Zhanthea’s Journey into Financial Planning with Milpark

Choosing a Different Path

Growing up in Riversdale (Western Cape), Zhanthea was expected to follow her father into teaching. “If your parent was a teacher, it was given that you would become a teacher.” She tried to honour those expectations and spent three years studying, but deep down knew it wasn’t the future she wanted. “I was miserable. It wasn’t for me.”

Leaving that path was one of the hardest decisions she’d ever made. Her family was disappointed, and there was no money available for further studies. But Zhanthea wasn’t giving up. Determined to create her own opportunities, she began volunteering to gain work experience, then took on two entry-level jobs to fund a Business Management course.

Her warmth and work ethic caught attention while working at a local Co-Op, where a bank manager noticed how she engaged with customers. She was offered a job twice – once immediately, and then a year later – and the second time, she knew she was ready.”

Discovering a Future in Finance

At the bank, something clicked. Zhanthea found purpose in helping people understand their finances and make smarter decisions. But the job also brought pressure, and over time, stress began to take a toll on her mental health. “I tried to keep it to myself. You act normal, but you’re not really coping.”

The anxiety made it hard for her to see a way forward. Her husband encouraged her to rethink, reminding her that “failure is a stepping stone to greatness” and that she was capable of much more than she believed at the time. With his support, she realised banking wasn’t the only option. “He pushed me to believe I could do more.” With renewed determination, she explored other avenues, a search which eventually led to Milpark’s School of Financial Services.

From Fear to Confidence with Milpark

Zhanthea had done distance learning before and knew how isolating it could feel. This time, she wanted a learning environment where she wouldn’t be left on her own. That’s why she chose Milpark – for flexibility, a student-centred approach, and programmes recognised by the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) of Southern Africa.

“Milpark understands the needs of working students. If you’re unwell, you can request more time. If you can’t attend live sessions, you can watch recordings. And when you have questions, they get answered quickly.”

She completed the Higher Certificate in Financial Planning, a qualification designed for people entering the insurance and financial planning industries, including those needing FAIS Fit and Proper compliance. Balancing full-time work and studies wasn’t easy. “At times, I wanted to give up. But Milpark was TOPS! I felt seen and supported.”

Graduating gave her more than technical skills. It rebuilt her belief in her own abilities and gave her the confidence to keep moving forward.

Purpose and Possibility

She now works at Hessequa Municipality, where people often turn to her for guidance. “My colleagues come to me for help and advice on money. They don’t know how to manage their finances properly, and I enjoy helping them.”

Her next step? The Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6) “I’ll climb as far as I can go. Milpark has helped me overcome fear and build a foundation for the future.”

Insights From Following Her Own Path

Zhanthea says the most important thing she has learned is to trust yourself. “Never doubt. God placed us here with a purpose, and everyone is unique. Never compare yourself to others.” She’s seen the value of hard work: “Your circumstances don’t define you. Work hard in silence and let your success speak for itself.”

Final Thoughts

Her story shows that courage isn’t the absence of fear – it’s choosing to take a step forward even when the path feels uncertain. With faith, encouragement, and flexible online learning, she turned anxiety into ambition and is building a career she loves.

Is your future in finance? Milpark Education is recognised by the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) of Southern Africa. Explore Milpark School of Financial Services to learn more.

Apply now for Milpark’s accredited higher certificate in Financial Planning and enjoy a flexible immersive online learning experience, with a community that believes in your potential. Milpark’s School of Financial Services offers FPI-recognised programmes from NQF 5 to postgraduate level.