Tshwane University Of Technology Careers, Making a career choice is no easy matter. It takes time, information and a good understanding of who you are. Life is about making choices and you will never stop making choices. Every single person has to make decisions that will affect his or her future. This may sound like a very daunting undertaking but do not lose hope. Making a career choice need not be a scary task if you take your time, be honest with yourself and put in a little effort.
- Why is making the correct career decision so important?
- By making the correct career decision you will hopefully find yourself in a career that you will experience as fulfilling and challenging. You will be motivated to study and you will want to improve your academic qualifications. Job satisfaction using stems from a good career choice.
1.1. The Career FieldsThere are millions of careers out there, so where does one begin when you are researching your options? Well, you start with a basic breakdown of the career fields.
Why is it important to identify more than one interest area?
It is always important to identify a career that could possibly combine as many of your interests as possible to allow for maximum job satisfaction. It is always important to have a back-up plan or a few other options in case you cannot pursue your initial career choice.
Now that you have identified possible career fields that you may be interested in, it is time to focus on three important aspects that will help you in making a final decision. We will now focus on:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Career Research
It is very important to do research on the careers that you are interested in before you make a final career decision. The following are helpful career research tools:
- Career books that explain what specific careers are about
- Open Days at tertiary institutions
- The Internet
- The Library
- Speaking to people who are already working in the profession that you are interested in
- Teachers
- Career Counsellors
- Career Counselling assessments
- Visiting work places
- Visiting Universities, Universities of Technology or Colleges
Common misconceptions
- Please remember that you can apply at more than one tertiary institution. Always have a back-up plan.
- Many students believe that you can only apply in the beginning of the year, once you have received your final Grade 12 results, for a course. This is untrue! You must apply with your Grade 11 results at the end of the previous year e.g. if you want to study in 2015, you need to apply in 2014.
- Many students believe that they cannot study further if they cannot afford it. This is also not true. Most tertiary institutions offer loans and bursaries.
Never do the following
- Choose a career because your parents/family/friends want you to do it
- Choose a career out of convenience
- Choosing a career because you think that it may be a good/nice/fun/relaxing career and not doing thorough career research
- Not speak up when you are unsure about the career choice that you have made.
- Wait to late to make a career choice
- Apply at tertiary institutions after the deadline for applications
- Apply at only one tertiary institution
Always
- Have a back-up plan
- Always do career research regarding the course you want to study, you must know what you are going to be studying
- Always know the entry requirements for the course that you are interested in