Gift Nakazwe Chanda

Meet Gift Nakazwe Chanda, a former ABMA student from Zambia who studied Business Administration and Management Studies at NIEC School of Business Management in Ndola. Since completing her ABMA Advanced Diploma she has gone on to secure a position with Stanbic Bank in Zambia. Here she tells us of her experiences as an ABMA student.

How did your new employer respond to your international qualification form the ABMA?

My employers have been impressed by the qualifications I have attained by ABMA. My ABMA qualification has helped me to be recognised by one of the most successful financial institutions in Zambia. I have not only been recognised for my achievement but I am also gaining knowledge. From here i know that I can reach even greater heights.

To what degree do you feel the skills you have obtained from your ABMA qualification are relevant for your position at Stanbic Bank?

The skills I have obtained from my ABMA studies have helped me to understand the Business Sector and thus allows me to analyse challenges.

Working for a bank is a very challenging job and requires someone with either experience or good qualifications. The skills that I have obtained from ABMA have helped me to be able to analyse a situation well in that I am able to apply the knowledge that I have gained from ABMA. I am a front line support officer and hence I meet different kind of people and having to communicate with them is tough, but thanks to ABMA I learnt communication skills in my first diploma under Business Communication. I am confident enough to speak to our clients.

What advantages, do you think, an ABMA qualification gave you in the job market?

An international qualification is beneficial because if I decided to relocate and go to another country, I would be able to get a job with my ABMA qualification. Other students are also benefiting because they have not only their ABMA qualification but have also gone on to gain higher international qualifications and degrees on the strength of their ABMA Diploma.

How do you feel that ABMA provided for your needs, as a student, and in what way was an ABMA qualification of benefit to you?

The main benefits of obtaining an ABMA qualification, are; being able to compete in the industry; understand what the business sector is all about; and also applying the knowledge obtained from ABMA confidently. The fact is, most organisations are very particular about the qualifications one has and which professional association he/she is affiliated to. ABMA has been very beneficial because it is a well recognised professional association.

Would you recommend ABMA Diplomas to other students?

I would recommend ABMA Diplomas to other students because one is able to understand and apply the knowledge obtained. The Dissertations are very helpful because they are not only theoretical but also practical. Studying with the ABMA has broadened my way of thinking and made me understand how some organisations perform in their marketing strategies, this understanding has helped me to develop my marketing skills.