Don’t choose qualification over career, counsellors say

Now that  matric results are out, some matriculants may be feeling overwhelmed about what to study and where to secure a brighter future.

According to SA's best career counsellors, it's important to not just take whatever course is offered to you because you want to make it to university but rather think about what kind of career you want and how best it is to get in the field.

Prof Alban Burke, who is the director at the centre for psychological services and career development at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), said there is value in attending Technical Vocational Education & Training (TVET) colleges or starting off with a diploma at a university instead of a degree.

“People often choose qualifications over their career. They take whatever is offered to them and they are just happy to get into university. It's important to know what you want in a career because often you get to your third year and you don't know what to do with that degree,” he said.

“Students don't consider TVETs because they are viewed as low status when these colleges can actually get you into high-demand jobs.”

Burke said if you still want to attend university after these courses then you are a better candidate to get into some of the more competitive degrees.

Career counsellor Kim Conradie shares Burkes sentiments for those who did not get into their degrees of choice. “Try enrolling for smaller short courses in your areas of interest to see if this sparks and desires to study further in depth, this option could also be useful if you have missed an application to university.

“Depending on what it is you are interested in you may even find that there is a one year programme that could give you insight into this career option. At the end of the experience you may find that this did not live up to your expectations at all and would have saved yourself unnecessary 'trauma'. Again, be open and flexible. Post-pandemic, many universities globally are offering courses. Don’t limit yourself to one experience,” she said.

Conradie and Burke said it is important to get career counselling from qualified people which can be private counsellors or university counsellors. 

Raj Naran, who is a career development educator at Wits University, said planning your career should ideally start in grade 11 because it takes time to find the right path. He said sometimes the pressure of deciding in a short space of time can be detrimental, leading to poor decision-making by matriculants.

“Sometimes it may be a better option to delay study for a year to explore options further and possibly acquire some work experience,” he said.

“It is important that individuals also ensure that the necessary support is in place when planning career/study options for life after school. For example, financial support, accommodation, transport and food are vitally important if a student is to succeed at university,” said Naran.

Naran said the most in demand jobs continue to be in STEM but that students should not feel pressured to join the fields if they are not strong in the subjects.

“Without doubt, there is a shortage of people with education, training and skill in the STEM career paths. These would include study programmes that include science, technology, mathematics, and so on Accounting and ICT also comes up as high-demand job options.

“However, there is a shift to more technology-based processes in most job field and it is important for learners to prepare themselves for a higher level of engagement with computers, the internet and data analysis.”

Burke added that artisan jobs such as plumbers, electricians and mechanics are also in demand.