08 November 2002
	Cida's degree A FOCUS ON BUSINESS AND IT By Ethel Hazelhurst

Cida provides only one degree: a four-year bachelor of business administration (BBA). But it opens up a host of career paths. "More than 50 different career possibilities open," says Cida CE Taddy Blecher. "We wanted to develop one degree that opens up the maximum career opportunities for the individual and for the economy as a whole." The Cida degree is recognised by all other higher education institutions, public and private, because it is provisionally registered with, and accredited by, the department of education. So Cida students can continue their studies at any other universities if they wish to. In the first year, students achieve a foundation certificate at further education & training level, and Microsoft office computer certificates accredited by Pitmans of London. Students can olso attain industry-recognised certification through the SA Institute of Financial Marketers and the SA Institute of Management, among others. The curriculum emphasises entrepreneurial skills. By the time students graduate, they will be qualified to set up and develop their own businesses. The degree also paves the way to a career as a chartered accountant, financial manager, accounts manager, cost and management accountant or bookkeeper. Other career options include information technology, e-commerce, Web design, data analysis, business processes and systems design, and hardware and software development and applications. Banking is another potential career path. Training is available in corporate finance, treasury management, retail and other aspects of banking, through a partnership with First National Bank. Students will be able to train to be stockbrokers, financial market analysts or financial advisers. They can choose to go into short-term insurance or life assurance, or become experts in employee benefits. They can qualify as human resource managers or to work for recruitment agencies. They can obtain a grounding in marketing, advertising and market research and go on to become lawyers, economists, financial journalists, rural community workers or teachers. The degree is accredited by the SA Qualifications Authority, the Council of Higher Education and the SA Institute of Management. "Accreditation status for the BBA degree is unusual, especially for a new institution," says Blecher.