Studying a business management certificate is an excellent choice for those who want to pursue a career in business.
This business qualification equips you with a comprehensive set of skills, including business communication, marketing, and finances, and it also teaches you the necessary abilities to pursue entrepreneurship.
REGENT offers a Higher Certificate in Business Management that gives you everything you need to enter the world of business, finances, marketing, and administration.
In this article, we examine this qualification, its benefits, and the careers you can pursue with it.
What is a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
A Higher Certificate (HC) in Business Management is an undergraduate qualification that equips students with the skills to attain entry-level positions in the business world, such as Administrative Assistant or Customer Service Representative.
It gives students a well-rounded education in managing a company—from financial, human, and physical resources.
In addition to an HC in Business Management, there are several other certificates to study if you are interested in entering a particular field. These include:
- HC in Accounting
- HC in Entrepreneurship
- HC in Retail Management
- HC in Marketing Management
- HC in Supply Chain Management
- HC in Human Resource Management
- HC in Management for Estate Agents
- HC in Islamic Finance, Banking and Law
- HC in Healthcare Service Management
- And more
What are the benefits of studying for a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
There are many reasons you should consider getting a higher certificate in business. Not only do these qualifications open the door to different career paths, but they also give you the chance to study further. Let us look at all the benefits in detail.
1. Enhances employability
It is easier to get a job when you have a qualification than if you do not. According to research, the unemployment rate for South Africans who only have matric (no tertiary education) is 36.5%, while that of persons with tertiary qualifications is only 23.2%.
This means having a certificate, diploma, or degree increases your chances of finding a job. These qualifications provide business skills and a deeper understanding of the industry and role.
For example, those with a Higher Certificate in Business Management learn business terminology and strategy, data interpretation, and essential financial management.
These skills will give you a competitive advantage over other job candidates.
2. Different career opportunities
You can also enter several careers since this qualification allows you to learn about multiple disciplines. This means you will likely be able to enter careers in finance, marketing, project management, operations, human resources, and more.
3. Provide students with soft skills
Regardless of your higher certificate, the qualification will also equip you with soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Employers highly seek these skills—increasing your chances of getting a job.
4. Higher salary potential
Employees with qualifications are often paid higher salaries than those without. In many cases, it takes people who do not have these qualifications several extra years to earn the same wages as they are required to build their experience.
On the other hand, those with a higher certificate or other qualification can often enter a career and earn more from the start. However, this is not always the case; experience should never be overlooked.
However, having both specific training (i.e., a qualification) and experience in your chosen field is a recipe for success.
5. Opens the door to further studies
After completing a business certificate, you can study further and pursue a diploma or degree.
Sometimes, a higher certificate can provide the initial qualification you need to enter the job market without costing a large sum of money.
Then, after a couple of years of working and gaining experience, you can pursue further studies to help you attain management roles. Some institutions, like REGENT, also allow you to study through distance learning, meaning you can work while studying.
6. Entrepreneurial skills
This certificate includes training on starting and operating a business, which is highly beneficial if you want to become a business owner.
You will learn all the skills necessary to manage a business, from identifying business opportunities, basic financial planning, marketing your business, and more.
What jobs can you get with a business management certificate?
As mentioned above, higher certificates are excellent for giving you the foundational skills to enter entry-level positions. Depending on the company that hires you, you will likely get hired into a lower-paying position and have to work your way up into management roles.
Here is a list of some of the entry-level positions you may qualify for upon completing your Higher Certificate in Business Management:
- Administrative Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Sales Coordinator
- Marketing Assistant
- Junior Business Analyst
- Human Resource Assistant
- Project Coordinator
- Operations Assistant
- Office Manager
- Retail Store Supervisor/Assistant Manager
- Accounts Administrator
- Executive Assistant
- Financial Service Assistant
- Social Media Coordinator
- Front Desk Coordinator
FAQ
What are the entry requirements for a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
Entry requirements for an HC in Business Management range based on the institution. As for REGENT, admission requirements for this certificate are as follows:
- A National Senior Certificate with minimum higher certificate admission
- A relevant NQF4 level qualification
Is a Higher Certificate in Business Management worth it?
A Higher Certificate in Business Management is worth it if you want a successful business career. This qualification gives you the basic skills to operate a business—whether it is your own company or someone else’s.
Not only will you learn business communication and management skills, but you will also learn additional skills, such as:
- Financial management
- Marketing management
- Entrepreneurship
As a result of these abilities, you can step into entry-level business roles or start your own business.
What skills will I learn in a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
The exact skills you will learn during your studies depend on the precise institution and programme. However, most business management certificates will teach you:
- Business fundamentals
- Management and leadership
- Financial literacy
- Marketing and sales
- Communication
- Project management
- Human resource and people management
- Entrepreneurial skills
Study a business management course with REGENT
An HC in Business Management offers many benefits, including increasing your employability, higher salary potential, and the opportunity for further studies.
You can look at REGENT’s Higher Certificate in Business Management here to learn more about this programme and what you can expect.
