The Merit of Continuous Education: Boitumelo’s Success Story with IIE Rosebank College

Furthering education in today’s job market has become an increasingly important consideration and according to the statistics, its value is more significant as it closes the skills gap and increases employment prospects. Even so, this phenomenon tends to be challenging with many individuals facing difficulties in securing employment due to being perceived as overqualified.

Like many others Boitumelo Malinga succumbed to the irony of being overqualified. A young man who grew up in Germiston, a small town called Albemarle, in the east of Johannesburg. The idea of going to varsity was far-fetched for him after failing matric in 2019. His tenure at IIE Rosebank College, a brand of The Independent Institute of Education (IIE), in 2021 marked the beginning of a surreal and transformative experience.

With 19 distinctions, he graduated with an IIE Diploma in Software Development and went to enhance his skills by pursuing a business analysis qualification, gaining practical experience with an internship at Rocvest. He has always been a firm believer that working while studying is crucial as the experience that comes with that qualifies one to smoothly access the workforce. 

Acknowledging many of the reasons behind being overqualified, namely; higher salary expectation, fear of underutilization which means individuals may worry that their skills and abilities won’t be fully utilized, potentially leading to frustration. While most employers might worry that overqualified employees will leave for better opportunities, resulting in turnover costs and recruitment challenges furthermore some employers might view overqualified candidates as too skills or experienced which leads to concerns about job satisfaction or long-term commitment.

Despite all these challenges, many emerging fields require advanced qualifications specifically in today’s economic standpoint. The benefits thereof are mostly long-term thus furthering one’s studies demonstrate one’s commitment to personal and professional growth which is highly valued in the job market. While on the other side of the spectrum, statistics consistently demonstrate that individuals with higher levels of education tend earn more than those with only basic qualifications in simple terms it leads to better paying jobs and increase financial stabilities.

For Boitumelo, financial stability is more than just a goal but a testament to being aspirational. He emphasized that learning is a continuous journey, and staying educated it’s crucial for remaining relevant, adaptable, and impactful in today’s fast paced world. With experience in networking with peers, professors and industry professionals he understands the value of building connections that can lead to invaluable career growth and job opportunities. He lives by a mantra FAIL TRYING, NOT FAIL TO TRY.

Building on Boitumelo’s insights renowned scholar Claudia Dowsett’s perspective reinforces the significance of furthering education in today’s fast-paced world. Whether advancing in your current field or transitioning to a new one, exploring programs that aligns with your interests and career goals is essential. Consider factors like accreditation when selecting educational institutions and remember that continuous learning and strategic networking can lead to invaluable growth.