How a Gauteng mum gave her insurance dream wings!

Quick, grab a cup of coffee/tea (or if real-life, feel-good stories make you cry, then grab a bunch of tissues): we’re about to share a wonderful story that’s sure to give you a warm, fuzzy feeling! It’s about how a Gauteng mum pulled out all the stops to turn her career dreams into reality.

Since she joined the financial services and investment group, Icapital, in 2016, 38-year old Victoria Tholana loved everything about her job as a secretary at DJA Aviation (Pty) Ltd. But she loved the buzz of the insurance industry even more – and longed for chance to make a giant career leap.

Growing up, Victoria wanted to be a teacher but when the time came to step into “corporate-sphere”, Victoria was always led by her heart. “I started off working in the Market Research industry, but I always had it in my mind that I will someday work in the Financial Services Sector,” she recalls. And, last year, Victoria got the big break she’d been dreaming of.

Last year, Icapital fuelled her passion by funding a GIFS’ Short-Term Insurance (NQF 5) course so she could improve her understanding of insurance and convert her passion into a viable career. It was a challenging few months that forced Victoria to sharpen her juggling skills: working, studying, and, of course, being the best mum to Ryan (11), Iris (8) and Russell (3).

Thinking back on those late nights, hard work, tired eyes, and cramming sessions, she says, “The course was quite insightful and interesting. I gained a lot of knowledge about insurance and the industry that I did not have.”

And before she knew it, it was time to celebrate an extraordinary achievement: a Short-Term Insurance qualification from GIFS! “I was super excited and ready to face the insurance industry and add value to my work with the knowledge that I gained studying Short Term Insurance!”

Victoria’s indomitable spirit and steadfast commitment to her dream is beautifully inspiring to all of us. She has now settled in as a Junior Administrative Broker at DJA Aviation (Pty) Ltd, and is loving every minute of her exciting, new insurance journey.

We’d like to raise our glasses to Victoria; to honour her courage at fulfilling her dreams; to acknowledge her grit and determination; and to let her know that her story is nothing short of inspirational!


24 August 2020