Joining College Mid-year? Consider Business Analysis & Project Management
Starting college mid-year might feel like you’re arriving late to the party. But what if we told you that you’re actually getting a head start? July intakes are no longer a “second chance” option. Instead, they’re a strategic window of opportunity for career-focused students ready to make bold moves. While others wait for the new year, you get to jump the queue, sharpen your focus, and build real-world skills in high-growth fields like Project Management (PM) and Business Analysis. MANCOSA offers a Higher Certificate in Project Management and an Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis that may be ideal for you, depending on your current situation and career goals. Let’s explore how the mid-year intake could be your secret weapon, how to choose subjects, and why Business Analysis and PM might just be your smartest academic investment yet.
Authors
MANCOSA
Choosing your mid-year intake programme
Starting college mid-year, usually around July, is more common than you might think. In fact, many institutions like MANCOSA offer flexible intake periods to accommodate students who want to fast-track their careers, change directions, or simply weren’t ready in January.
With Business Analysis and PM in high demand across industries, a mid-year or July intake period is a golden opportunity to enter a career path with strong growth potential.
But here’s the catch: with less time to plan, programme selection becomes even more crucial. So, how can you go about choosing the right programme to study?
Reflect on your career goals
Ask yourself where you see your career in 5–10 years.
Do you want to become a certified Business Analyst, Agile Project Manager, or maybe start your own consulting firm?
Roles in business operations, data analysis, and tech project coordination are rising fast. So, it’s a great idea to choose subjects that build skills in these areas—think systems analysis, stakeholder communication, or risk management.
Understand prerequisites
Some business schools require foundational units before you can move on to advanced topics. Check the course prospectus to avoid getting derailed. Missing a prerequisite could delay your graduation or force a detour.
Play to your strengths
If you’ve thrived in economics, business studies, or even IT during high school or previous studies, lean into that. Business Analysis requires both logical thinking and problem-solving, which are skills you may already have.
Balance and transferability
Mixing core subjects like “Project Management Fundamentals” with electives like “Business Communication” can offer both direction and flexibility. Opt for subjects that transfer well across qualifications, especially if you’re still exploring your fit.
Get help when choosing
Speak with a student advisor before finalising your subject choices. Their insights can help you avoid common mistakes and identify opportunities you may have missed. Have a look at MANCOSA’s career centre here.
7 Reasons to consider project management & business analysis
If you’re joining college mid-year and looking for a smart, flexible way to future-proof your career, PM and business analysis are two standout options. Here’s why these two fields deserve serious consideration.
1. High demand across industries
Great Project Managers and Business Analysts are vital to business success, and employers know it. According to PMI’s Job Growth and Talent Gap Report, by 2030, the global economy will need 25 million new project professionals to meet demand.
These roles aren’t limited to tech. You’ll find them in finance, healthcare, construction, education, and even non-profits. Wherever there’s a need for structure, efficiency, or digital transformation, these professionals play a central role.
2. Boost your career prospects
Adding a short course in PM or business analysis to your qualifications can make your CV pop. These credentials show initiative, leadership potential, and readiness to handle real-world business challenges.
In South Africa, the average salary for a Project Manager is around R405,000 per year, while Business Analysts earn around R400,000, according to Payscale. For many, it’s the fastest way to move into mid- or senior-level roles, even without years of prior experience.
3. Gain practical, transferable skills
These programmes don’t just focus on theory. You’ll build hands-on expertise in budgeting, stakeholder engagement, scope planning, data analysis, and process mapping.
These skills are essential across industries, and they’re often transferable to roles in marketing, operations, logistics, and more. As a result, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue other careers in different industries, too.
4. Improve problem-solving abilities
Business Analysts and Project Managers are trained to break down complex issues, identify root causes, and create strategic solutions. Whether it’s streamlining a hospital’s patient flow or rolling out a new banking app, these professionals help organisations solve problems efficiently.
The ability to make data-informed decisions is one of the top traits employers look for in today’s candidates, increasing your chances of getting a job.
5. Prepare for industry certification
Short courses often act as stepping stones to globally recognised certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional), PRINCE2 (Projects IN Controlled Environments), or CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional).
These qualifications can significantly enhance your credibility and boost your earning potential, PMP-certified Project Managers earn up to 33% more than their non-certified peers.
6. Lead with confidence
Whether you’re managing a team or spearheading an initiative, strong leadership and decision-making skills are key.
These programmes build your ability to lead meetings, manage risk, and influence stakeholders, skills that translate directly into higher performance and professional growth.
7. Adapt to changing work environments
The workplace is evolving. Remote work, agile methodologies, and digital-first strategies are the new norm. Professionals with management or business analysis training are well-equipped to thrive in these environments.
They bring clarity, coordination, and insight, which is especially important in hybrid or fast-changing teams and also in fast-changing industries, such as healthcare, IT, and more.
Top project management and business analyst programmes
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in PM or business analysis, the best way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to build a strong career is by taking courses.
MANCOSA offers both PM and business analysis programmes at different levels:
- The Higher Certificate in Project Management teaches you the basics of leading successful projects with practical skill-building.
- The Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis is great if you’re looking to learn the science behind analysing data to help businesses make better decisions that can improve efficiency, growth, and profitability.
Also, if you’re looking to switch your career to PM, you can consider enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in PM.
Register for a project management or business analysis course online
Pursuing a career in PM or business analysis is a great choice in today’s fast-moving and digitally-driven world. Businesses require skilled professionals to help manage operations and steer big decisions.
Have a look at MANCOSA’s Higher Certificate in PM if you’re just starting your career. Or, you can consider enrolling in the Postgraduate Diploma in PM or Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis if you’re looking to shift your career. Get your mid-year college application in today.
