20 June 2024
Written by Milpark
“You will only realise this later in life, but always listen to your parents, they know what they’re talking about”, says 19-year-old 1st year BCom Accounting student Janke Joubert. She sat down with us to share her experience at Milpark Education and emphasised that achieving success requires hard work and balance, not luck.
Janke's remarkable accomplishment of securing a spot among the top 10 achievers during her first year of pursuing her BCom Accounting serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration to many current and prospective students.
I’m originally from Tzaneen in Limpopo and I matriculated at Merensky Agricultural Academy. Last year, I made the move to Nelspruit, and now I'm living on my own. I'm just beginning to figure out what it's like to be an "adult" in this world.
Luckily, I have some family close by in Nelspruit, so I don't feel completely alone.
I've got two awesome sisters; one is in Grade 12 and the other is in Grade 9. I'll admit, I can be a bit of a perfectionist, and my guess is that is why balancing numbers is important to me.
It's quite funny to think back to when I was in Grade 7 and first learned about the difference between an asset and an expense. At the time, I didn't grasp the concept at all. Accounting wasn't even on my radar. But something shifted, and by the time I reached Grade 9, I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in accounting.
That's why I decided to enroll in the BCom in Accounting program. It also gives you such a broad insight into the field and from there you’re able to decide which direction you want to venture into, and I absolutely love it.
Read More: BCom student: ‘Milpark really is the most flexible institution
At first, I was considering studying full-time at either TUKS (University of Pretoria) or North-West University (Potch). However, after speaking to a few people, they advised me that within our industry, it would be better to study while gaining practical experience.
My current manager recommended that I look into Milpark Education for their Bcom Accounting, and once I did, I didn’t regret my decision at all. Milpark is so organized, everyone is involved, the lecturers are supportive, and the hands-on approach is incredible. I believe I made the best choice.
I firmly believe that balance is key. I make an effort to maintain a social life while juggling all my responsibilities, but I know that hard work and balance are essential. I have 5 modules per semester, and each semester spans 12 weeks. What I do is cover one module per night throughout the week, which requires a lot of study time.
I find it much easier to make my own notes at my own pace, so that when exams come around, it's not as overwhelming. This approach has helped me get through everything.
Oh, before all of this happens, I have a cup of tea, watch an episode of Friends – it helps, believe me!
It's all about sticking to deadlines. I'm super busy with VAT processing at work, and deadlines are a big deal in this field. You've got to stay on top of things. Deadlines always keep me on my toes, but I love the adrenaline rush of getting things done one after the other. It's what makes me love my job so much.
Oh, that’s a resounding yes!
The tuition is fully online, which is extremely convenient. The security measures they have in place for exams are great because there’s no way anyone could cheat, making it fair for every student. The lecturers put in a lot of effort, and their communication with the students is incredible. You can see that they really want you to succeed in the way they operate. Milpark for the win!
I was discussing with my colleagues the other day about the idea of integrating more practical accounting elements into our school systems. This could involve working on the actual systems used in the workplace, making things much easier for students when they reach tertiary level or enter the workforce.
If we can be taught the basics of filing tax returns or the basic VAT calculations, it can help many budding entrepreneurs to start and succeed in their business endeavors. A little help can make a big difference.
One of my greatest joys is cooking and baking. It's always been my dream to open a pastry and coffee shop where people can come to experience a peaceful and tranquil ambiance, and simply enjoy a delightful cup of coffee and a sweet treat!
It may sound cliché, but mother knows best. You will only realise this later in life, but always listen to your parents. They know what they're talking about. For me, I am convinced that everything that comes out of their mouths is and was the best advice.
This young and passionate Milparker is well on her pursuit of establishing some deep footprints within the accounting arena. Well done, Janke, and thank you for choosing us. We’ve got you, and you’ve certainly got this! Visit the Milpark website and apply for a BCom Accounting or a program that will help you achieve success.