We wanted to get to know Barbara Louw, Campus Director at eta College George & Port Elizabeth. Read what questions we asked in today’s blog and what insightful answers we received!
Q: What is your title at eta College?
A: Campus director focusing on regional Sales and Marketing
Q: What is your role at eta College?
A: To encourage current and future eta students to aspire beyond what they think is possible. Our students excel in their chosen qualifications and receive a well-rounded education from our committed facilitators and support staff who seek to challenge and motivate our students. I always encourage our students to actively participate in the broader aspect of the industry through involvement with Fitness facilities, Schools, Sport Federations, Sport Events and much more. Thus, one of my main focuses is to build professional relationships with numerous stakeholders who can create opportunities for our students. Secondly to build and enhance the eta brand, by becoming the first choice for higher education. And lastly, I oversee all sales and markting activities at both regions and provide support and assistance to the administration departments.
Q: How long have you been involved with eta College?
A: 8 years
Q: What led you to working in the Fitness industry?
A: I have always had a passion about the effects of healthy eating and exercise and what positive changes it can make to a person’s life. Sport and Fitness have always been part of my upbringing. I turned my passion for fitness and education into my profession.
Q: What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment at eta?
A: When I started my journey at eta, I opened the doors of the first eta campus in George, Western Cape. After 7 successful years with incredible support from staff, we decided it’s time to expand our vision to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape and in January 2017, we opened the doors of the Port Elizabeth campus. Both these projects have been life changing. Opening two new campuses (with the assistance of amazing colleagues) has definitely been my greatest accomplishment not just at eta, but in general.
Q: What has eta George and Port Elizabeth learnt this year?
A: Teamwork! Running two regions, teamwork is one of the most essential aspects of any business. With teamwork, remarkable things can be done and achieved.
Q: Who is your greatest role model?
A: I don’t have a role model, but the following qualities always inspire me; determination, kindness, intelligence, an amazing work ethic, but integrity is definitly top of my priority list.
Q: What’s your favourite qualification at eta?
A: Difficult to say, but if I have to pick one, it will be the 3 year Diploma in Sport & Recreation Management (NQF Level 6).
Q: Why?
A: With this qualification, the opportunities are endless. You learn about recreation, sport, fitness and a range of management and leadership theories. Project management also forms a great part of this qualification. After successful completion, you can manage a sport tournament, co-ordinate athletes or teams, as well as manage a sport and fitness facility. The world comes together for sport events, who doesn’t want to be part of that?
Q: Where do you hope to see eta George and Port Elizabeth in 5 years?
A: We would like to become the main provider for the sport, recreation and fitness industry, sending out quality graduates.
With the increased amount of opportunities within the field of sport and fitness, we are looking forward to growing our campuses by creating even better learning spaces for our students which includes Technology, High performance centres and much more.
