A 20-year-long journey to success– Nadia Dickson bags her BBA through Milpark

Alumni Impact

Student Success

02 May 2025

Nadia Dickson recently walked across the graduation stage, not just to collect her degree but to proudly reclaim a dream she tried many times to achieve when life just kept getting in the way… until now. Nadia finally crossed the finish line through Milpark Education.

Her journey to getting a Bachelor of Business Administration was far from easy. It was a marathon filled with the usual chaos of life—detours of work deadlines, family responsibilities, late-night assignments and studying, not to mention raising two kids through it all—something working mothers understand all too well!

“This is my third try at my degree. The first was straight after school, but financially, I couldn’t finish then. I completed the one-year diploma but left in the second year of the degree. I started working and decided to try through UNISA. Did first level and second level. Then, in the third level, I fell pregnant with my first daughter. I was throwing up in my exam room from the morning sickness, and I was like, okay, we’re not doing this anymore! At that point, I just left, even though I only had ten modules left.”

The comeback lap begins at Milpark

But for Nadia, this was about more than just a qualification. 20 years later, she decided it was time to finish what she started.

“In 2021, I contactedMilpark and sent them all my academic records. Unfortunately, I learned there’s a ten-year limit or a gap/waiting period to complete. I had no credits and had to start from scratch while working, which is what I did.”

Nadia’s greatest challenge was time. Most nights, she only got to sit with her books after 9 or 10 pm. Now that is after a full day at work in her demanding role as the Head of Member Support at a professional body.

“This job is insane regarding the working hours and the number of things you juggle. You get home, and there are home responsibilities, the kids, and they need to go here, there, everywhere! After all that, you also have to find time to do your assignments and tests.”

For Nadia, there were no shortcuts, or as she put it, no “planners, fancy diaries or trackers” to help her manage it all while studying at home online. “It was nothing but a sacrifice for me in terms of time. Long, late nights and very little sleep for three and a half years.”

Crossing the finish line with purpose and pride

Financially, there was no room for failure, which is a good enough motivator; however, more importantly, Nadia recognised the influential role she had on her children and on the many younger members of her team at work. “My kids are in grade 9 and 12 this year. It is a time when they are watching you. So, if you start and get halfway in and give up—what message are you sending? My team as well—same thing. You have this team of 20 people waiting and watching you... A lot of them are studying. They’re all younger than me anyway. Without intending it, you become the ‘if she can do it, we can do it’ example.”

For 20 years, Nadia focused solely on the success of the job that she was in, putting her own goals last. She has now realised the importance of personal growth and development. Her advice:“Whatever you’re doing, do it for yourself first. Focus on yourself, your own personal and professional growth, what truly brings you a sense of personal achievement in your own life. Companies will be there before you and long after you pass through, so you need to make sure that you are responsible for personal growth in every area of your own life.”

The power of formal recognition and personal growth

Nadia may have risen through the ranks based on her knowledge, skills and abilities, but she felt stuck. She felt restricted and unable to explore other opportunities. Despite ample experience, she had no formal qualification to show for it. “People who have not had the experience of working closely with me probably could not understand how at a management level, I could lead customer facing team without what society views as the ‘right qualification’ to back up my experience.

Furthermore, qualifications are needed when it comes to being paid what you are worth. “My manager once told me that I am doing the same work as qualified professionals in our industry – ‘but you won’t earn the same because you are not qualified’. That was definitely food for thought and did sway my decision to go back and try again.”

This programme validated and deepened her professional confidence. “I needed to confirm that I knew what I was doing”

She certainly proved a lot more than that. Nadia not only graduated but also finished third overall in her qualification, an admirable achievement that earned her a special merit award.

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On to the next race

Now, she jokes that she has no choice but to further her studies. “My family and friends are expecting me to go on and do my postgraduate diploma. And I will—but not this year. My daughter is in matric, and I want to be fully present for her.”

If there is a lesson to be learnt from Nadia, it is persistence, not perfection. “It is never easy, but it is worth it. The sense of pride and achievement erases the memory of all the late nights. Being an inspiration to my team, my kids and my family is so heartwarming.”

Nadia stresses the importance of claiming your worth. “It is never too late to finish what you started.” With a Bachelor's degree to complement her rich experience, a world of opportunities lies ahead.

Final Thoughts

Nadia’s journey is a powerful reminder that personal growth and formal education can reignite passion, open new doors, and inspire those around you. Whether it's for your children, your team, or yourself—taking that first step towards self-investment can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Ready to invest in your future like Nadia did? Take the first step towards your own transformation. Apply now and unlock new possibilities with Milpark Education.

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