Since childhood, Tabea and her parents had shared a dream of her graduation, hoping she would be the first in the family to graduate from university. However, when she matriculated from school there simply wasn’t money available.
Tabea was fortunate to find a job as a receptionist; the dream of graduation and earning a degree felt out of reach. “Reception seemed like a dead end, but it turned out to be a stepping stone.
It’s a doorway to more, a role where everyone in the company gets to know you." Tabea’s potential was noticed, and she secured several promotions, eventually joining GIBB Engineering, where she was seconded to the Gautrain project.
It was at GIBB that Tabea’s educational aspirations were reignited. "One of my managers encouraged me to formalise my years of experience with a qualification. I applied for a bursary and got it, setting me on the path to graduation."
A close friend doing a postgrad recommended Milpark and Tabea enrolled. She was conscious that balancing work, family and undergraduate studies wouldn’t be easy.
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) seemed to offer the perfect solution, with 25 modules and a flexible structure that allowed Tabea her continue working full-time while working towards her graduation.
The journey was far from smooth. "Some days, I was in the office at 4 am, and then I’d head straight to lectures from 6 pm until 9 pm. There were times I felt overwhelmed, but with the support of my husband, employer, family and friends, I kept going."
Tabea committed wholeheartedly; “I loved being in an academic environment, immersing myself with people who inspired me – the lecturers and the other students, most of whom were in similar circumstances to me. There was a lot of guidance and encouragement.”
The demands were high, and sacrifices were necessary. "You can’t accept every invite; I missed weddings and parties. But my manager was supportive, giving me the flexibility I needed.”
When her father died during the final exams Tabea was devastated, "It almost broke my spirit. I questioned if I could finish. But the support from Milpark - staff and fellow students - was incredible, it’s what helped me push through."
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Completing her BBA was a turning point in Tabea’s life – professionally and personally. "As soon as I graduated, I received a promotion and a salary increase. When I updated my LinkedIn profile, new offers started coming in," she says.
The BBA empowered Tabea in ways she hadn’t anticipated. "Graduation taught me that I’m capable of more than I imagined and gave me freedom of choice. I discovered a passion for project management and a love of numbers.
I didn’t know I was good at maths until I passed most of the subjects with distinction. After graduating I went into interviews feeling powerful, knowing my worth."
Tabea's journey isn’t only about her success – it has also inspired her children. "Seeing me achieve graduation made them realise they can too. My son graduated with distinction as a sound engineer, and my daughter is pursuing a degree in biomedicine."
If you are in a similar situation her advice is straightforward: "Don't wait for the perfect moment to start studying; it may never come.
Now is the time to invest in yourself and your future. Whether it’s pursuing graduation through part-time studies, taking advantage of free online courses, working or volunteering to gain experience, you can create your own opportunities."
Now a project administrator at NOVO Energy, Tabea’s journey continues, with her considering pursuing an MBA and ultimately a PhD in Strategic Management.
Tabea Morake’s story is a testament to what can be achieved with enough determination, even when dreams are delayed. Her graduation marked just the beginning, her future is bright.
Her success not only transformed her own life but also inspired those around her, including her children, to reach for their own dreams.
In conclusion, as Tabea looks to the future, with plans to further her education and continue climbing the professional ladder, her story serves as an inspiration to anyone who feels that their dreams may be out of reach. Her graduation was not the end of her journey, but a new beginning—one that promises even greater achievements ahead.
Ready to start your journey to graduation and success? Explore the Bachelor of Business Administration at Milpark Education today or contact Milpark Education to learn more about the 2025 intake. If you want to take the next step in your own journey, don't wait. Apply now at Milpark Education and start creating your own path to success.