Violla Msunje, from Lilongwe, Malawi, has achieved significant academic and professional milestones in business management and human resources through her ABE qualifications. She currently works as an Administrative Assistant intern. Her main goal is to advance into a leadership or consultancy role in business management. Read her full story below:
''My name is Violla Msunje, and I am from Lilongwe, Malawi. I completed my Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) early in my academic journey. Following that, I pursued a Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources with the Association of Business Executives (ABE). I successfully completed Levels 4 and 5, and I am proud to say that I just finished my Level 6 Diploma in Business Management and Human Resources this November.
Currently, I am interning as an Administrative Assistant at the District Commissioner’s Office. In this role, I am gaining practical experience in office management and administrative tasks. I look forward to utilising the knowledge I have gained from my studies in a more strategic role in the future.
I chose to study ABE because it offers a practical and well-rounded approach to business management and human resources. I wanted a qualification that would provide me with theoretical knowledge as well as the skills to apply what I learned in real-world situations. ABE’s curriculum is recognised worldwide, and the flexible structure of the qualification, allowing progression from Level 4 to Level 6, enabled me to build my knowledge gradually and gain confidence and expertise in the field.
Furthermore, ABE’s emphasis on practical application in business appealed to me because I wanted a qualification that would give me a competitive advantage in the job market. It has been the perfect choice for my career aspirations.
I studied for my ABE qualification at two institutions in Malawi, PACT College and K&M School of Accountancy. Both institutions provided a supportive environment for my studies, featuring experienced lecturers and access to valuable resources that helped me succeed in my exams and coursework.
In Malawi, ABE is recognised as a reputable and respected qualification, particularly among employers in the business and HR sectors. The qualification is well regarded for its practical approach and global relevance. During my internship, I have noticed that employers appreciate the credibility of the ABE qualification, which gives me an advantage in my work. Additionally, it provides me with a broader perspective on business operations, as ABE’s curriculum covers international best practices that are applicable across various industries.
After completing my Level 6 Diploma in Business Management and HR, I plan to focus on gaining more hands-on experience in business management or human resources. I hope to transition from my current internship to a full-time role that will allow me to implement the skills I have developed through my studies. I am also considering further professional qualifications or pursuing postgraduate studies to deepen my expertise in business management. My goal is to continue learning and growing within the field.
The best thing about studying with ABE is the practical approach it takes to business management. The qualification is designed to be relevant to real-world business challenges, which makes it highly applicable in a work setting. Another great aspect is the flexibility ABE offers, allowing students to progress at their own pace while building a strong foundation of knowledge. The supportive network of fellow students, lectures, and the resources available also make the learning process much more enjoyable and effective.
Studying with ABE has equipped me with a range of valuable skills. I have gained a deeper understanding of organisational design, human resource management, and performance improvement strategies. These skills have been directly applicable to my role as an Administrative Assistant, where I am involved in organising office functions, assisting with HR-related tasks, and ensuring smooth administrative operations. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills I’ve developed through my studies have helped me identify areas where processes could be improved in the workplace.
My main tip for successful study is to stay organised and maintain a consistent study schedule. Breaking down the syllabus into manageable sections and setting weekly goals helped me stay on track. Discussing topics with peers or relating the concepts to real-world examples. This not only deepens your understanding but also makes the material more memorable. Lastly, don’t hesitate to reach out to your lecturers or fellow students if you’re unsure about something, for, collaboration is a key to success.
My long-term career goal is to become a leader in the field of business management, with a particular focus on human resources and organisational development. I aspire to work in a senior management or HR role where I can shape business strategies that promote both organisational growth and employee well-being. I am also interested in potentially becoming a business consultant, helping organisations improve their performance and overall effectiveness through strategic HR practices and organisational design.''