Siya Said It, She Did It: Tarryn Harty's CTA Comeback

Shortly after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, Tarryn stumbled upon a Facebook video of Siya Kolisi. “He spoke about how he never let his circumstances stop him. He kept working and didn’t let anything hold him back. I realised I had no excuse - I had to show up for myself.”

Inspired by Siya’s determination, Tarryn started researching study options. “At first, it seemed all was lost. My previous institution wouldn’t allow me back into Honours because of the three-year gap rule. Full-time university wasn’t an option. Then I found Milpark’s flexible, fully online options - confirmation there was another chance.”

Watch the video that changed Tarryn’s mindset: Siya Kolisi - From Humble Beginnings.

After almost 10 years away from studying, Tarryn found her footing with Milpark’s SAICA-accredited Bridging Course. “I got honest with myself; my earlier failure wasn’t about intelligence; it was about time - I hadn’t put in enough effort.”

Tarryn credits the Advanced Accounting Bridging Course for setting her up for success with the PGDA. “The course was fun – it filled gaps I didn’t even know I had. I realised there is a huge jump between your accounting degree and post-grad. In undergrad, you just learn the work. In the PGDA you have to apply it – it’s a big shift.”

Excelling in the Bridging Course - earning distinctions in three modules and achieving second in Financial Reporting - restored her confidence. The structured weekly content also helped her stay on track. “If you get a whole year’s material at once, it’s overwhelming. Milpark releases a week’s content at a time so you know exactly what you must do and when.”

For Tarryn, the half workload PGDA option has been another game-changer. “Splitting the PGDA over two years, instead of one, is answered prayer.”

Explore Milpark’s SAICA-accredited Advanced Accounting Bridging Course and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA/CTA).

Tarryn found that the School of Professional Accounting (incorporating CA Connect) provides systems and support to help her succeed. “My previous experience of distance learning was very much at a distance. With Milpark, it’s contact online. It’s completely different.”

Milpark’s flexible, interactive approach to studying accounting online allows Tarryn to:

• Join live weekly sessions. “You see lecturers every week in live sessions and videos. You feel like you know them.”
• Book private consultations with lecturers when needed.
• Ask and answer questions on the Viva Engage platform.

Although she hasn’t needed them, she values knowing that Milpark’s Student Success & Wellness Team is available for work-life balance, time management and personal challenges. “It’s reassuring to know the support is there when you need it.”

Meet the mental health professionals in Milpark’s Student Success & Wellness Team.

For Tarryn, Siya Kolisi’s words rang true: “Your past doesn’t have to define you”. She now believes that the right mindset, hard work, and support are the keys to achieving your dreams. Her advice to future students is simple: “Start now, it’s never too late. You can be 35 with Honours or 35 without it - the time will pass anyway.”

She encourages other students to make the most of the support available:

• Follow the weekly schedule - it keeps you on track.
• Book sessions with lecturers when you need help.

“If you’re not sure if you are ready for a PGDA/CTA, start with the Bridging Course, it’s incredibly well designed and makes it much easier.”

“If I hadn’t found Milpark, I wouldn’t be on this journey to becoming a CA(SA). Now, I’m exactly where I want to be.” We wish her all the best.

Have you taken a break and are ready to restart your accounting journey? Explore Milpark’s SAICA-accredited, fully online accounting programmes today.