Many a student might think it suicidal to combine a day job with studies. Young adults still in their early 20s, as I am, tend to have less knowledge of themselves, and less focus. And so, pulling off a successful juggling act might well prove more challenging than anticipated.
Against my family’s advice I went ahead and converted my IMM Diploma in Marketing Management to an IMM GSM BBA in Marketing Management while still working at Flow. No easy feat, I soon learned, and I quickly had to revise my idea of time management.
Flow's Zintle Mtyeku recently obtained her IMM GSM BBA in Marketing Management
Looking back there are a few business lessons that stood out from this experience.
1. Human Resources Management taught me the importance of integrating new employees. Job orientation plays a major factor in their performance and satisfaction. If employee and employer expectations are met, a long, happy and successful relationship can be expected.
2. Both financial and management accounting stressed the need to keep company finances updated and accurate, and emphasised that when a company is funded by a combination of long-term loans and shareholders’ capital, it does not mean the company is struggling as the returns tend to be more favourable.
3. Strategic Management taught me that accessing the strengths and weaknesses of both competitors and the organisation can help identify competencies and points of competitive advantage. And, true to one of Flow’s values, our people are our greatest asset. One of the best points of competitive advantage is a company’s workforce.
4. Services Marketing also refers to managing customers and creating a relationship with them. These tips come in handy when tackling my Collective Cow duties.
The great support from management and colleagues at Flow has really helped me make a success of my studies. And it’s great to work for a company that supports and encourages skills development and education.