You’re done with school and ready to kick-start your career, or you’re already working and want to expand your knowledge. Either way, it’s no secret that one of the best ways to get ahead in today’s competitive workplace is to keep learning. At least 54% of all employees are expected to need to learn new skills by 2022, according to the World Economic Forum’s “The Future of Jobs Report 2018”.
It’s also no secret that tertiary education can come at a high cost. Before you take out credit for an expensive course, you should be able to answer “yes” to one question: Will studying this further my long-term career goals?
Read on for tips to make the right decision.
Do your research
If you’ve recently graduated from school, look into internships or job-shadowing opportunities in the industry you’re curious about. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, particularly about what kind of education will and won’t help you get ahead – many professionals will have had good and bad experiences that they’re willing to share.
If you’re already working, you’ll have the benefit of being able to ask colleagues and managers for advice. Remember that if you’re furthering your knowledge in the same industry as your organisation, it will have a positive impact on your employer. Approach those you trust and look up to for advice.
Start small with online short courses
Educate24 offers a huge range of affordable online courses in a variety of fields. Anyone with a reliable internet connection and a personal computer or tablet will most likely be able to access their course material.
For a self-motivated person who is able to work independently, this is an excellent way to explore new career prospects, skills or industries without too much of an investment. And, if you pay with your Capitec card, you get a 50% discount on the course fee, making it even more affordable.
Deepen your knowledge with industry-specific courses
If you’re already working in your chosen industry, GetSmarter is a great platform to help expand your knowledge and deepen your skills through leading universities.
Their online short courses cover a range of topics and can give you skills that you can immediately integrate into your work or add to your CV, increasing your chances of a promotion.
When you pay with your Capitec card, you get R4 000 off your GetSmarter online short course.
Payment plans
Are you confident that the chosen course will boost your career? Then it’s time to plan how you’re going to fund your education.
- Start by investigating scholarships and look for part-time work to help fund your studies
- If you’re already employed, approach your employer for financial assistance. Make the case that by improving your skills and industry knowledge, you’ll have an influence on the success of your organisation. Approximately 37% of GetSmarter’s students received financial assistance from their employer
- Another option is to find out if you qualify for personal credit to finance your studies. When taking out credit, it is vital to do good research and look at the total cost of credit before you accept an agreement. This includes looking at the interest rate, loan term and repayment plan
Tertiary education can be expensive, so make sure you fully explore your reasons to study and the best funding options for your circumstances before you spend big on your education.
Simplify banking, live better.
Move to immediate savings and follow us on Instagram for more inspiration.
