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Meet Eduardo Fernandes | Notable Achiever
In recognition of students who stand out from the crowd, our Notable Achievers campaign highlights a top-performing student each week.
Eduardo has just completed the UCT Supply Chain Management online short course and has been chosen by our Student Success Team for being a top achiever in the course and for maintaining consistency throughout his learning experience.
Here’s what he had to say about his experience:
Why did you decide to take the UCT Supply Chain Management online short course?
With nearly 15 years in the road transportation industry as a managing director and with no further education beyond high school, aside from a wealth of experience, I’ve had a burning desire to start the journey to gaining more knowledge from a more theoretical perspective. The UCT Supply Chain Management online short course afforded me the opportunity to learn more about what I value most, the efficient flow of business activities to gain a competitive advantage adding to customer value, with very little disruption to my daily life.
What were your concerns before enrolling on the course? How were your concerns alleviated and why?
I would have to say my biggest concern, stemmed from the challenge I’d be facing by “going back to school” after 21 years and how I would manage. Soon after the course had started, I realised that I had the support of a professional team of experts with our success manager and tutor that are passionate about their students and that I could count on them to alleviate any anxieties I had.
What aspects did you enjoy about learning online with GetSmarter?
The ability to interact with my fellow classmates and tutor in discussions, questioning their research and perspectives was for me an aspect that I thoroughly enjoyed. In respect to these discussions and debates, so much more value was added to the learning experience, it wasn’t just a regurgitation of the learning material but rather a colourful mixed bowl of ideas and information.
How do you plan to use the skills you learnt on this course in your career?
Firstly, I’ll have to say that by doing this course, it’s given me the confidence and motivation to pursue a formal tertiary education. The skills I’ve learnt will be invaluable on my career path as it adds so much more credibility to the experience I’ve gained. The Supply Chain Management online short course has been the stepping stone that I’ve needed to validate the future of my career allowing me to add value to any business.
What does it mean to you to earn a UCT certificate?
As bluntly as possible, it’s awesome! It means a tremendous amount to me knowing that I’ve been accredited with a certificate from one of the top educational institutions on the African continent.
Will you be displaying your certificate?
Without a doubt! It’s a huge achievement to me, by displaying my certificate, if anything, it will be more motivation to excel in all that I do.
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?
I’m humbled being identified as a Notable Achiever. When I decided to do this course I told myself that, “I’m doing this wholeheartedly to achieve the best that I can.” I believe that it was this attitude that was vital in having been honoured as a Notable Achiever. If there’s any advice I can give to others looking to do this course, it would have to be,
- Set your goals as early on as possible and strive to achieve them on a weekly basis
- Interact with your classmates and tutor on the discussion forums as often as possible, you’ll learn from them and they’ll learn from you
- Lastly, have fun!