5 mins
OUR INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE GRADUATES WITH MASTER’S DEGREES
Lecturers at registered higher education institutions in South Africa are required to have an academic qualification registered at a higher NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level than the level they are teaching or facilitating. For instance, teaching somatology (NQF level 6) necessitates the lecturer to have an advanced diploma in dermal aesthetics (NQF level 7). Further progression typically mandates a master’s degree in somatology. The Isa Carstens® Academy has identified a shortage of graduates holding master’s degrees in this field.
Choosing a career in education calls for a strategic starting point, ideally with an institution registered by the Department of Higher Education. It is paramount that the course aligns with the NQF for higher education, emphasising an academic route for the individual.
At the end of 2023, 188 employable students graduated from the academy, including beauty technologists and front office administrators, somatologists and advanced dermal aestheticians, the latter especially equipped to work with medical professionals in aesthetic practices.
One person who has taken this route is Natasha Africa who recently obtained her master’s degree in somatology. Natasha is a lecturer in body care and academic literacy at the Isa Carstens® Academy in Stellenbosch. We are extremely proud of Natasha! In celebrating her achievement, we asked her a few questions to get to know her better.
How did you end up in this Industry – what made you study in this direction?
I always saw myself working in the beauty industry (as a make-up artist) but never as a somatologist. When I was introduced to the course at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) by a close friend, I wasn’t accepted as my application was late. However, I was very determined and decided to apply for the following year and was then accepted. As my student journey progressed, my passion for the health and wellness industry grew so much that I decided to do my fourth year, completing my B Tech in somatology.
What motivated you to pursue a master’s degree?
As a lecturer, I had found my purpose and was inspired by all the opportunities in educating therapists. I was very sure that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life!
I have learned that in education learning never stops. So, to grow and develop myself even further, I started talking to people who have completed their master’s in somatology just to give me some clarity and direction. It made my decision easier.
INDUSTRY VACANCIES ON OUR WEBSITE
At Isa Carstens® Academy, our commitment is to cultivate therapists who are not only highly skilled but also employable critical-thinking therapists. We have the utmost confidence in our graduates to maintain the “Isa Standard” as they step into the professional arena.
Although we don’t operate as a recruitment agency, we often encounter employers actively seeking therapists. Simultaneously, we aim to see our graduates thrive in gratifying careers, aligning with reputable and reliable employers.
To facilitate this, we feature job advertisements on our website, providing a platform for our alumni to explore and connect with potential opportunities. If you’re an employer looking to post a position on our site, you can conveniently submit your application at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0JQZrXsL-AZwCZQmIyvjYVgZfKUiAR9-pUKo8Q0UoqNezXw/viewform.
The title of your study was ‘Manual therapeutic health care as an essential service – a case study conducted in Stellenbosch’. How did you choose the specific field for your master’s degree?
I knew I was going to do my master’s, but I wasn’t immediately sure what my topic would be. I shared some of my ideas with Yolandé Swanepoel, our academic head, and she helped to narrow it down to this topic which I grabbed with both hands and ran with.
What were the most significant challenges you faced during your master’s programme, and how did you overcome them?
The most significant challenges during the course were the deadlines for when participants had to submit surveys, but I was quite proactive with sending follow-up emails which really helped in getting responses.
Can you share some memorable experiences or moments from your journey to earning your master’s degree?
I feel the entire experience is something that I will never forget. The one thing that did make this course less challenging was the support and assistance from my supervisor, Dr S Ghuman. She made the journey enjoyable, motivating and supporting me all the way. The other memorable experience was my graduation which was organised for me as a surprise at Isa Stellenbosch as I was not able to attend graduation in Durban. It was the best by far, as it was all just for me!
How did your master’s programme contribute to your personal and professional growth?
Being able to further my studies makes me feel proud as I continue working towards becoming better and it gives me a feeling of satisfaction. Professionally I feel more aware of what our role as Somatologists is in society and how they perceive us. As an educator, upskilling myself lets me inspire and equip my students with knowledge so that they, too, may be successful.
How did you manage your time and maintain a work-life balance while pursuing your master’s degree?
Balancing work and studies is very challenging but very possible. I must say I feel a bit fortunate that I was able to work from home as it was during lockdown, but as mentioned, it’s very challenging and one really needs to be driven most times. I would constantly remind myself as to why I’m doing this and “keep my eyes on the prize”.
WELL DONE TO OUR AWARD WINNERS!
We congratulate our 2023 graduate award winners whose exceptional achievements have illuminated their academic journey.
In addition, as a member of South African Association of Health and Skin Care Professionals (SAAHSP), Isa Carstens® Wellness Sanctuary Stellenbosch, has achieved bronze status for their salon.
All students and therapists at this facility are registered and designated on the SAAHSP system. SAAHSP acknowledges the work ethic and professionalism of the students who conform to compliant and ethical processes.
HARNESSING THE POWER OF VIRTUAL REALITY
At Isa Carstens® Academy, we have always been at the forefront of somatology education in South Africa. Our commitment to providing our students with the best possible training has led us to explore cutting-edge technologies in the educational field.
One of the latest innovations we’ve introduced is a virtual reality (VR) training platform. We recently held a focus group with our students to introduce VR into their learning experience. This exciting development allows them to immerse themselves in a virtual salon, where they can practice various scenarios, from greeting the client to recommending products and rebooking appointments.
Incorporating VR into our curriculum is an exciting step forward, as it complements the real-world, hands-on experience our students receive in our academies. By using VR technology, we ensure that our students are well-prepared and confident in applying their skills effectively in a professional salon setting.