How the Right Support Helped Sanam Rebuild Confidence

All PGDA students have to juggle the workload, complexity of the course material and assessments. While they are capable, learning styles differ from individual to individual and the IO Learning experience offered by Milpark allows students to manage the pace at which they work, because students should not be at a disadvantage or be punished for having different learning styles.

There is no fear of being put on the spot to answer questions immediately in lectures or for students who need some extra time to process and understand new concepts to fear falling behind.

This was the case for Sanam. As a child, Sanam suffered febrile seizures as a result of an undiagnosed middle ear infection. Because her high fevers kept occurring, Sanam endured fits until she was 8 years old and these had a deep impact on her confidence.

She was made to sit right next to her class teacher at all times; wasn’t always able to keep up with the pace of the class; and was incredibly frustrated as others appeared to grasp new work easily and quickly, while she was left catching up on her own at home.

It seemed that there was no hope for her to achieve something significant in her life. Until a schoolmate’s father shared in class about his experience working as a CA. It was then that Sanam knew what she wanted to do with her life and worked relentlessly all through high school to achieve the best marks possible for accounting.

She went on to finish university, but it wasn’t until she enrolled in the PGDA at Milpark that she has had the kind of support to take control of her own learning and achieve her dreams of becoming a CA.

Just like Sanam, no student should have to complete the PGDA course alone. At Milpark, support isn’t a “nice-to-have”: because it changes outcomes it is a core part of the programme. As Sanam notes, “Milpark wasn’t just an institution, it was a partner.”

Having a clear system and plan helps to reduce any fear that may occur. In addition to the IO Learning experience, Milpark encourages both early and consistent use of the support structures and provides these structures with easy access and a place to become part of a community.

With a Helpdesk available to students, as well as Viva Engage, The CA² Mentorship Programme and the lecturers and staff, there is a comprehensive support system to help every student reach their dream.

Viva Engage: peer support and community

Viva Engage offers students the forum to engage with each other and ask questions. Sanam recalls “late night” queries that were quickly resolved because others who were in the same boat as her were also completing the course and part of a community ready to help each other.

The Helpdesk: clear guidance without judgement

The Helpdesk is available to students 24/7 and, as Sanam explains, she was able to receive clear and detailed explanations without judgement that “calmed her nerves”.

The CA² Mentorship Programme: guidance from Milpark alumni

The CA² Mentorship programme partners Milpark PGDA students with Milpark alumni to guide and support during the course.

Lecturers and staff: encouragement that makes a difference

The lecturers and staff are easily contactable via email and telephone and love to see their students succeed. Sanam’s accounts of the input of her lecturers who were consistently encouraging and empowering, made the difference to her success.

Student well-being is key at Milpark, and providing effective support that is easily available is one of the greatest reasons that students can achieve their goals and complete their courses.

Without this kind of support, PGDA students run the risk of falling behind in their work; feeling isolated and discouraged; and wasting valuable time on re-learning on their own. If you are interested in pursuing your PGDA studies with a team who are determined to see you succeed, take a look at the Milpark online PGDA; explore the PGDA programme page or speak to admissions.

If you want to work with resilience and discipline, gain confidence and feel capable of handling pressure, let Sanam’s experience with Milpark be an example of how any dedicated student, no matter their learning styles or obstacles can be supported to success. Apply today.