Author: School of Excellence

The beginning of the 2019 academic year has arrived; and while South African students were hoping for a smooth start to the year, we have seen disputes that had boiled up from the 2018 #FeesMustFall movement still haunting university hallways; some of them being prepared to use violence and intimidation to see that their demands are met.

Today marks the fifth day of nationwide university protests being conducted by members of SASCO following failed negotiations regarding fees, acceptance numbers and the availability of equipment such as laptops to students who could otherwise not afford them.

The concerns surrounding these protests are expected to delay the processes for the academic year of 2019 as they did last year; and as they did in previous protests, have been characterised by bouts of violence, interruptions, threats and a difference of opinion on which demands are viable to meet.

The case of affordable tertiary education is a sensitive one, and is only being made more prickly by expectations placed on universities to go over their capacity when accepting students from low-income backgrounds. These are only a few of the demands being made, however, let’s take a look at some of the others.

 

All Students are to Receive Laptops

For many students, having a laptop available during classes allows them to work more fluidly; and while it is true that a few faculties require access to digital material, most of them can be completed without them since students can take the approach of using pen and paper, like it has always been done.

SASCO, however, finds this unacceptable, arguing that students need electronic devices in order to complete their studies. As such, one of their demands to university management is that students from low-income backgrounds receive laptops at no cost to themselves, but rather at the expense of universities.

 

Students to Be Granted an Academic Allowance

Students who have enrolled in a tertiary education programme require stationary, textbooks and the like in order to engage with their learning material effectively, and so this demand does make sense in that context.

As such, SASCO has made a demand for students to be given an allowance through tertiary education institutions of R5000 to be put towards their text-books. They have placed this responsibility on UNISA in particular, who is expected to foot the bill, whereas the sale of textbooks and stationary to students had been a source of income for them in the past.

 

Continuing with #FeesMustFall

This year saw a price hike for university fees of 5.3%. This squeeze is mostly felt by students completing an honours degree, with many of them having had to drop out as a result.

It can be argued that the price-hike came as a response to recover funds lost in last year’s protest action, and would be used to fill gaps left by the need to fulfil demands made by SASCO in the first place, in 2018.

SASCO, on the other hand, argues that this is causing a divide between those who can afford tertiary schooling, and those who cannot; and they do, to some extent, have a point.

Still, cutting the 2019 price hike could well put UNISA and other tertiary education facilities at financial risk; which would have far worse societal and economic implications for the country as a whole.

 

A Smoother and More Transparent Registration Process

Anyone who has ever waited in a queue for registration at a university, or even those who have attempted to enrol online, can attest to the frustration, confusion and anxiety that comes with doing so. The system often does seem flawed. Previous academic results are often made available only after the deadlines for registration have passed, making it impossible for students to re-register in time.

As a result, a staggering number of students give up before they have even started; or worse still, students who have been actively engaged in studies find themselves unable to register for following academic years due to a failure of the registration system. The fact that these students have to pay for a registration process which doesn’t always work, also leaves a bad taste in students’ mouths.

SASCO’s response is to call for a less ambiguous registration process and are fully supported in this by COSATU, as they should be. An ambiguous and poorly managed registration process comes down to poor administration and little else; concerning this demand with service delivery where it is somewhat lacking. Furthermore, they also demand that the registration fee be wavered for students from low-income backgrounds.

 

Limitations Faced by Tertiary Institutions

Out of the six demands placed on UNISA in particular, only two have been able to be agreed upon during negotiations, with each side seeking to protect their own interests while settling the dispute amicably.

Meeting these demands isn’t a simple matter for universities, however, since it will affect their capacity, ability to fund further research and development, or to simply deliver high-quality lessons and learning materials to students.

Should they meet all of the demands laid down by SASCO, publically funded universities could put themselves at serious risk; however, if they do not, the implications for campus safety, their financial security and their ability to deliver education that competes on an international level, will also be completely undermined in time.

On the other hand, there is much left to be desired in the South African tertiary education sphere. Inequalities and poor administration are troubles that need to be dealt with; whether by the institutions themselves, through governmental intervention, or even through the efforts of privately owned organisations and institutions.

It’s a bit of a catch 22 scenario with the biggest losers being the students. Whether involved in the protest action or not, they are the ones being delayed, who put themselves at risk by going to class, when registering and enrolling. They are the ones who face the price-hikes, overcrowded classrooms and substandard education delivery.

If an agreement is not reached soon, we will see a repeat of 2018, albeit an amplified one…

 

Contact The RCM Digital College Digital College for an Alternative Solution

If you or your child is a nervous school-leaver being affected by the delays and uncertainties brought about by student protest action and substandard delivery of education, you have an alternative choice that creates opportunities without exposing you to the implications of the current running student protests.

To find out more about enrolling in our digital college, where you can complete a myriad of internationally accredited online digital marketing courses, be sure to contact a representative from the RCM School of Excellence today, or visit our website for additional information on our offers.

Whether you’re just leaving school, finishing a gap year or looking for a career change, the realm of digital marketing is, for many people, an enticing career choice to move into. As a quickly developing industry it is one with potential for immense professional growth and profitability, and so making the choice to study a digital marketing course, is always a beneficial one for those who are interested in the industry. There are a few approaches to studying in this digital age, and the one that you select will depend on your lifestyle, needs and abilities. So let’s explore these options here.

Who Should Take a Full-Time Course?
Full time courses offer the most comprehensive learning experience for students, but also take up the most amount of time. This makes it perfect for those with few responsibilities such as new school leavers.

Who Should Complete a Short Course?
Short digital marketing courses are designed to do three things. Firstly, they give people the opportunity to grow their skills when they are short on time. Perhaps they are working part-time or have other commitments. Secondly, short courses can serve as an introduction to the industry, allowing students to figure out which branch of digital marketing they would like to specialise in.
The third function of a short course is to help current digital marketing professionals to build on their current collection of skills and abilities, as well as gain insights into new developments in digital.

Who Would Benefit from Online Learning?
Online learning affords students the most flexibility when it comes to studying digital marketing. They can tailor their experience and work according to their own schedules and complete the required work in the comfort of their own home. This is ideal for those who work full-time, freelance in the digital industry or lack the means of transport needed to attend classes.

Contact The RCM Digital College to Learn More
The approach that you select will depend on your own goals, abilities and how you prefer to work. If you would like to learn more about enrolling in one of our comprehensive digital marketing courses¸be sure to get into contact with a representative from The RCM Digital College Digital College today, or visit our website for additional details.

You have likely come across a number of ads for digital marketing courses in your area that offer online learning, full accreditation and a whole range of other, supposed benefits. As a college that works closely with the industry, our team has found many of these offers quite interesting (or rather unsettling), since the quality of their offers will, at some point, will have a direct effect on the quality of the digital marketing industry as a whole.

While the quality of the content in the courses offered by these institutions is undeniable, we have found one worrying trend in particular, that we feel is setting students of these schools at a disadvantage. Many of them are being run by people and companies that have no experience or even the slightest interest in the digital marketing industry; which is something that we feel should never happen, lest it lessens the abilities of future generations of marketers.

The fact of the matter is that you could stand to learn about the world of digital in a much more comprehensive and practical way by being shown the ropes by someone who is experienced and active in the world of marketing. So if the college you are looking at isn’t facilitated by bona-fide marketing professionals, or at the very least partnered with a digital agency, then here are a few benefits you could end up missing out on:
Gain Practical Insights from Industry Professionals
The world of digital marketing is a very dynamic one, fraught with changes and developments on a consistent basis. Digital marketing professionals deal with these changes on a daily basis, are familiar with them and can even predict which trends will dominate the market at a given time.

These kinds of insights can’t be learned from generically structured syllabi and sponsored content, and therefore wouldn’t be passed on to you if your marketing teacher actually works in another industry.

Build a Network of Beneficial Connections
People working in the digital marketing industry are in a continual process of building and refining their network of connections; whether they be with clients, potential clients or business partners.
These types of connections give them a huge competitive advantage, and they can pass these connections on to you (wherever viable) when you are learning from them.

Get Hands-On Experience
The practical side of learning the industry requires students to get their hands dirty. Having an experienced and active digital marketing professional guide you through the learning process means that practical experience is coming straight out of the requirements of the industry. This means that you won’t be simply learning a list of facts, but will actually be able to apply them creatively and see their mechanisms at work during your studies.

Contact The RCM Digital College Digital College for Details
If you would like to know more about studying the intriguing world of digital marketing under the guidance of a team of experienced digital industry professionals, be sure to contact The RCM Digital College Digital College, or visit our website for details on our online and on-campus, internationally accredited courses.

The year is coming to a close and for many people in our country, that means a mixture of emotions as they leave the snug confines of their school gates to make their way in the open world. I say that there are mixed emotions because for many school leavers, the excitement of finally completing their twelve year schooling sentence is overshadowed by the angst of not knowing what comes next.

The important thing to remember is that when you leave school, that the learning shouldn’t stop; in fact, many would argue that this is where the real learning begins. Whether you are off to a college, university campus, apprenticeship or are taking one of our digital marketing courses, the skills you develop and the insights you obtain during the earliest years of your career, form the foundation that will set the tone for your career in the future.

So while all of your friends seem to know just what they want to do, and there is pressure coming from family on which direction you ought to take, only you can make the choice that will best suit you. And if you aren’t sure which direction your professional life should take, we have good news for you; neither do most of the people you are graduating with- but the ideal career path is out there waiting for you. You just need to know where to start looking.

Consider Career Guidance

Your professional aptitude is dependant as much on your abilities as it is on where your interests lie. And since you can always develop your skills around your interests, it is a good idea to go for career counselling for a little professional clarity before you start working at building your skillset.

Most universities and colleges offer them in order to direct students towards a beneficial career path, and they are definitely worth taking. To make an appointment for career guidance with our team, click here, and our experienced guidance councillors will happily arrange a consultation with you.

Start by Learning Everything You Can

Once you have an idea of which profession interests you the most, it’s time to immerse yourself in it; but you need to learn how to crawl before you can start running.

Find a college or course that specialises in your ideal field and scour the internet for all the information on the industry that you can.

This way you will not only be learning about what your chosen path entails, but will also build the skills necessary to do so.

Be wary of going to a university or a college just for the sake of getting a degree or diploma. If you have little or no personal interest in the course you are taking, you likely won’t excel at it, nor would you find much success in the industry that it represents.

With many education programmes, like our digital marketing courses, qualifications can be earned online, allowing you to build work experience while simultaneously studying; which brings me to my next point.

Build Your Experience like a Boss

Experience, it is often said, is far more important than an education. While I might agree with this statement in some sentiments, it isn’t entirely true.

Getting experience is important, but learning everything on the job will almost certainly result in costly mistakes.

Mistakes are, after all, the best teachers out there; except of course when they are being compared to actual, living, breathing professionals.

You may choose to build your experience while you are studying, or once your studies have concluded. Either way, there is no supplement of getting your hand dirty.

If you truly want to be the best in your field then an education is crucial, but simply not enough.

You need to start at the bottom of the ladder like all the greats before you, and climb it rung-for-rung like they have.

If you can find an education programme that offers you both practical and theoretical experience, you will be better-off for it.

Contact The RCM Digital College Digital College to Learn Digital Marketing

The RCM School of Excellence Digital College offers fully accredited and highly specialised digital marketing courses that range from web-building, graphic design and animation, right through to paid-for advertising and search engine optimisation.

We even offer courses on social media selling and campaign management.

If you would like to know more about taking one of our courses, or to enrol today, be sure to visit our website or to contact our student advisor for details.

Those looking to break into the dynamic world of digital marketing likely understand the complex nature of its processes, which can make learning, even formal learning, tough for a student. In fact, in just about any industry, school, college, and university leavers have an assortment of new things to learn once walking out of a classroom and into the working world. This makes becoming a professional difficult for learners, and more often than not, tertiary education simply doesn’t prepare them for their careers. There is a more practical approach, however, getting hands-on experience as part of the learning process through an internship; and in the digital marketing world, an internship can be one of the best head-starts you can give yourself. Here are the reasons why:

Learn Through Applying Practical Knowledge

The first advantage to learning through an internship is that you get hands-on experience with applying the skills you are learning. This type of experience cannot be obtained from a textbook or in a classroom since proficiency can only come through practice. This is particularly the case with a skill set such as digital marketing, where the industry is constantly changing and developing, and also requires the development of specialized skills. By taking a full-time digital marketing course that offers internships, you would stand the best chance at comprehensively developing your skills when compared to those who only learn the theory of it.

Refine your Professional Conduct

Working in an office environment is completely different to working in a classroom one. There is a need for cohesion, professional conduct and many other behavioural nuances that one can only learn about by becoming a part of it. Doing an internship as part of your studies will give you valuable insights into what professional life is all about, and will make you a better fit for future office environments, thereby increasing your chances of getting hired when your studies are done.

Line Up Potential Employment Opportunities

Internships, particularly those where the student demonstrates potential and proficiency, often result in full-time employment opportunities being awarded to them. Most businesses would rather employ an individual with an already existing knowledge of their processes instead of having to train up new staff. This is great news for their interns and is just another reason why an internship is one of the best ways to develop one’s skills.

Contact The RCM Digital College for Details

The RCM School of Excellence is a digital college that awards its top students with internship programmes at a digital marketing agency, giving them hands-on experience with managing various aspects of marketing campaigns. To find out more about enrolling in our courses, contact one of our representatives today, or visit our website for additional information on our courses.

RCM School of Excellence is a college in Johannesburg, Gauteng. Their aim is to skill individuals for graphic design and digital marketing industry. They offer on-campus and online courses giving every student the opportunity to choose which option suites their current lifestyle the best. RCM School of Excellence is partnering with Right Click Media, a digital marketing agency that allows students to access practical work experience. If you study at RCM School of Excellence you will get accredited with DMI the Digital Marketing Institute, SETA, and Google. RCM School of Excellence don’t leave their students hanging after college, they help 90 % of their students find a job after they have completed their course successfully.

 

My life as a student at RCM School of Excellence.

My life as a student at RCM School of Excellence is amazing, there are no other words to describe my experiences, it is the best decision that I could have made for someone not knowing what they wanted to study. I am now studying Digital Marketing on campus as I felt it suites my lifestyle the best. We have class from 08:30 to 12:30 from Mondays to Thursdays and Fridays are left open for students who need extra help with work or want to come and do job shadowing at Right Click Media.

Studies have shown that the average human can only concentrate for 45 minutes and that’s why we have class for 45 minutes and then we have breaks in between. We have the coolest chill area with an air hockey table, poofs and tasteful graffiti against the walls, that all of the students love. RCM School of Excellence is very involved with the students when it comes to work, fun activities and new opportunities. At the beginning of this year, I did not know what I wanted to do with my life but RCM School of Excellence was my answer. Six months ago I passed all of my Google exams and I am interning at Right Click Media at the moment while studying. The student life here at RCM School of Excellence has endless opportunities that would benefit our futures. At RCM School of Excellence, we are very focused but we also know how to have fun, now and then. They offer fun outings for the students, popcorn, slushies, competitions, game days and many more. I can say for sure that RCM School of Excellence is the best decision that I have ever made for my future!

 

You should choose RCM School of Excellence

If you are not too sure about your future you should also choose RCM School of Excellence. Digital marketing is the way to go! Call them today or visit their website to find out more about the college.

 

Making The Choice To Study

When it comes to making the decision to study comes with a lot of pressure and sometimes a lot of sacrifice, which makes it an even more difficult decision to make when considering all the factors that one has to consider, such as location, finances, time schedules, career paths, and transport. However, going to study is something that is going to set you forward on a great foot towards a great career. And isn’t the point? Nothing great comes without a little sacrifice.

But Studying Isn’t For Everyone

Yes, it is true that not everyone is meant to study, and that some people are better off either learning the craft in a more practical way. Some people do not work well with sitting down to make study notes, or they do not work well with sitting in a lecture hall or classroom to listen to some talk and show them their well-crafted presentations. However, life does not come without its own challenges, and choosing to study is definitely one! It is a challenge with a high reward.

Why Studying Is In Your Best Interest

Studying is definitely in the best interest of everyone. It gives everyone the opportunity to find their feet in the industry that they would like to go into, it is a way for you to upskill yourself with the right skills and knowledge to make a difference within your life. It is something that will give you the chance to challenge yourself and to bring about the change that you want in your life. Studying is a chance to network yourself among your classmates, and lecturers. It is a great opportunity to push yourself and ready yourself for your next big adventure in your life.

Choosing The Right Course

With so many institutions and so many course options, it can become overwhelming and maybe confusing to make the choice to find the right course for you. You should aim to find an institution that suits your needs, are you studying part time or full time? You should find an institution that will help you grow in your career, and of course, one that will balance out the theory with some practical experiences. It does not help to know the history of cars but you still don’t know how to fix it.

RCM School of Excellence

If you are interested in learning digital marketing, digital sales website development and more, be sure to enroll in a course that is perfect for you at RCM School of Excellence. They offer the perfect balance of theory and practical experience in all of their courses and they cater to those fresh from school as well as professionals looking to upskill themselves.

How Studying Online Prepares You For The Industry

Many people are choosing to study online, it is easier for them because they have a full time career, it is less time consuming for them or they just enjoy the challenge and opportunity to learn something new for themselves. The world is getting smaller and bigger with the internet, and information and education is reaching out to new people that did not have this kind of accessibility before. But what some people might not realise that studying a digital topic online is great preparation for entering the digital marketing industry. The ability and discipline to self-study is a great skill to have.

What Studying Online Entails?

Studying online means that one does not have to attend any classes, and all they do need is an internet connection to be able to receive their course materials such as assignments, study material, and they need the internet to be able to do research and of course, submit all their work. It means that each person will have to take it upon themselves to find the time and space to go through all their course materials, study and complete assignments before their deadlines. They will of course have to attend tests, or be online at a certain time to complete a test or exam if they do not have to be physically present in a venue. It requires that each learner takes the responsibility of themselves to get their work done when it needs to be done.

How That Works In The Industry

In a fast pacing, digital industry things are constantly changing. If you do not keep up with the news and new trends within the industry, you as a professional could fall behind and so could your company. The consumer is ever evolving and changing, and the world of branding and advertising needs to keep up with them in order to reach them. Self-study and self-discipline is a great skill to have as it shows that you are prepared to take your own intuitive and that you don’t need to be spoon fed any instructions.

RCM School of Excellence

The digital industry is a very competitive one and every brand and agency is looking to be a leader in thought and innovation, and they are always looking for the next and best talent. Studying online is a great way to help you grow and learn, especially if you are already in the industry or looking to change careers. Visit RCM School of Excellence today to enrol in the online course that will help you build a great future.

Building Your Career with Google AdWords

Being an AdWords specialist is not a new concept to many people in the industry. It is a booming skill that many industry professionals are seeking to master, as it holds many great opportunities within the marketing and advertising industry all around the world. It is easy to understand why it is becoming such a sought after skill, because so many people are turning to Google to solve their problems and finding brands that will help them do what they need to do, and brands want in on that and for cheaper costs than that of most other forms of advertising.

What Is An AdWords Specialist?

An AdWords specialist is essentially someone who knows how to create the various forms of ads that appear on the various Google networks, such as the search network and the display network. They understand how to create the copy of the ad; they understand how the budgeting and bidding systems work. And of course, they have passed the various Google exams that prove their competence. They also know how to analyse the data that comes with the ad, and how to make the necessary changes.

Using AdWords in Your Career

If you’re a digital marketer or if you are an aspiring digital marketer, becoming a qualified Google AdWords specialist or a PPC specialist will allow you to grow within the industry, and offer you new opportunities that may not have presented themselves before. Becoming a specialist allows you to fulfil other career roles, as well as the opportunity to freelance your skills and make some extra money. You will be able to find yourself in new and exciting places, especially since this is a job that can be done from anywhere as long as there is internet access.

RCM School of Excellence

If the idea of becoming a certified AdWords specialist appeals to you either as a professional in the digital marketing industry, or a student looking to continue growing your skills, or a fresh face from high school looking for some courses to pursue, be sure to enrol in at RCM School of Excellence. They offer a variety of digital marketing courses, including Google AdWords.