What is an Internal Auditor?

An Internal Auditor has the very responsible job of researching, evaluating and improving strategies to manage risk, control and governance within a company or organisation.

What does an Internal Auditor do?

• researches company’s business data (taxation, legal matters, performance evaluations etc)
• researches company’s financial data (cost accounting, taxation, budgeting, etc)
• researches company’s computer records etc
  
• provides an independent review of company risk, control and governance strategies and processes
• identifies key risk factors
• makes sure risks are effectively managed
• advises managers on control strategies
• reports to audit committee of an organisation
• makes sure company or organisation is complying with rules, regulations and within the law

Are you . . . ?

• good at mathematics?
• a person with a head for a business?
• logical?
• a problem solver?
• a good researcher?
• organised and methodical?
• reliable and responsible?

How do I become an Internal Auditor?

PATH 1

National Diploma in Internal Auditing

Bachelor of Technology in Internal Auditing

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Central University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• UNISA
• Vaal University of Technology
• Walter Sisulu University of Technology

PATH 2

Bachelor degree of Internal Auditing

• University of Pretoria

PATH 3

Learnership: Internal Audi Technician Level 6

• Designation/registration by the IIA SA. This allows the person to state they are a qualified, professional Internal Auditing Technician.

Institute of Internal Auditors SA:

• You will have to do 2 consecutive learnerships through them

• INSTITUTE for INTERNAL AUDITORS SA (IIA SA)

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Auditor … or … Contract Manager

Is becoming an Internal Auditior the right career choice for me?

Other names for a Financial Manager:

• Account Systems Manager
• Budgeting Manager
• Chief Accountant
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Finance Director
• Financial Administration Manager
• Financial Administrator
• Financial Controller
• Foreign Exchange Manager
• Internal Revenue Controller
• Municipal Finance Manager
• Revenue Assessment Manager

What is a Financial Manager?

A Financial manager is in charge of the money in the company. It’s a very senior and responsible job in the company.

Financial Managers make decisions on:

• Income
• Payrolls (salaries)
• Investments
• Costs
• Mergers & acquisitions

Financial Managers usually report to Corporate Management and in some cases, to the Board of Directors. In large companies, Financial Managers are part of a financial team.

What does a Financial Manager do?

(tasks can differ depending on the size of the company)

• manages the staff in the financial department
• prepares financial reports
• consults with experts like tax attorneys and tax officials
• liaises with management on financial matters
• considers ways of reducing costs and making the company more profitable
• researches possible merges with other companies
• keeps up to date with local and national financial and tax laws

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about business and finance?
• intellectual?
• analytical?
• responsible?
• ethical?
• a person who pays attention to detail?
• confident?
• ambitious?

How do I become a Financial Manager?

Financial Managers usually have a degree or two in Accounting, Finance or both. Once they have worked in the financial industry for 10 to 15 years some of them go back to study a Master’s degree. Financial Managers are highly skilled people with lots of responsibilities riding on their shoulders.

You would need a lot of different skills. To be a good Financial Manager you would need to know as much as possible about finance, tax, law etc. This takes time and a lot of hard work.

Financial Managers are generally older due to this fact. They have spent years and years working to gain all the experience and skills necessary to be promoted to this level.

Financial Managers are ambitious and hard working. The next step up from this position is CFO (Chief Financial Officer).

PATH 1

Finance qualification and / or workplace experience

PATH 2

Finance qualification and / or workplace experience

Postgraduate qualification in Financial Management

• University of Cape Town 
• University of KZN
• University of Pretoria
• UNISA
• University of Stellenbosch 

PATH 3

Bachelor of Accounting

Certificate in the Theory of Accounting

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Actuary … or … Accountant

Is becoming a Financial Manager the right career choice for me?

Other names for Logistics Manager:

• Dispatch Logistics Manager

What is a Logistics Manager?

A Logistics Manager heads up companies that are involved in the moving, handling or storing goods in any industry – transferring goods and materials from manufacturers and suppliers through to customers.  This can be carried out locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

In this line of work, you might also be known as a Supply Chain or Distribution Manager.

It is the Logistic Manager’s responsibility to work closely with purchasing officers, warehouse staff and transport clerks ensuring that goods and materials arrive at the depot according to schedule, arrive in good order, are stored corrected and dispatched timeously to customers.

Logistics is an essential industry.  It is an important area in the efficient performance of a company or country.

What does a Logistics Manager do?

• manages transport and distribution channels
• plans of delivery timetables
• inventory control: monitors of stock levels with the use of computer databases
• tracks movement of goods through depots
• oversees of ordering and packaging processes ready for dispatch
• looks at ways to improve supply networks
• oversees the arrival of shipments
• manages clerical, administrative and warehouse distribution staff
• monitors performance and makes sure targets are met
• deals with staff recruitment and training
• resources & does financial planning
• assists with storage and warehouse design
• watches quality management
  

Are you … ?

• logical?
• a critical thinker?
• decisive?
• a good planner?
• organised?
• computer literate?
• able to deal with stress?
• deadline orientated?
• a good manager?
• able to motivate others?

How do I become a Logistics Manager?

There are numerous ways to study Logistics or Supply Chain Management: In most cases Mathematics is needed.

PATH 1

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Logistics Management

• University of Johannesburg

PATH 2

Bachelor of Logistics

• University of Stellebosch

PATH 3

National Diplomas and Bachelor of Technology (BTech)

• Can be done at some Universities of Technology

Diplomas and Certificates in Logistics

• Can be done at some private institutions

Once you have these, you will have to get a lot of work experience and work yourself up to the position of Logistics Manager

Other Institutions to Consider:

• CENTRE FOR LOGISTICS EXCELLENCE: CLX

Offers a variety of accredited courses.

• DAMELIN

Offers a Supply Chain Management Short Course Certificate

• UNISA
• Institute for Quality
• Metro Minds
• Global Maritime Legal Solutions

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Accountant … or … Chartered Secretary 

Is becoming a Logistics Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No: 121301

Other names for Policy & Planning Manager:

• Corporate Planning Manager
• Planning & Development Manager
• Policy Development Manager
• Public Policy Manager
• Strategic Planning Manager

What is a Policy & Planning Manager?

A Policy & Planning Manager holds a very senior position in the company.

They are responsible for the planning and directing of corporate policies and strategic goals and targets within the company.

Some Policy & Planning Managers specialise in:

• Corporate planning
• Strategic planning
• Policy development planning

What does a Policy & Planning Manager do?

• develops and implements new strategic plans and targets
• monitors current programmes within the company
• researches and analyses data
• implements new activity measures to track progress
• participates in the development of policy documents
• writes reports
• liaises with experts and government officials
• meets with board of directors
• represents company at conventions and conferences etc

Are you . . . ?

• analytical?
• good at mathematics?
• passionate about business?
• ambitious?
• detail orientated?
• a good communicator (written and verbal)?
• a forward thinker?
• strategic?
• a good negotiator?

How do I become a Policy & Planning Manager?

Most Policy & Planning Managers have a business /commerce qualifications and loads of working experience in the business sector.

A Policy & Planning Manager usually starts off at the bottom as a junior or assistant in the company and after years of collecting skills and experience will slowly move up the corporate ladder. Policy & Planning Manager are generally older due to this fact.

A lot of Policy & Planning Managers will also continue to study throughout their working career to improve their knowledge and skills.

After years as a Policy & Planning Manager in a company you may be invited to become a Director.

PATH 1

Bachelor of Economics

• Rhodes University
• University of Cape Town
• University of Fort Hare
• University of Johannesburg
• Universitiy of KZN
• University of Limpopo
• University of Pretoria
• University of Stellenbosch
• University of the Free State
• University of Venda
• University of Western Cape
• University of Witswaterand

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Management Analyst … or … Internal Audit Manager

Is becoming a Policy & Planning Manager the right career choice for me?

Other names for Corporate General Manager:

• Business Operations Manager

What is a Corporate General Manager?

A Corporate General Manager holds a senior, responsible position in the company.

A Corporate General Manager needs to have a basic understanding of all the departments in the company.

They need to know and oversee all other managers and supervisors. They need to motivate their senior staff to make sure that the employees are working competently and efficiently. They make sure that the company is working towards goals and targets in the most profitable way.

In a small company, a Corporate General Manager will be in charge of almost all aspects of that company. In a larger company, they will have departmental managers that report to them.

What does a Corporate General Manager do?

• researches goals and writes plans to achieve them
• implements these plans
• motivates departmental managers
• recognises and encourages employees when a job is well done!
• delegates responsibilities
• makes sure company is running smoothly
• troubleshoots and solves problems within the company
• makes very important decisions
• writes reports

Are you . . . ?

• a good leader?
• a person with a head for business?
• a motivator?
• a good communicator?
• a person who leads by example?
• a hard worker?
• organised?
• a good planner?
• a good time manager?

How do I become a Corporate General Manager?

Managers don’t become Managers straight from college. A Corporate General Manager holds a senior position so it will take time and hard work and experience to get to this point.

Corporate General Managers have usually studied a diploma or degree in business management or a related qualification. They have also worked for a number of years collecting experience and knowledge. They work their way up through the company to a managerial position.

Once qualified, you will enter the company as a junior or as an assistant. From this position, you will need to learn as much as you can on the job. It’s advisable for you to collect more skills and training to jump ahead of the rest. You need to show that you’re motivated, a team player and that you’re responsible and hard-working enough to ‘manage’ a team or company before you will get promoted.

Corporate General Managers are usually older because it takes time to gather knowledge and experience.

PATH 1

• Relevant qualification
• Workplace experience

PATH 2

• Relevant qualification
• Honours in Management
• Workplace experience

PATH 3

• Relevant qualification
• Masters in Management
• Workplace experience

PATH 4

• Other occupation / qualification
• Advanced or Postgraduate Diploma in Management 
• Workplace experience

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Customer Service Manager … or … Managing Director

Is becoming a Corporate General Manager the right career choice for me?

Other names for Retail Manager:

What is a Retail Manager?  

Also known as a Store Manager, Shop Manager or Shop Owner. 

A Retail Manager is responsible for running a store or a single department inside a large company/shop.  

They are in charge of planning, organising, directing, controlling and reviewing the operating skills and work of the staff within a specific area.   

Their main job is to maximise profit.

Retail Managers work in either wholesale or retail outlets.

What does a Retail Manager do?

• designs and sets daily operational objectives and tasks for the staff
• makes sure these objectives are met
• directs and co-ordinates budgets
• manages theft, damage and loss
• monitors staff performance
• maintains records
• trains and supervises staff
• adheres to health and safety regulations
• directs sales plans through timely promotions, displays etc
• manages stock
• deals with customer complaints and queries
• is constantly designing new, more profitable strategies and implementing them
• promotes image of the store/company

Are you … ?

• a good communicator?
• organised?
• good with people?
• motivational?
• good with mathematics?
• computer literate?
• a good planner?

How do I become a Retail Manager?

In some cases you can start at the very bottom in a large chain store (eg shelf packer, till packer or cashier) and then work your way up. 

A lot of the larger stores offer their young staff in-house training.  If you show initiative and hard work – they will take you under their wing and train you.

Before you know it, you could be heading up an entire department or opening up your own shop!

Another way is to get tertiary studies behind your name:

Qualifications and requirements: A NQF Level 5, Higher Diploma or National Diploma or relevant degree. You will probably need at least 2 years managerial experience too.  A role-specific technical qualification could also be advantageous.

PATH 1

Occupational Certificacte in Retail Management

PATH 2

Diploma in Retail Management

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Tshwane University of Technology
• University of Johannesburg
• UNISA
• Vaal University 

Workplace experience

PATH 3

Diploma in Retail Management

• As above

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Retail Management

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Vaal University

Workplace experience

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

• WRSETA
  

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Cashier … or … Customer Service Manager 

Is becoming a Retail Manager the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Chief Information Officer (CIO)?

Some people think the CIO is the top computer person but the CIO has a far more important and responsible job in the company.

The CIO is the link between all the various information technologies within the company and the different departments throughout the company. Their position is to work with IT managers to co-ordinate and help solve information-related problems within the company.

A CIO has an information technology (IT) background and has a load of IT skills and experience. In most cases, the CIO is not involved with the ‘every day’ tasks of the IT department but more involved with IT processes, strategy and planning, taking the company forward. By doing this, they are indirectly involved with how the company makes money.

What does a CIO do?

• liaises with it managers
• researches, plans and develops strategies for the company’s it future
• puts strategies into place
• liaises with the different department managers
• solves problems
• streamlines current it practices within the company
• keeps up to date with new technologies

Are you . . . ?

• interested in computers and information technologies?
• a big thinker?
• intelligent?
• a problem solver?
• responsible?
• logical?
• a hard worker?
• ambitious?

How do I become a CIO?

CIO’s don’t become CIO’s overnight. A CIO holds a very senior position so it will take time and hard work and experience to get to this point.

CIO’s have usually studied computer science and information technology. Technology changes from day to day keeping people in this industry on their toes. It’s extremely important that people in this industry continue to update their skills regularly if they want to stay in the game and get promoted.

Once qualified, you will enter the company as a junior in the IT department. From this position, you will need to learn as much as you can on the job. It’s advisable for you to collect more skills and training to jump ahead of the rest. You need to show that you’re motivated, a team player and that you’re responsible and hard-working before you will get promoted.

CIO’s are usually older because it takes time to gather knowledge and experience.

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Chartered Secretary … or … Human Resource Manager

Is becoming a CIO the right career choice for me?

Other names for Management Analyst:

What is a Management Analyst?

Management Analysts are sometimes referred to as management consultants. They provide corporations and government agencies with the expertise needed to solve management problems quickly.  

Consultants assist agencies with change of structure, business relocation, technical innovations, improving efficiency, increasing profits and making the business more competitive.

What does a Management Analyst do?

• gathers information about company and identifies problems
  
• conducts on-site observations and interviews company’s personnel
• collaborates with management
• develops and designs recommendations appropriate for the company
• trains personnel to use new programmes and procedures

Are you . . . ?

• an analytical thinker?
• able to work well with people?
• an active listener?
• someone with good reading comprehension?
• an effective communicator, both orally and in writing?
• considerate of the costs and actions of potential solutions or approaches to problems and able to choose the most appropriate one?

How do I become a Management Analyst?

There are various degrees and diplomas that will help you skill yourself to become a Management Analysis depending on what prerequisites the company requires for this position. 

Some will want an Economics background while others will want a Business or Management background.

Here are a few examples:

PATH 1

Diploma in Management

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Management

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• Durban University of Technology
• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Universitiy of Johannesburg
• UNISA
• University of the Free State
• University of Zululand 

PATH 2

Bachelor of Management

• University of Pretoria
• University of the Free State
• University of Venda
• University of the Western Cape

Honours in Management

PATH 3

Bachelor of Business Science

• University of Cape Town
• University of KZN

PATH 4

Relevant NQF Level 7 qualification – and/or managerial work experience

Advanced or Postgraduate Diploma in Management

PATH 5

Managerial work experience

Advanced or Postgraduate Diploma in Management

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Food & Beverage Manager … or … Agricultural Inspector

Is becoming a Management Analyst the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is an Entrepreneur?

An Entrepreneur is a risk-taker! They are brave, ambitious and hard working. An Entrepreneur is a person who starts a new business or buys a franchise.

The most common problem facing Entrepreneurs is finance. Either you have to have enough money of your own to start a business or manage to access a loan.

To access a loan you will have to have a really good idea or product, and enough experience and skills so that the person or institution lending you the money will believe in you. If you don’t have enough experience and skills, you will have to prove your worth in other ways.

You will have to prove you’re a hard worker, reliable and punctual. You will have to show that you have gone out of your way to improve yourself and that you’re prepared to put in the extra hours. If you want someone to believe in you, you’ll have to give them good reason to. Investors will not just give you money! They will only invest if they know their investment is safe.

What does an Entrepreneur do?

• determines if the risk is worth it
• invests lots of time and energy into researching the possibility of starting a business
• puts in lots of extra hours to make the business a success
• manages most or all of the company’s business and financial decisions
• manages staff (if they have any)
• continues to learns new skills to improve their business
• networks to increase customer flow
• develops advertising campaigns
• tries to find a mentor (if possible)
• keeps up to date with what competitors are doing
• continues to develop new and improved services and products
• tries to build a strong brand
• dresses professionally at all times (look like a business owner, people will believe in you)

Are you . . . ?

• a risk-taker?
• ambitious?
• hard working?
• innovative?
• confident?
• a person with a head for business?
• prepared to go the ‘extra mile’?
• focused?
• driven?
• a person who can the possibility of failure?

How do I become an Entrepreneur?

An Entrepreneur is always on the lookout for business opportunities (gaps in the market). These can be existing ideas that could be improved or a completely new and innovative idea.

An Entrepreneur should have a head for numbers. If you you’re good at mathematics / accounting – this will help a lot.

Becoming an Entrepreneur is stressful. You’ll need to remain strong, confident and positive. You might hit a few brick walls along your way. Becoming an Entrepreneur does NOT mean instant success. You have to work hard. Very hard! You will be your own boss, so you will need to manage yourself and be motivated.

Qualifications in business management, entrepreneurship, accounting or finance would be extremely advantageous. If you have started a business without a qualification, consider doing one online or part-time. It will help you get ahead. The more skills you have, the more successful you could be. An empowered Entrepreneur is an amazing Entrepreneur!

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Tips for Entrepreneurs

• CLICK HERE

For more help and information:

• SA TEEN ENTREPRENEUR

• SA INSTITUTE for ENTREPRENEURSHIP

• WITS BUSINESS SCHOOL

Have programmes for Entrepreneurs

• BRANSON CENTRE of ENTREPRENEURSHIP

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Franchisee … or … Accountant

Is becoming an Entrepreneur the right career choice for me?

OFO No:

What is a Wildlife Manager? 

A Wildlife Manager’s number one job and responsibility is to ensure that wild animals (including aquatic) maintain healthy populations sizes.

A Wildlife Manager will work really hard to make sure numbers don’t get too large and/or rare or endangered species number grow.

Wildlife Managers can work in game parks, forests, deserts or in any location where wildlife management needs to take place.

What does a Wildlife Manager do?

• collects data and samples
• researches and analyses data
• captures animals for darting and to take biological samples eg blood
• tracks animals
  
• monitors and documents animal behaviour (eg reproduction, eating, migratory patterns)
• enforces laws
• develops effective management plans
• serves as advisors to government, environmental agencies, educational institutions etc
• plans, creates and manages sanctuaries (sometimes)
  

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about the outdoors?
• interested in conservation?
• willing to work in all weather conditions?
• inquisitive?
• practical?
• hard working?
• fit and strong?
• willing to work in remote places?

How do I become a Wildlife Manager?

Wildlife Managers often have qualifications in a related field, such as biology, forestry, environmental science, or ecology.

There a quite few other paths you can take.

Here are just a few examples:

• WILDLIFE CENTRE FOR WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT (University of Pretoria)

• WILDLIFE CAMPUS

• CONSERVATION ACADEMY

• SOUTHERN AFRICAN WILDLIFE COLLEGE

• SAWMA: The Southern African Wildlife Management Association

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Ornithologist … or … Forester

Is becoming a Wildlife Manager the right career choice for me?