If you are interested in pursuing a business career and want to work your way up into managerial positions by gaining practical experience, a Higher Certificate in Business Management could be an excellent option.
This qualification equips you with key business management knowledge and teaches you transferable skills that can be used in different business roles.
In this article, we will examine this qualification, the careers you can pursue with it, and details about entry requirements so you can decide if this is the right programme for you.
What is a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
A Higher Certificate (HC) in Business Management is an entry-level business qualification that equips students with business management fundamentals, including:
- Financial Management
- Marketing Management
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Information Systems
- Project Management
- And more
It typically takes one year to complete, and graduates can apply for entry-level roles upon completion.
Some of the main benefits of a Higher Certificate in Business Management include:
- Flexibility: Since the programme teaches students various skills, they can apply for jobs in different business departments, including marketing, finance, business management, and more.
- Develops entrepreneurial skills: This certificate is great for students interested in starting their own business since it teaches them everything they need to know to grow and run a business.
- Transferable skills: You will learn transferable skills you can use across different industries, opening the door to many current and future job opportunities (even ones that may not exist yet).
- Higher earning potential: Even at entry-level positions, having a certificate can increase your starting salary and set you up for steady growth.
What jobs can I get with a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
This qualification opens the door to many entry-level positions in the business sector. Let’s look at different industries and roles you can apply for.
Administrative and office roles
- Administrative Assistants are responsible for organising and scheduling meetings. They also have to prepare reports and presentations on behalf of managers. As such, this is a great entry-level role that can advance into a management position later on.
- Office Coordinators must ensure office efficiency by managing supplies and coordinating office events. They are also responsible for liaising with service providers and office facilities.
Sales and customer service
- Sales Representatives are mainly responsible for selling products and services to customers — on-site or over the phone. You will be required to meet sales targets and build relationships with customers.
- Retail Supervisors manage store operations and are responsible for supervising staff, handling stock, and creating sales reports.
Finance and accounting support
- Accounts Clerks are responsible for managing invoices, payments, and financial transactions. They often need to assist accountants with bookkeeping and handling tax documents.
- Payroll Assistants process salaries, bonuses, and tax deductions under the supervision of managers. They often also help resolve payroll-related queries or problems.
Marketing and digital media
- Social Media Coordinators create content for social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. They need to engage with followers and build the company’s reputation online.
- Marketing Assistants work under the direction of Marketing Managers and support marketing campaigns and advertising events. They conduct market research and competitor analysis to help managers develop better strategies.
You can also find jobs in other business industries, such as human resources and supply chain. But keep in mind that you will likely need to start in an entry-level role and gain experience to advance into higher-level positions.
Employers often find experience equally as important as qualifications. So, if you can combine your education with practical experience, you can pave the way to a highly successful career in business.
Which is Better, a Higher Certificate or Diploma?
When it comes to choosing between a higher certificate and diploma, it ultimately comes down to you and what you hope to achieve with your qualification.
Higher certificates typically only take one year to complete and are skills-focused, meaning you will gain specific abilities in a particular field.
Conversely, diplomas take 2-4 years to complete and provide more in-depth knowledge in a specific field.
Higher certificates are great for entry-level roles and an excellent choice if you want to complete your studies and find a job quickly, while diplomas are suitable for more specialised roles. Both options also open the door to further studies.
FAQ
Who should enroll in a Higher Certificate in Business Management?
An HC in Business Management is an excellent option for school leavers who are interested in the business industry and want to start working as soon as possible.
It is also an excellent option for those interested in entrepreneurship since it provides foundational business knowledge in several key areas to help them launch and grow a startup.
What subjects are covered in the course?
The exact subjects covered in the course will depend on the institution you choose. At REGENT, some of the core modules include:
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Business Management
- Business Information Systems
- And more
However, you may find different core subjects at other universities.
What are the entry requirements for the programme?
The entry requirements depend on the institution. However, typically, the university will require you to have a high school diploma or an equivalent NQF4 qualification. Some universities may also require you to have certain marks in different subjects to qualify.
Start a business career by studying with REGENT
Now that you have a better understanding of this qualification, the careers you can pursue with it, and the entry requirements, you can decide if this is the right option for you.
If you would like to learn more about REGENT’s accredited business qualifications, including the Higher Certificate in Business Management, visit our course page.
