Jason Matthee’s Inspiring Comeback with Milpark’s BBA Degree

Alumni Impact

28 Nov 2024

When injuries ended Jason Matthee's professional rugby career at just 21, his lifelong dream of playing for the Springboks suddenly came to a halt. Uncertain what to do next, Jason explored several careers before starting a BBA degree with Milpark.

The online Bachelor of Business Administration degree helped him discover a passion for data and reignited his competitive spirit. Jason graduated with top honours, ranking third in the country. We spoke with Jason to find out what it took for him to turn a career-ending setback into an inspiring success story.

Shattered Dreams

At school, Jason’s primary goal was to play rugby at a national and international level. He had talent and commitment, which earned him a place at the prestigious Sharks Academy in Durban. “I wasn’t focused on anything beyond rugby back then,” he recalls. “I wanted to do well, and as long as I was giving my all to something, my family were happy.”

When injuries prevented from him pursuing the sport professionally, he faced a difficult period of uncertainty. He tried roles in sales, coaching, and even teaching English in China, but none gave him the direction he was looking for.

Finding Direction with Milpark’s BBA Degree

Jason’s wife encouraged him to further his studies. He researched various options, eventually choosing Milpark’s BBA degree. “I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do, but the BBA included a variety of modules – from business management to marketing and HR – and allowed me to explore several fields.”

With a full-time job and married life in the mix, Jason found that online distance learning provided the flexibility he needed. “Milpark’s approach made it possible to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively,” he explains.

He soon realised he had the potential to excel academically, and his competitive spirit kicked in, helping him achieve his goal of graduating with distinction. “Coming third in the country was a huge moment - it showed me I could succeed in anything I put my mind to, far beyond the rugby field.”

Today, as a Business Development Executive at VatIT Stream, Jason continues to leverage the skills and knowledge he gained through the BBA while working towards a career in data science.

Every Day Is An Opportunity

Jason refused to let his past define his future. “At school, I had made little effort academically and didn’t do particularly well. But every day is an opportunity to change your trajectory.”

If you’re unsure of what to do he recommends identifying a potential path, and then giving it 100%, “If somewhere along the road you need to or decide to change direction, don't be afraid to do it.”

For aspiring athletes, Jason feels it’s wise to have a plan B. “There’s a time crunch in professional sport. And you never know when an injury might end your career. With Milpark’s hybrid and part-time online learning options, it’s possible to pursue a sport and study simultaneously. It’s worth giving both your best shot. You can make it work.”

Moving Forward with Confidence

Jason’s journey - from aspiring rugby star to top-ranking BBA graduate - is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. Through Milpark’s BBA degree, he turned a major setback into a stepping stone to a promising future.

Flexible online learning changed Jason’s life and boosted his confidence. “Before the degree, I would still get asked about my matric results, which weren’t great. Graduating with distinction shows that I’m capable of much more than my career history may suggest.”

Ready to Discover Your Path?

For Jason, studying again was the key to helping him uncover his passion and strengths. If you’re ready to explore new directions, Milpark’s Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) offers a versatile foundation, opening doors to a variety of career opportunities across business, finance, and management.

Explore Milpark’s BBA degree programme here or explore more programmes available at Milpark Education and apply for a program that will help inspire your comeback.

Interested in learning more about Jason? Connect with him on LinkedIn - Jason Matthee.