10 September 2024
Written by Milpark
Further education can be a life-changing decision, as demonstrated by Kutlwano Raborife. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (graduated in April 2024) from Milpark, her first formal degree at the age of 40.
With an exuberant energy and determined mindset, Kutlwano is the perfect example of defying the myth that there is an age limit to achieving your educational dreams.
Kutlwano currently works as a Stakeholder Relations Manager at a well-known medical aid provider, where she feels what she learnt during her degree is being put to good use. She shares how she found the motivation to study while juggling other responsibilities and how this degree has paid off for her.
“I matriculated in 2000 in Meadowlands, a township in Soweto. I had no options to further education.” Kutlwano’s mother was unemployed and she had no idea that financial aid was an option for people with her background. She entered the workforce as a telesales consultant for a gym, putting her initial dream of becoming a chartered accountant on hold.
“I then joined Discovery Health in 2004 and that is where my career in healthcare/financial services began.” This exposure to the financial services/medical aid industry led to a shift in her career focus. Kutlwano then decided to complete an Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning in 2018, her first qualification achieved at Milpark South Africa.
This was just the beginning; Kutlwano grabbed the opportunity to advance her already exciting career by enrolling in the Bachelor of Business Administration course not long after completing her certificate. By investing in further education, she strengthened her expertise and opened up new career possibilities.
Kutlwano has always had a vision of her life being one of achievement and significance. Gaining a formal tertiary qualification was a step she took with faith that this would refine her and contribute greatly to her aspiration to be a strong leader within her industry.
Kutlwano’s list of what she hoped to achieve with her BBA is extensive and inspiring. “To have a formal qualification, to broaden my horizon, to position myself as an attractive candidate in the workplace with both the experience and education, to be the first one in my family to reach such an educational milestone.”
The support and structure provided by the Milpark team during Kutlwano’s pursuit of further education pushed her to not only finish her degree but complete it with Distinction. Regular check-ins by staff helped her feel safe and seen during her studies, as it personalised her learning environment and encouraged her.
“I really appreciated the continuous support. The weekly assignments and tests were a continuous reminder of why I started and provided no opportunity for procrastination. Any missed assignment or test would be a step back.”
While she battled with network issues at times due to travelling to remote areas, which is part of her job, she always had a backup plan to ensure she completed all assignments and tests on time, every time.
“The way the programme is designed, focusing on one module at a time, enables students to excel.”
Read More: From Receptionist to Graduate: Tabea Morake’s BBA Journey
Milpark was the ideal environment for Kutlwano to cultivate a healthy work-life-study balance. She also emphasises the importance of support from her family, employer and herself – in the form of self-discipline.
Weekends were strictly managed for Kutlwano to make time for her studies as well as her family. This is an exemplary example of what Milpark strives for, which is authentic leadership development. She remained focused on her long-term goals, even if it meant the short-term sacrifice of other important aspects of her life.
Kutlwano carries a sense of certainty about her when she speaks about what’s to come. She acknowledges that this would be impossible if not for her journey with Milpark and her pursuit of further education.
“I graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with Distinction. I achieved my dream. I believe this has made me attractive in the marketplace. It has given me a competitive advantage. My siblings look up to me and I inspire my children.”
A natural-born leader, she is on a path to hopefully take on a leadership role in her current company. Kutlwano’s experience with further education at Milpark has proven to exponentially effective in her current role and she looks forward to other ways it will benefit her in the future.
Having been bit by the bug to study further, she would also like to pursue a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration and an MBA. “Milpark is the first institution that comes to mind. There is no stopping now; not when I have this momentum.”
Kutlwano is an ambassador for the saying, “It is never too late to get started”. However, she does encourage those who can chase their dreams of further education as soon as possible.
“Start as early as you can with pursuing your dream. Pursue your further education aspirations in your youth. It is harder to study when you are older but the results are worth it.”
Kutlwano Raborife made the life-changing decision to pursue a Bachelor’s degree well into her career. Here are her tips for those considering doing the same:
Kutlwano Raborife’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and life-changing impact of further education. Her journey shows us that it is never too late to acheive your dreams and advance your career.
If you’re ready to take the next step and unlock new opportunities, Milpark Education is here to help. Find out more about our Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting here or apply now to join one of Milpark's programmes and start shaping your own path to success.