From a Receptionist to a Career in Investment Management

When Samantha's parents encouraged her to pursue a qualification, the choice seemed obvious. After some research, it was clear that investment management aligned perfectly with her work. "I thought if I wanted to give myself a better chance of growing, then I might as well just start now and see where it takes me."

A colleague who had studied through Milpark Education while working full-time recommended the institution. He praised how the programme provided broad understanding of the industry while exposing students to concepts beyond their daily responsibilities.

The deciding factor was practical: Milpark offered the BCom in Investment Management part-time, while other institutions didn't. "I'm not one to just sit around and wait for things to get done. I like a stimulating challenge."

Beyond availability, Milpark's support structure stood out. "You get one-on-one lectures or tutors who help you with certain things. You get exam study notes for each chapter or each topic. It's more personal rather than being left on your own with a textbook."

Two months into her receptionist role, Samantha overheard colleagues discussing the RE5 regulatory exam. Everyone warned her that it was difficult, that most people failed their first attempt.

Samantha took it on, determined to prove a point. She studied the legal terms and financial acts despite having no background in the field. She passed on her first attempt.

"I think that's what kind of lit the fire under me to pursue challenges whilst working full time. It was to prove to myself that I can actually overcome any challenge."

Time management soon became Samantha's biggest challenge. As she progressed through her degree, her job responsibilities increased. "My job role didn't stay the same throughout my study career. I progressed quickly and took on more responsibility, not because it was forced onto me, but because I asked for it."

She admits to procrastinating, often leaving assignments and tests to the last minute. The trade-offs were tough. While friends enjoyed summer holidays and weekend plans, Samantha studied. "I had to say no. I had to be disciplined and stick to my commitments."

Four years felt like forever at the start. Her first year proved particularly tough. She experienced the standard student struggles. Coming from studying in the United States where she could briefly read summaries and ace tests, South African academic standards required genuine effort.

"I had some low moments where I cried while studying and felt like I had no idea what I was doing or how to understand a module.” Now, smiling confidently she says, "I can't believe it's been four years already."

But something shifted during her tertiary studies — the ability to learn, understand the material, and readily apply it at work created momentum. Working while studying offered distinct advantages. Theory immediately connected to practice. Concepts from textbooks appeared in client meetings. Management classes that initially seemed irrelevant became essential as she took on team responsibilities.

The daily practice of application proved invaluable. "When I’m sitting in client meetings, I can actually contribute to a conversation and understand what's being spoken about. I'm not sitting there looking lost."

The more she grew, the higher she aimed, successfully too. "I got to a stage where I knew I passed an exam, but it wasn't the pass that I was aiming for. I wanted a distinction."

Milpark's study materials supported this application-focused approach. "The study notes that the tutors provided outlined the most important points for each chapter." When she struggled with concepts, recorded webinars on the Milpark portal provided clarity that textbooks alone couldn't offer.

Capta Wealth operates differently from typical financial services firms. Founder Farrell Mitchell created a comprehensive offering that combines wealth management, foreign exchange, fiduciary planning with an in-house attorney, and short-term insurance. Clients don't visit seven different companies for services.

Mitchell's guiding principle stuck with Samantha: a client once told him not to propose investments available online from any platform. "Give me something that I would have never thought about on my own, and that I can't just pull off the shelf."

The company has never advertised. Growth comes purely through word-of-mouth and referrals based on service quality. Samantha wants to continue this approach. "I want to keep providing bespoke investments to clients that your typical advisor or manager would not think of."

The work extends far beyond managing money. "It's building long-lasting relationships with clients." She's heard the founder field calls asking his opinion on buying cars or planning holidays.

"It's much more personal than what this industry leads it on to be. It's helping solve problems and finding solutions so that clients don't find themselves in a predicament at retirement."

Some conversations aren't easy. Clients with substantial wealth sometimes spend recklessly. "We have to be that voice of reason. Sometimes we have to give them the bigger picture and remind them that their money won’t last if they continue down a certain path."

One principle is non-negotiable with all clients: honesty, even if the client moves on to another service provider. Providing financial advice on wealth management means little if it’s only about commission. Samantha is inspired by the founder and team’s commitment to always act in the best interest of the client, and further training helps her do just that.

Read More: Happy’s Rise in Investment Management with Milpark

Samantha's guidance focuses on mindset: "Enjoy learning. I think a lot of times when we study, we're just trying to get through the tests and assignments and exams."

She encourages genuine understanding. "Really grasp what's being put in front of you. You might not apply it now or in five years, but in ten years’ time you could be managing a team of ten people."

Her personal motto helps during difficult moments: "There's always light at the end of the tunnel. So just look for it. When you go through those dark days wondering how you’re going to get through all this, it's always there."

After completing her Bcom Degree in Investment Management, Samantha plans to pursue the CFP qualification in 2026. Her vision extends beyond personal achievement.

She wants to bring better financial understanding to more South Africans. "When I first started at this company, I didn't even know that people utilize these kinds of services. My parents never had a financial advisor."

Now she has learned that even basic financial planning holds relevance and benefits for everyone. Helping others do well with financial planning skills feels meaningful. "Now I feel like I've got purpose in life with this job and also while studying. I had (and have) a reason to better myself."

Ready to pursue your qualification while building your career? Explore Milpark Education's financial services programmes designed for working professionals who want both practical experience and academic credentials.

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