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Meet Ashleigh Battle | Notable Achiever
In recognition of students who stand out from the crowd, GetSmarter’s Notable Achievers campaign highlights a top-performing student each week.
Entrepreneur and business owner Ashleigh Battle, founder and owner of The Lot and Third Eye Wear, is currently studying the University of Cape Town Property Development and Investment online short course and has been chosen as our Notable Achiever for maintaining a high standard throughout the course.
Her Success Manager nominated Ashleigh due to her consistent performance on the course. Despite the ongoing demands of running and owning her own businesses, Ashleigh managed to maintain a high level of quality on her assignment submissions.
Have you studied an online short course before?
This is the first time I’ve studied online.
Why did you decide to take this course? What did you want to gain from this course?
I took the course to formalise my interest in property development and to gain a deeper and more structured understanding of the industry.
What is it like learning online with GetSmarter?
Learning with GetSmarter has been a very rewarding experience. I’ve managed to fit it into my extremely busy life with relative ease – probably because of how well structured the modules are. From the start of the course I’ve know what is expected of me and when, making studying and assignment submissions easy to plan for.
What were your concerns before enrolling on this course, and how were these alleviated?
My concerns were mostly around time management. Having each module broken down into units with corresponding time allocations has meant that I know in advance what my weekly time commitment looks like and how to fit those units into my daily schedule.
How do you plan to use the skills you learn on this course in your career?
I’ve already started using the skills I’ve learnt in several business plans I’m working on and a current property project.
What does it mean to you to earn a UCT certificate?
It’s a great honour having a certificate of accomplishment and especially when it’s from the number one University in Africa. It will be a proud reminder of my success in this endeavor.
Will you be hanging it up? If so, where?
I have a place ready for it in my office. I think it’s important to have visual reminders in your creative space of both future goals and past accomplishments. You can be proud and humble at the same time.
What is one of your favourite articles on the GetSmarter Career Advice blog?
I recently read “The Difference Between Power And Influence”. In order to engage others in business, you need to be fully engaged yourself. I found this article captured the essence of that concept well.
What is your favourite module in the course so far?
Module 4 on Property Cash Flow and Income was probably one of my favourites. I struggled with it at the time because it was the subject matter I was most unfamiliar with, but received 100% for my submission and felt a great sense of accomplishment.
What advice can you give to others looking to do this course?
Sign up for the next course. There’s no ideal time to take on more responsibility but whether you do or don’t, the same amount of time will pass regardless – just in one version you will have bettered yourself.
In your industry, what are the top three skills or talents that you believe are going to be most critical for success over the next 5 to 10 years?
I think that technology, innovation and sustainability will be key drivers for the industry. I also believe that, due to rapid urbanisation in emerging markets, being able to collaborate as a developer, whether it’s with community, government or other developers, will become more and more important.
With urbanisation, society is moving into smaller spaces in closer proximity to each other and we need to find a way to create greater harmony, sustainability and productivity within new limitations.
Want to accelerate your career and stand out as a GetSmarter Notable Achiever?