Now that the 2013 matric results have been released, a lot of matriculants will be pursuing their chosen career path by furthering their education at tertiary institutions to obtain their desired qualification. However, what does the future hold for those pupils who have not decided on which career path they would like to take. Will they take a gap year to review their career options and accumulate funds to further their studies? Or will they become part of the alarming unemployment statistics that continues to rise? Highway Mail conducted some research on how to make the right career choices to help those who are still undecided.
How to make the right career choices?
It is the time of the year when matriculants have to apply for tertiary education. Before applying for any course, it is crucial that you take your time and make wise decisions about the career path you want to take. We often feel confused with the career choices that we need to make. We are sometimes not sure of our interests and our abilities, and we have a limited knowledge of the work environment and different career fields available.
Incorrect career choice can lead to job frustration and an unfulfilled life. It is also likely to lead to a midlife career change. Some people view a midlife career change as a waste of time whereas others see it in a positive way. They view it as a second chance to reflect on their lives and to grow. Some say that wrong career choices were a step forward towards discovering their true careers. The question remains, how do we make right career choices? The answer lies within you, the least we can do is to provide some tips to help you make right decisions.
Career Choice tips
We would like to help you minimise the chances of making the wrong career choice. The following tips could help to make your decisions easier:
- Identify your interests – it is important for pupils to identify their interests and ensure that they choose the correct subjects. A right subject choice can have an impact on the pupil’s choices for where and what to study after matriculation. After you have identified your interests, try to link them with possible careers.
- Know your personality- what kind of a person are you? Are you an introvert, extrovert, shy, loud, practical, intellectual, creative, leader, follower or persuader. After you have identified your personality you have to link it to your career.
- Know your talent- what are you good at, what are you not good at. Then link your abilities to this career.
- Know your values and needs-What is more important to you? Money, security, status, creativity or working with people. You are the only one who can identify your own well-being.
- Do career research- visit work places to get the sense of the real working environment. Talk to the professionals who are already in the same field, visit libraries and internet, talk to lecturers.
- Visit your nearest psychologist for career guidance – Regular workshops and psychoeducational groups are facilitated by student counsellors, that focus on the development of leadership, learning/study skills, public speaking, assertiveness, anxiety management and variety of other life skills.
Courtesy of: www.smartcape.org.za/careers/choosing-a-career.html
