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Meet Alan Lang | GetSmarter Notable Achiever
In recognition of students who stand out from the crowd, GetSmarter’s Notable Achievers campaign highlights a top-performing student each week.
Alan Lang is currently studying the University of Cape Town Cost and Management Accounting online short course and has been chosen as our Notable Achiever for maintaining a high standard throughout the course.
His Success Manager nominated Alan due to his active participation on the course. He regularly contributes to discussions on the student forums, and even uses his knowledge to assist other students.
Why did you decide to take this course?
I felt the need to educate myself in finance and to and value to my rental business. I have ambitions to achieve an MBA Degree or Honours degree by the time I am 50. I have 6 years to go. My passion is financial markets and mining resources. I need to understand how the stock market works and raising of capital. I want to be in the mining industry, gold, cobalt, diamonds and iron. In order to be there, I need to know the stock market, financial market and be educated in finance basics.
What is it like learning online with GetSmarter?
Interesting, very enjoyable.
What were your concerns before enrolling on the UCT Cost and Management Accounting course?
Time availability was a huge concern. I am working around it to complete all the modules on time. Time management is important, and commitment.
How do you plan to use the skills you learn on this course in your career?
As indicated above, get involved in the stock and financial markets and then in mining. Raising capital to fund projects in mining and agriculture.
What does it mean to you to earn a UCT certificate?
It is all for myself, it is proof that I can start a project see it through and complete the project. It will be certification to myself, and UCT is the University of my choice. I always wanted to go and study at UCT, but money didn’t allow me and then priorities were in other places. I am now focused on what I want to achieve and where I want to go. It’s never too late to start.
Will you be hanging it up? If so, where?
This is interesting question. I spend most of my time at work, so I will put it in my office, on my wall of achievements. I want to see it every day and I want other people to see. It is to motivate myself and then also people that walk into my office. It will be an achievement for me, and achievements need to be displayed. I can inspire other people through it, and more importantly inspire my staff.
What is one of your favourite articles on the GetSmarter Career Advice blog?
Two Page Plan For Personal And Professional Success.
What is your favourite module in the course so far?
It has to be Valuation of Business Decisions, still to come in Module 8.
Our Student Success Team identified you as being an outstanding student. Why do you think you are a Notable Achiever and what advice can you give to others looking to do this course?
Commitment to my end goal. I have a clear plan and vision of what I want to achieve. It is all about me, no one else. Advice: Be clear on who you are, where you want to go, what you want to achieve. Once you know this, choose the correct course to steer you in the direction, you can make changes as you go along the route, life changes every day. Keep focused on the end result. Set your mind to the end result, believe in yourself and you will achieve the result.
Want to accelerate your career and stand out as a GetSmarter Notable Achiever?