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When it comes to dealing with all the dollars in the real estate game, a career move into mortgage broking makes a whole lot of sense.

With the Australian property market continuing to record strong year-on-year returns, taking the smart step into mortgage broking could open a strategic new career chapter — and a profitable future.

That’s exactly what the Sunshine Coast’s Rowena Myers did last year after being made redundant from her previous job as a chemist.

Myers, an active property investor, decided to turn her passion for finance and property into a career, and signed up for the Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking Management (FNS40815) with Kaplan Professional, and continued on to complete the Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management (FNS50315). “I was looking to study with a reputable education provider that would offer me the best solid learning foundation from the outset,” says Myers. “Kaplan Professional ticked all the boxes for their student feedback, course notes, online student portal, as well as their very knowledgeable and supportive professional development staff.

“Online learning was a good option for me as it allowed me to work full-time while I was studying, so I was able to maintain some financial stability.”

With hard work, Myers made her dream come true. She is now a mortgage broker with Home Loan Connexion, helping people achieve the great Australian dream of owning their own home.

Myers says undertaking study and completing the course provided her with all the training she required to make a career transition. “Breaking down your ultimate goal into small, manageable steps is the best way to make progress while feeling like you’re actually achieving something,” she explains.

Kaplan Professional’s suite of mortgage broking courses offer the complete jumping-off place when looking to start a career in mortgage broking. It provides an understanding of the critical aspects of the finance and mortgage broking industries, while meeting the licensing requirements for mortgage brokers outlined in ASIC’s Regulatory Guide.

The Diploma is recognised by the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) and the Finance Brokers Association of Australia (FBAA). In addition, Kaplan Professional is a preferred qualification provider for the MFAA.

“The Certificate IV is a good introduction as it provides students with the essential skills, and knowledge required of brokers,” says Lucia Stejer, Head of Learning & Delivery at Kaplan Professional. “The course is the entry-level requirement to practice as a broker, and is designed for both students currently working in the industry, and those who have no industry experience.”

“The Diploma builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the Certificate IV and delves into identifying and developing complex broking options, and covers the relevant legislation and codes of practice applicable,” Stejer says. “Additionally, business management skills are covered, providing students with the necessary skills to promote business growth and marketing, run an efficient and effective business, and how to best manage people in your team and business.”

The courses are specifically designed to make self-directed study a straightforward process for students of all stages and ages, especially mature students returning to study for the first time in years.

“The content and assessment is structured in a logical and sequential order,” Stejer explains. “Flexibility and availability of subjects is a key motivation for studying online, including the flexibility to commence at different times throughout the year.”

A major benefit of studying with Kaplan Professional is the ongoing support — both online and by phone — provided by a team of academic advisors.

“As well as having the opportunity to ask both administrative and technical questions, other proactive support includes tips on how to successfully complete an assignment, recommendations on allocating and structuring time to complete assessments, and the opportunity for extensions.”

After completing the courses, fully-qualified graduate students have found a range of career options open to them across many areas of mortgage broking, offering many financially rewarding options.

Rowena Myers claims it’s all a matter of taking the plunge to get the process started in the first place, and then following it through.

“With the right strategy, you can set yourself on the path to financial independence,” she says. “Just always know you can do it; maintaining that self-belief is so important.”

Have you considered a career in mortgage broking?

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