The wheels of the bus go round and round, all the way to Villiersdorp!

Not knowing where you are going to go is a scary thought when the location of the first year camp is a surprise.
The first year students waited anxiously at Prestige Academy's campus to get into the buses and take a ride all the way to Villiersdorp. 

Scared looks were shared as these brave hearts crawled, one by one, onto the mammoth vehicles, never to return the same...

After most of the first year students called dibs on the best beds, bonded with their fellow strangers and applied coats of sunscreen they were split into groups with inspirational alcoholic beverage names, eg. Papsak. 

Those elite groups chanted their war-cries like wolves and conquered gruelling obstacles like Spartans, created banners that would make the Mona Lisa cry and master the acquired skills of 'boere' sports. 

The most delectable lunch was served, even to those who are vegetarian and the o-so-willing-and-awesome Student Representative Council prepared for the entertainment at the Mountain Hall. Larry Soffer, the mentalist, ooo'd and aaa'd the audience and left everyone amazed. 

Late nigh coffee and everyone dozed off. Little did they know what would be in store for the next day! 
After breakfast (to sustain those hungry students for a while) the second session of the boeresport kicked off. Exhausted the students still enjoyed every second. 
The Tequila Team won Tug of War and exactly at 15:00 the pool was packed like sardines. Mr. & Miss SOS Wild Box took place where one guy and one girl participated in a modelling competition. But wait..this was no ordinary competition. They had to dress as the opposite gender.

The day ended off with a stokbraai. For those of you who do not know what that is..it's the most delicious piece of bread you will ever have..big fires and a piece of doe on a stick. Camping style! 

Throughout the rest of the evening the sky was filled with the sounds of drums as students took part in a drumming session and played music. 
For the best "Gees" the Archers team received their trophy. The best banner went to Amarula. Best team at the obstacle course was Papsak and best at the boeresport was Mampoer. 

It was an unforgettable experience and students shared their favourite moments and pictures on our social media pages. Thanks to all who made this weekend possible! 

Much Love, 
Prestige Academy.   

Inspiration for the week ahead

We have so much campus news we want to share with you! Currently our first year students are on their first year camp. Shavathon, Valentines Competition, First year braai..all lying ahead. 
But we thought we'd write you a little something that might inspire you for the week ahead. With all the fun times comes studying too, and that is by far the most important. 
We found this inspiring story about Thomas Edison on the web..and we'd like to share it: 

"Speaking of Thomas Edison…
In addition to failing about 10,000 times before landing on  a successful design for the light bulb (“I have not failed; I’ve just  found 10,000 ways that won’t work”), his factory burnt to the ground when he was 67, destroying countless lab records and millions of dollars of equipment. 
When he surveyed his losses, he remarked, “There is great value in disaster.  All our mistakes are burned up. Thank God we can start anew.”
He could have thrown in the towel at any one of these  setbacks. It certainly seemed like “fate” was trying to tell him to do so. But he didn’t. 

Circumstances mean nothing.
Limitations mean nothing.
Obstacles mean nothing.

So take pride in what you are doing and work hard, study hard! And remember that the staff and lecturers at Prestige Academy are there to support you all the way. 

For more info: https://www.quora.com/Inspiring-stories-that-can-inspire-me-to-study-harder-Stories-that-can-stimulate-me-to-achieve-my-goals

STUDY FOR PROFESSIONAL GAIN

“The journey of lifelong learning by means of further study can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it expose you to the latest trends and knowledge in your field of interest and offer you the opportunity to gain the skills necessary for the competitive world of work, but it also contributes to your sense of self-worth. Supported by career experience, a relevant qualification gives you a competitive edge and will surely aid your promotional opportunities.”

(Source: http://postgraduate.nmmu.ac.za/Why-study-further)

What can Prestige Academy offer YOU?

•          Programmes that we offer are registered and accredited
•          Qualifications are aligned with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF)
•          Highly credible private institution, offering programmes for 22 years
•          Smaller classes with high quality standards offering instructor-led contact lecturing
•          Operate with the law
•          We have required resources, capacity and expertise
•          We offer a dynamic multicultural environment
•          Amazing student life
•          We emphasise community outreach and engagement projects

WIN a Scooter #CAPAScooter

Here is your chance to win a scooter with Prestige Academy and Centurion Academy 
(Bellville Campus)!

If you are currently in Grade 12 (matric) you are most welcome to enter. All you have to do is send us your contact details and enrol before the end of 2016! 
Please send us the following: 
1. Your name and surname
2. Telephone number
3. E-mail address
4. Physical address
5. Course you are interested in

To enter either send us a message via our Facebook Inbox :
https://www.facebook.com/Prestige-Academy-216107828402604/
OR
Send us all your info to : info@prestigeacademy.co.za with the subject line: Request for Information #CAPAScooter
Download your registration document from our website: www.prestigeacademy.co.za

The Future of the Executive Secretary

The role of the Personal Assistant has now changed. An office professional has now elevated to an Executive Secretary. 

If you specialise in medical and legal secretarial practise (a two year Diploma in Executive Secretarial Practise which we offer at Prestige Academy) you will be ten steps ahead of those personal assistants working without the proper qualification. 

Here is some more info on the topic: 

How do you see the executive assistant role changing in the future?

To answer this question, let’s go back to the 2008 recession, when we started to see a shift in positions. Middle managers were being laid off, and executive assistants were handed the extra workload. They weren’t managers, but they had projects to lead and watch over.

I’m not clairvoyant, but I do see that trend continuing. Managers and executives will continue to realize that they can hand over their projects to their assistants.

You’re not going to see executive assistants doing overall strategising, but they’ll be in the room where people are strategising and they’ll help carry the strategies out.

What skills should today’s college grads build if they want to become executive assistants?

First, they need to understand Microsoft Office. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Sharepoint, along with basic office skills.

To set themselves apart, they can get certifications. The Microsoft Office certification is good, and we also offer an IAAP certification. Getting certifications tells an employer that you’re taking this career seriously.

So the first way people can set themselves apart is by having the certifications that show that they’re serious about the business. Another way to stand out is by having a clear understanding of project management and how project management fits into the role of an executive assistant.

Critical thinking is essential. Don’t wait for your boss to give you instructions. Have an ear to the ground and come to your boss with ideas.

Don’t be a follower; be a leader, even though you’re in a support role.

Demonstrate to your employer that you’re actively seeking continuing education. Like my mother told me: “We teach people how to treat us.” So prove to people that you’re serious about your work. Let them know that this isn’t a career that you’re marking time in.

Content from: http://www.brazen.com/blog/archive/career-growth/executive-assistant-jobs-career-will-change-2015-beyond/

Avoid disappointment!

Why go to a University/College?

Wondering why you should go to a University (Prestige Academy)?

Here are the Top Five Reasons according to us and applytouni.com:

1. Better Job Opportunities:  Having a degree won’t mean that getting a job is an easy ride but it will open up more options to you.

2. Following Your Dreams: If you’ve always wanted to follow a vocation, such as being a Marketer, Designer, Tour Guide, or Make-Up Artist you’ll need a Degree/Diploma/Certificate and you’ll often find that these career paths are only open to graduates. 

3. Eventually you'll earn more money: It is true that people with a Tertiary Education sometimes earn more money than those who don't. 

4. You'll be training you mind: Studying for a degree teaches you to be an independent thinker, improves your analysis skills, and challenges the way you think about many aspects of life.

5. Independence: University offers a way of making the transition between the cosy world of home and the “Real World” easier. You’ll be treated as an independent adult but there’ll be the support there if you need it.

*Resources: (http://www.applytouni.com/articles/why-go-to-university-in-2015.aspx)