Online Degree South Africa: Zainub’s Story of Growth and Career Change

When the global pandemic hit 2020, Zainub found herself in a position that would redefine her future. She joined an elite company where she was introduced to a dynamic team of qualified professionals… making her feel like “an outsider”.

This sparked a change, and through the encouragement of her manager, she made a new vow - to return to the books she walked away from decades ago. “People looked at me as if I were a charity case. Only my manager and close office colleagues were exposed to my potential. She believed in my capability to study and encouraged me to create some form of security for myself in my old age. Whatever insecurities I had about myself, she dimmed them.”

Enrolling at Milpark Education gave Zainub more than just a certificate; it gave her the confidence boost she needed. “I always felt small around peers who had a formal education. The idea of getting a degree became an exciting challenge and a personal achievement that had haunted me for years.”

Studying at home online was intimidating for Zainub. She was afraid she would not manage, but her experience with Milpark exceeded her expectations by far. There were late nights, challenges, sacrifices, growth, structure, and success. “I was worried I might not have the same level of interaction as an in-class session. But the best thing was the flexibility and support Milpark offered. Their online learning platform was well-structured, practical, and industry-relevant. Milpark encouraged independent thinking while still being there when support was needed.”

She admits that although people often downplay the value of formal education, calling it “just a piece of paper”, there really is so much more to it. “I used to think I knew accounting. But when you are working through this programme and studying it, you realise you only knew the surface. We’re doing audits, financial reports, working with tax, and everything from the study guides applies. It wasn’t just theoretical, it was real, practical and applicable. I can take my textbook to my manager, suggesting we try one of the methods, and it works.”

When Zainub graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Tax at the end of 2024, she unveiled feelings of fulfillment, stitching together her vast experience and tremendous potential into a formally recognised qualification. “I can hold my head up high. Not for anybody else as much as for myself, to say I have now come full circle.”

Read More: Milpark School of Commerce: transforming education for a digital future

Zainub now finds herself included in management meetings and financial decisions. She joked, referencing The Lion King, “You know the part where Mufasa says, ‘Simba, you must never go there’? That was us in the finance team—we never crossed into the investment department. But now, I do. I ask questions and my input is recognised and appreciated.”

While Zainub envisioned herself in the beautiful world of bridal fashion, she embraced the finance industry and is content, finally feeling like she belongs at the table. “I am open to growth, ideally within my current company. They have been good to me. This qualification has opened more doors for me, even when it comes time to retire.”

Her plan going forward is to build on the foundation she set with Milpark. “I am looking to apply what I learnt in a practical setting, grow professionally, and take on new challenges that push me further. Ultimately, I want to keep learning, developing my skills, and making a meaningful impact wherever I go. With that being said, I would like to acknowledge and thank Milpark Education for creating an institutional platform in which people like myself can still empower ourselves irrespective of our age or circumstances.”