Milpark | Happy’s Rise in Investment Management with Milpark

Resilient Foundations

Although Phiwokuhle attended poorly resourced schools in Vryheid, rural KwaZulu-Natal, her natural academic ability and the dedication of her teachers helped her achieve excellent matric results.

As the eldest child and the first in her family to attend university, responsibility came early. “My dad worked for a mine in Johannesburg. When he lost his job, I became the main breadwinner.”

At that time, Phiwokuhle was a student. The demands of work meant she could no longer study full-time. Instead, she completed her degree through distance learning – an early sign of the discipline and drive that would carry her through greater challenges.

Study Struggles

Phiwokuhle found studying part-time difficult, particularly when it came to taxation and auditing. “Auditing is something else,” she laughs. “I tried several times and just wasn’t getting it right.”

Instead of giving up, she changed direction - switching to a BCom in Management.

“Once you start something, don’t quit. Even if it feels minor, once you give up, you’ll never finish anything. Not me. I’m not going to quit – I’ll carry on, even if the path changes.”

After graduating, Phiwokuhle joined a leading private bank. Her career continued to blossom. Then came new trials; she contracted Covid-19, lost a lung and suffered heart complications. Even so, she kept moving forward – demonstrating the same resilience that defined her earlier studies.

Discovering a Passion for Investment

Working in banking opened Phiwokuhle ’s eyes to the world of investment management. “It was exciting to attend meetings with brokers and investment managers. I wanted to learn more.”

Still the family's breadwinner, Phiwokuhle knew a postgraduate qualification could open doors to new opportunities. She paid her registration fees and applied for a bursary through her employer – only to be declined. “They only funded bursaries for undergraduate courses. I’d have to pay out of pocket or lose my registration money. It was give up or tighten my belt, and I didn’t quit.”

After researching options, Phiwokuhle chose to study Milpark’s Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Management through the School of Financial Services – a leap of faith that paid off. Through Milpark, she developed a deeper understanding of investments and regained confidence in her ability to learn, even while confronting yet another life-threatening illness.

Read more about how Milpark Education is Shaping Tomorrow’s Investment Management Leaders.

Online Learning with a Difference

Having tried distance learning before, Phiwokuhle was apprehensive. But Milpark’s fully online, supported approach soon proved different. She found the flexibility she needed to balance study, work, and family. “Most lectures were after work, from 6 to 8 or 8:30 pm.”

She also learned to plan and focus effectively. “Milpark taught me how to manage my time and schedule study sessions when it suited me.” What stood out most was the support. “At Milpark, when you need help, you raise your hand, and someone assists you.”

When she fell seriously ill, that support became deeply personal. “Amelia Johnson, our course coordinator, was an angel sent by God. She checked in while I was in the hospital and arranged my online test when I was able to complete it. I’ll never forget that.”

That compassion and structure helped Phiwokuhle keep going - even after losing her left kidney - and strengthened her belief that with the right support, anything is possible.

What made Milpark different for Phiwokuhle:

Flexible live and recorded classes that fit her schedule
Immediate feedback and guidance from lecturers and peers through Viva Engage
A genuine community of support
Structured tools to help manage time and stay disciplined

Experience flexible, supported online learning with Milpark’s School of Financial Services — designed for finance professionals balancing work, study, and life.

An Investment in Professional Confidence

Today, Phiwokuhle applies her knowledge as a Private Wealth Advisor - a role that demands technical insight and strong communication skills. “When you sit with a client, you need to answer confidently. Clients trust you when they see you know what you’re talking about.”

Her Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Management gave her both the confidence and credibility to excel in a field still largely dominated by men. It also reignited her academic ambitions - her next goal is a Master of Commerce. “With Milpark, I’ve learned how to do research. I feel ready to do my Master’s.”

Final Thoughts

Her advice to others is to be honest with themselves. “Look at where you are weak, try your best, and if you don’t improve, find something that interests you. Don’t force something that doesn’t fit. It’s okay to change direction – just don’t quit. Find what excites you and give it your all.”

After all, as her story demonstrates, when quality education combines with determination, anything becomes possible. Find out how Milpark’s Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Management equips professionals to advance their careers in the dynamic financial services industry.

Ready to invest in your own growth? Explore how Milpark’s School of Financial Services can help you advance your career in banking, investment, or financial planning.

Happy’s Rise in Investment Management with Milpark