How to choose a career after matric Having trouble making decisions about your future and the career you want? Many matriculants feel overwhelmed by all the pressure. I mean, I remember asking myself – how can they expect me to choose a career for the rest of my life, when I can’t even decide on what colour sneakers I want to buy? But I conquered my fears and made my choices, and now I can help you do the same. The idea that only some careers such as doctor, lawyer and accountant are only important is untrue. The job market is huge and you should choose a career that suits your personality and abilities.
Choosing a career Find out more about yourself. Unfortunately, many matric students are unsure about what they want to study after finishing school. The lack of career guidance in high school is one of the main reasons why learners delay going to college or university. This is also why many university and college students drop out in the middle of their first year; they realise that they are studying the wrong course.
assessment One of the best ways that you can discover your true calling is by doing a self-assessment. It will help you discover your true personality type, interests, strengths and weaknesses, and help determine which career path suits you best. Type of questions to ask yourself when doing a selfassessment: ¡¡What type of person am I? (Introvert/Extrovert/ Ambivert) ¡¡What are my interests? ¡¡What am I really good at? ¡¡What do I struggle with? ¡¡Do I like taking orders or do I like giving orders? Take this self-assessment test and find out what type of person you are.
Speak to career advisers Speak to a school psychologist or career counsellor. They can help you better understand yourself and the career opportunities suitable for you. You can also consider taking an online career test.
Different types of career fields to explore Here is a list of the main career fields that will give you a better idea of what kind of careers there are: ¡¡Architecture, planning and environmental design ¡¡Arts and entertainment ¡¡Business ¡¡Communications ¡¡Education ¡¡Engineering and computer science ¡¡Environment ¡¡Government ¡¡Health and medicine ¡¡International ¡¡Law and public policy ¡¡Non-profit ¡¡Science – biological and physical
