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. Read below for some of the factors that you need to consider before making your career choices. The following tips could help to make your decisions easier.
- Identify your interests -it is important for learners in grade 8 and 9 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 teachers and lecturers.
- Visit your nearest Psychologist for career guidance. The University of the Western Cape is also offering career guidance which provides guidance and information on career planning and development, subject and career choice, and degree programmes. Career assessment and career counselling are also offered as a service to high school learners. Additionally, the service includes the provision of psychometric testing. 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. For more information and bookings, you can contact them to this no: 021 959 2299
Just bear in mind that success in a career choice depends on passion, motivation, vision, creativity, motivation. For more details on career choices click on the following links.
Tshwane University of Technology
If you are ready to apply you can visit the following links of the Western Cape Institutions of higher education
All the best for your career endeavours
Last Update: 21 July 2010
