Building a Career in Insurance with Milpark: Marzanne’s Journey

Marzanne soon realised that insurance is more than just a job – it’s a career centred on helping people in times of crisis. “The insurance industry is about being there when people need you most,” she explains.

The temporary post soon turned into a full-time job offer, with one condition: Marzanne needed to qualify to meet the Insurance Industry of South Africa (IISA)’s regulatory requirements. “I looked at various insurance courses and Milpark’s online Higher Certificate in Short-Term Insurance seemed the best option.”

Marzanne enrolled in the course simply to meet compliance requirements; she found the course far exceeded her expectations. “I studied to tick the box for my employer, but I got so much more out of it.” 

The Higher Certificate in Short-Term Insurance (NQF 5) not only allowed Marzanne to meet FAIS Fit and Proper requirements but also qualified her for professional membership with the Insurance Institute of South Africa (IISA) and the professional Licentiate (LIISA) designation. 

“The course also deepened my understanding of statutory requirements and gave me the confidence to better support our clients and the business,” she adds.

Milpark’s flexible online approach was key to Marzanne being able to balance full-time work, studying and family life - even during major challenges, including her daughter’s serious health crisis. She took it day by day and did her best. She was thrilled to graduate, “By God’s grace I came in the top three!” 

She feels the course structure helped keep her on track. “The weekly tasks were ideal. The live interactive training sessions on Teams made it feel like we were in a classroom, even though it was online. Compared to other courses I have done, Milpark’s materials exams were at a much higher standard.”

For Marzanne, working in insurance goes beyond meeting regulatory requirements: “Helping clients when they’re in a predicament, like after an accident or burglary, is the reason I keep coming back to the office,” she says. “We make an impact in people’s lives.”

Her role also includes managing compliance and other responsibilities. “The job is much more than answering phones or processing claims. And I wouldn’t be able to do it without the professional knowledge I gained through Milpark’s short-term insurance course.”

Explore More: Higher Certificate in Short-Term Insurance

Advice for Aspiring Insurance Professionals

If you are considering a career in insurance Marzanne has some practical advice:

• Start with the basics and focus on building a strong foundation.
• Flexible online learning like Milpark makes it easier to juggle work and family responsibilities.
• When it gets tough don’t lose motivation. Reach out for help if you need it, but facing the challenge and beating it is a victory you can’t imagine!
• Take it one day at a time, one client at a time - with care and a cover over your heart. Helping clients during tough times is rewarding but requires empathy and resilience.

Take the Next Step in Insurance with Milpark

Marzanne van Zyl’s inspiring story highlights how resilience, hard work, and the right education can transform a temporary role into a thriving career. Through Milpark Education’s flexible learning, she gained the skills, confidence, and qualifications needed to excel in the insurance industry—all while managing work and family. Get in touch today and explore our programmes.