A vital career decision takes place when you’re only 15
A vital consideration for youth should be selecting a career that is not only sustainable but also available
WHILE one may think major career choices and commitments are made and targeted in our twenties, one of the most fundamental decisions determining your career path, is taken when you are only 15 years old.
This is according to Kay Vittee, CEO of Quest Staffing Solutions, who notes that choosing the right subjects in high school, is likely to be the most important decision you can make for your future career path and professional success.
“This is a disconcerting thought, as the majority of teens don’t really know what they want to do for the rest of their lives yet – and guidance in that regard is limited for many.”
“In today’s evolving world, characterised by constant innovation and developments in technology, there are a number of aptitude testing and career guidance options, which can assist in determining academic strengths and interests. However, this same concept of evolving technology means that a number of jobs today, could be obsolete in the near future,” Vittee explained.
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics recently identified multiple careers which are ‘disappearing’ and which are expected to decline – in number of workers – massively by 2020*.
“Such careers include postal service workers, various machine operators, agricultural workers and file clerks. While this is American based research, such trends will begin to come through in our society in years to come and should be a factor considered by youth deciding on their futures,” said Vitee.
“Another vital consideration for youth, should be selecting a career that isn’t only sustainable but also available. With an unemployment rate of 27.1%, a Stats SA announcement shows that the youth remain in a compromising position in the labour market with an unemployment rate of 38.2%, so scholars need to look at the skills and occupations required by the market.”
“This will increase their chances of finding employment in an increasingly limited and competitive environment,” she added.
Two resources which Vittee suggested scholars, students and parents reach for, include the South African Scarce Skills List (available on the Department of Higher Education and Training’s website) as well as the Critical Skills List provided by the Department of Home Affairs, to international talent looking to obtain a Critical Skills Visa.
“These documents outline occupations and skills in high demand in South Africa and include jobs in medicine, architecture, construction, finance, engineering as well as mechanics and other trades.”
“With all this in mind, it’s also important to make choices that enable you to turn your passion, or subjects you have an aptitude for, into a career that will provide the biggest returns in terms of your overall productivity, well-being and happiness.”
“When considering your subject choices, remember that when exam time comes, it’s important to achieve good results to increase your odds of standing out, when applying for a job or to study further. So, rather than going for subjects or a career just because they look good on paper, try to find a happy medium encompassing what you love to do, the skills you have and how these factors can be made into a career.”
“Ultimately, the most important points to keep in mind when choosing subjects are: research, planning and honesty in terms of your strengths, skills and weaknesses,” Vittee concluded.
