experience, he has already registered for the ACFP.

Grant credits trusted recommendations from friends in the financial advising sector for his decision to study through MBSE. With a full-time job, he opted to complete the HCWM over two years.

“I felt that if I wanted to give my best and do the course justice, I would be best served doing it over two years, rather than taking on more than I could handle,” he explains.

As a retirement benefit counsellor since 2019, Grant has discovered a passion for helping people make informed financial decisions.

“There is such a sense of pleasure in helping someone find financial peace of mind,” he says.

Recognising the thin line between offering information and giving advice, he pursued the HCWM with his employer’s encouragement to deepen his expertise.

Grant says he found the Tax module particularly tough due to his limited prior exposure to the subject. However, the challenge was a welcome one.

“It was exciting to be exposed to the world of tax and gain a greater understanding of it,” he reflects.

The module on Investment and Retirement Planning Fundamentals was equally rewarding, offering insights into the advantages, disadvantages, and restrictions of various investment products, he says.

Grant shares that, although initially daunting, he adapted to online learning with the help of MBSE’s structured support.

“The Study Guide, if you stick to it, provides an excellent way to keep up with your studies and stay disciplined,” he says.

Resources such as formative tests, past exam papers, and the opportunity to revisit key concepts proved invaluable.

Grant’s success hinged on meticulous planning and discipline. His strategy included studying in the early morning, during lunch breaks, or in “pockets of time” like commuting. Recording notes to listen to later and adjusting his schedule as needed helped him stay on track.

“It’s important to remain focused on your goal and do what you need to achieve it,” he advises.

Grant stresses the importance of discipline, focus, and preparation for those considering enrolling in the HCWM.

He also highlights the benefits of collaboration: “Partnering up with someone in your class is helpful. My study buddy, Claudia Dowsett, and I encouraged and motivated each other. If something wasn’t clear, we could turn to each other for clarity.”

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:

Apply today at www.mbse.ac.za.

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

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