Career Choices - October 2021

CAREER CHOICES OCTOBER 2021

Head, Heart and Hand guide HELDERBERG COLLEGE Shaping the future of sound education IN A POST PANDEMIC WORLD Five skills brand managers need TO SURVIVE THE 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Email: Brent.Cole@inl.co.za

Tel: +27 (0) 21 488 4175

Fax:+27 (0) 865110569

One of the big questions young people face is what to do after matric?

This edition of Career Choices is packed with suggestions which are valuable, constructive and even fun. So if you still haven’t yet decided what the future holds post Grade 12, whatever you do, don’t panic.

Read all about our 10-step guide for applying to university, and how young women are being empowered to move into previously maledominated spaces. I hope you enjoy our October digital magazine.

Goodluck to the Matric Class of 2021.

Tamara Mafilika, Education Co-ordinator

Life after matric: What happens now?

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Helderberg

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‘Head, Heart and Hand’ guide Helderberg College

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Careers in demand

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Vega

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Five skills brand managers need to survive the 4th industial revolution

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Cape Audio College

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Shaping the future of sound education in a post-pandemic world

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Ten Step Guide to making your university application

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Plumbling college to plug gap of female artisans in SA

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Women forging ahead in male dominated careers

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Life after matric:

What happens now?

LIFE after matric can be very challenging. For some, the expectation or desire to study at a tertiary institution has become a reality and the pressure of “what-to-do-next” is not a major concern at this point. However, for many others, not knowing what to do or where to go after matric is a disconcerting feeling.

Here are six helpful guidelines on what you can do to prepare for life after matric.

Find a mentor Having a senior and more experienced person guiding you in life will help you in the long run.

You can either choose to have a mentor in the career field you want to pursue or someone who has vast knowledge and experience in life itself.

A mentor will help you grow as a person in understanding and decision-making. Choose carefully, as this person’s life habits will rub off on you.

Further your studies Most matriculants will choose to further their education after high school through a TVET college, university or correspondence institute.

Studying after matric will give you the opportunity to work towards a qualification that will help you land your dream job. You can study full-time or study and work part-time – the choice is yours.

Studying straight after high school also helps you maintain the momentum and discipline of learning and studying for exams.

Work experience If you are still deciding on the career to pursue or are saving up to further your studies, you can gain work experience in the meantime and earn money. Working after high school also allows you to refine your soft skills and learn the hard skills needed for your future career.

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Nobody’s perfect, Gap year If your matric year was stressful and you feel like you need a break before committing to a job or a four-year degree course, then a gap year would be best. It’s the perfect opportunity to do whatever you want. Travel a little, work abroad, volunteer for the year, discover your passion and talents – it’s all up to you. However, when travelling or working abroad, you must take all Covid-19 safety protocols and restrictions into consideration.

Take a career quiz If you are unsure about what career you should pursue or in doubt about whether it would suit your personality, you should take a career quiz to determine if your personality is a match for your dream job. You don’t want to take up public speaking only to find out that you are an introvert who dislikes having to confront face-to-face live audiences. These career quizzes are freely available on websites of tertiary institutes or career websites.

that’s why pencils have erasers.

Do whaT makes you happy It’s so easy to be influenced when you’re young.

We tend to cling on to the popular beliefs of the world that if you’re a doctor, engineer or lawyer that you have made it in life. That’s not true.

Covid-19 has taught us not to take life for granted and that means living life on your best terms.

Do what makes you happy, even if it’s not approved by society. If you want to become a deejay or travel the world and write about your adventures or even become a fitness instructor – do it and never regret living your dream.

Incredibly Competent Intentionally Ethical Graduates Apply Today

www.hche.ac.za 021 850 7500 Registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution in terms of section 54(1)(c) of the Higher Education Act, (Act No. 101 of 1997), Certificate No. 2001/HE08/001.

BA (Communication) BA (Psychology) BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) BA (Theology)

HCert (Office Management) BCom (Accounting) BBA (Management)

‘Head, Heart and Hand’ guide Helderberg College HELDERBERG College of Higher Education (HCHE) has a proud heritage. It is part of the second-largest education system in the world and is operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

There are 118 colleges and universities in 90 countries around the world. The college, which was established in 1893, has been operating for over 128 years. It offers quality education in South Africa and the SADC region. HCHE is nestled on the slopes of Helderberg Mountain in the beautiful town of Somerset West, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

HCHE is different from many other tertiary institutions because of its educational philosophy and approach, which has an impact on every aspect of the students’ lives. The college has a special mission and a very different philosophy of education. This philosophy recognises that true education has to do with the well-balanced development of the whole person – head, heart and hand to prepare students thoroughly: intellectually, professionally, practically, spiritually and socially.

HCHE graduates do not only have the knowledge and skills needed for their chosen profession but have learnt values, ethics and love for service.

Highly qualified lecturers serve in the three faculties, which is Faculty of Business, Faculty of Social Sciences & Education, and Faculty of Theology. Lecturers are continually furthering their studies and research, making sure that

students receive only the best and most up-todate knowledge in their preferred degree.

HCHE lecturers don’t just teach, they educate.

HCHE believes in making sure that every student receives a fair chance to learn. Hence the classes are kept as small as possible to ensure that each student gets the individual attention they need to achieve their best possible results. HCHE lecturers care about their students and know them by name. Students are not just another number.

The following programmes are offered: • Faculty of Business • BCom (Accounting) • BBA (Management) • HCom (Higher Certificate in Office Management) • Faculty of Social Sciences & Education • BA (Communication) - Corporate Communication • BA (Communication) - Media Studies • BA (Psychology) - Counselling BA (Psychology) Industrial Psychology BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) • Faculty of Theology • BA (Theology)

Careers in demand:

Do your research before making a choice EVEN if there are many study opportunities in South Africa, it is important to research before picking a course of your choice. Ask yourself, will you get a job after finishing your course?

Here are four future careers to consider: Solar/wind energy technician Radiation from the sun is converted into electricity. A solar photovoltaic technician takes preventative measures and maintains a solar plant.

The technician makes sure all health, safety and environment protocols are followed. The technician must also ensure the solar plant runs to maximum effect and is responsible for drafting technical reports on all events.

The job entails assembling, installing, fixing and maintaining solar panel systems. These technicians need to have attention to detail, maths skills and electrical knowledge, as do wind tech-

nicians. Wind power turbine service technicians service, maintain and repair wind turbines. The job involves the inspection, diagnosis and maintenance and repair of wind turbines. They should be able to resolve mechanical, hydraulic or electrical problems.

They are expected to inspect the exterior; check the physical integrity of towers; climb towers to troubleshoot or repair turbine equipment; collect data for research and analysis; conduct routine maintenance on the turbines; test the electrical components and systems; test the mechanical and hydraulic systems; and service underground transmission systems, wind field substations and fibre optic sensors and control systems. They also need to be able to replace worn out or non-operational components.

Wind technicians must be able to work in confined spaces, though they do also work outside.

They also need to be comfortable with heights.

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Software developer Software developers create and brainstorm computer programs, systems, websites and various applications. They analyse the needs of users and proceed to design, develop and test software to meet the specified requirements. They also suggest software upgrades for a client’s programs and systems. They are able to design applications or systems and figure out how the pieces will work together. Programs can be written to enable companies to perform specific tasks.

They retrieve and manipulate data to analyse a system’s capability. They meet clients, determine the clients needs and then develop a suitable product, ensuring usability and quality.

Software developers need strong computer programming applications and skills. They also need adaptability as technology changes quickly.

InformatIon SecurIty analySt Information security analysts secure archiving solutions. They secure information for companies in a safe manner, to keep data secure from unauthorised access or alteration, whether it is being stored or transmitted. It’s basically cybersecurity, protecting both the network and the application used.

Information security analysts also do restoration and mitigation.

With the nature of the information, confidentiality (passwords, encryption authentication and defence), integrity of data (so it can’t be modified either by accident or purposefully), and availability (ensuring data is available to those with permissions) are important. You may find yourself adapting to different security principals when you’re working for a hospital or a bank institution, for example. High-level security breaches have made this job much in demand.

BIomedIcal engIneer A biomedical engineer analyses and engineers solutions to problems in biology and medicine, to improve quality and effectiveness of patient care.

Biomedical engineers may test biomedical equipment and devices, for example, artificial internal organs, machines for diagnosing medical problems and replacement body parts or rehabilitation equipment. They also install, adjust, repair, maintain or provide technical support for biomedical equipment.

The ability to work well in a team is important. Biomedical engineers also train clinicians and other personnel on the proper use of equipment. They combine engineering principles with medical and biological sciences in the course of their jobs. They also conduct research to solve clinical problems.

Five skills brand managers need to survive the 4th industrial revolution THERE have been plenty of predictions surrounding the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and how it will impact various industries and the future of work.

There’s no question that the digital era has caused major disruption in many industries – from Airbnb’s impact on the hospitality sector to the way Uber and Bolt changed the face of transport.

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), over one-third of skills (35%) that are considered important in today’s workforce will have changed – and brand management is no exception.

While professionals may feel exempt from having to worry about the changes that 4IR brings, the reality is that anyone hoping to not only keep their job but progress in their career will need to upskill to stay ahead of the curve. Shevon Lurie, MD at Vega (a brand of The Independent Institute of Education – The IIE) provides the top skills that brand managers of the future will need to survive and thrive in the future.

1. Creative strategic thinking It used to be that “strategic thinking’’ and “creativity” were considered two separate skills on either end of

the spectrum, with creativity being more of a priority in artistic fields like design and photography and less so among those responsible for “steering the ship”.

However, brand managers in the 4IR will need to understand the importance of tapping into their creativity to generate and execute ground-breaking strategies, ensuring the brands they manage remain relevant while always being a step ahead of its competitors.

2. Complex problem-solving skills From finding ways to engage with a new generation of consumers who are worlds apart from their “babyboomer” predecessors to keeping up with the latest social media content trends, brand managers will need to think on their feet to stay afloat. Managing a brand in the digital age involves navigating an ever-evolving landscape of challenges which requires the ability to look at problems from different vantage points while taking a number of factors into consideration. Complex-problem solving is one of the WEF’s top 10 skills for the fourth industrial revolution, not to mention a core focus of The IIE qualifications available to study at Vega. You’ll need to have a good understanding of the world and how it works in order to find the innovative solutions for brands of the future.

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3. Social awareness To understand the world around them, brand managers will need to keep a finger on the pulse of their consumer market. According to a recent study, 64% expect the brands they support to take a stand on social issues – Colin Kaepernick’s ad campaign for Nike is a great example of this, where the brand stood in support of a social movement that many of the consumers in its target demographic felt strongly about. This involves having a good understanding of the moral, social and cultural circumstances and real-world contexts that impact society, which comes down to research, observation and dialogue in order to earn the respect and support of today’s consumers.

4. Understanding digital platforms Most people are aware of Facebook and the many other popular social media platforms that people spend their time on, but a brand manager’s job is to unpack the potential of these channels for the benefit of their brand. While algorithms and software can be helpful when it comes to gaining important insights, they are simply tools at a brand’s disposal and no match for the expertise of a human being. This is where brand managers come in – they will need to be able to take these insights, add this to their unique understanding of the power of digital platforms, and turn all of this into a meaningful outcome for a brand.

5. Passion As the industry continues to shift and change shape, the one “skill’’ that every brand manager needs to hold on to is their passion and drive to succeed.

While it may seem obvious, it’s easy to get lost in trying to survive the 4IR. A brand manager of the future will play an important role in ensuring that a brand adds value, makes meaningful contributions to the world and takes accountability for its every decision and action. Brands have the power to influence and affect change, and brand managers hoping to survive in the future will need to hold on to these ideals more fervently than ever.

The 4IR has already significantly changed the landscape of careers, work and the future. While somewhat uncertain, it will be bright for those who invest in themselves. To find out more about many industry-leading IIE Brand Communication and Brand Management qualifications available to study at Vega, visit www.vegaschool.com.

Visit the Vega Open Day on Saturday, October 30 to find out more about the modern career landscape and to chat to educators and industry professionals about a career in brand management.

Study Sound Engineering in 2022 with South Africa’s Leading Audio Training Institute *Diploma in Sound Technology and Production *Higher Certificate In Sound Technology *Modern Music Production *Dj Fundamentals

Next Open Day 27 November 2021

Shaping the future of sound education in a post-pandemic world COVID-19 has not changed the art of music production. Instead, it has accelerated a process that has already been in place for years.

Since well before the pandemic, the way of the large format recording studio was disappearing - the reality is that most recording projects are happening at home or in smaller project studios all around the world.

In this sense, Covid-19 is not necessarily a tragic disruption of the music school curriculum. Instead, it is an essential and overdue opportunity to reshape the way we teach and learn music recording and production for a modern world that requires flexibility over all else.

The basic principles must continue to be taught including signal flow, gain staging, and the basic physics of sound that are required to engineer and produce in a large format, analogue-based studio. However, it is increasingly important to translate those fundamental concepts into digital applications. Those same concepts apply to using a plugin in Pro Tools, yet you need to be taught how to properly implement them.

It is one thing to know how to get the perfect sound with the perfect recording setup, but understanding how to make the best of a less ideal recording situation (especially with Covid19 considerations) - like avoiding unwanted room reflections, using good mic technique, and learning how to maximise the returns of more affordable gear - is vital to modern recording.

As an example, think of how many great records have been made recently in

environments that are less than ideal, like somebody’s bedroom. It doesn’t take a huge analogue studio - it just takes good knowledge of your DAW (digital audio workstation) and the gear you have.

Any programmes or audio companies stuck in the past are now being forced to deal with the future.

Covid-19 will be a watershed moment for music programmes that are currently working out how to leave the “old ways” in the past, and dive headfirst into the “new normal”.

For many sound engineers, the pandemic has been a unique opportunity to learn new skills and broaden their horizons. And for audio colleges, it has been an opportunity to reshape the future of their course offerings. The resources, teaching and infrastructure that are being generated now as online content are long overdue, with many believing that a mixed model should have been exploited sooner.

“Cape Audio College has been at the cutting edge of audio education for more than 27 years, and we are uniquely placed to offer you the best education experience possible, explains the Cape Audio College team.

“Our dedicated staff has spent the last year-and-a-half translating our educational programme offerings into seamless online modules that allow for both remote and contact learning experiences.

“So even in these uncertain and frustrating times, you can rest assured that you will receive the most cutting-edge audio education in South Africa - thereby setting yourself up for a long and successful career in the ever-changing audio industry.”

10 step guide to making your university application BEING in matric means a lot of pressure and responsibility, but adding tertiary applications to the list of things you have to do makes it even more daunting. First, you worry about your academic performance, which career line you would like to follow and then you have to decide on the tertiary institution that would be the best fit for you.

Much like school applications, tertiary institutions applications require a lot of paperwork, and there is no guarantee that you will be accepted at the university of your choice. Hence, you need to make multiple applications for at least two courses at a number of universities.

To add on, because tertiary education is so expensive, you need to think of ways to fund your tuition.

To give you a little help, this 10 step guide, first published on Funda Connect, could help you get ready.

1. Closing dates: Make sure you are aware of the application opening and deadline dates for the institution you are planning to apply to.

2. Online application vs courier: Due to the pandemic, most universities are using online applications portals. Familiarise yourself with the portal system.

3. Exam results: Your Grade 11 marks are important for your application. Some universities allow you to use your matric June marks, so have these at hand too.

4. Funding: Ensuring that there is a plan to cover all your university costs is important. There are bursaries, student loans and the National Students Financial Aid Scheme that you can also apply to if your family’s income falls below a certain bracket. This is a separate application from your university application and will require your parents’/ guardians’ financial documents such as payslips.

5. Be active at school: While academics is important, universities also look for other activities in which you are involved. This could serve as a good reference.

6. Documents you will need: Have certified copies of your ID made, as well as those of your parents/guardians. You will also need to send copies of your results and parents’/guardians’ payslips. Never send originals, only certified copies.

7. Fill in your application properly: There is no need to rush. Fill in all parts of the application.

8. Don’t forget to pay for the application form: Double check the required amount, and EFT it or pay it at the bank. Never post it. Send the university proof of payment if it’s required.

9. Sign the declaration in the forms.

10. Wait for the university’s reply.

Plumbing college to plug gap of female artisans in South Africa THE React Training College is the first black women-owned plumbing and artisan college, and has all systems in place to bridge the current skills gap in the country. The college in Parow is a Construction, Education and Training Authority (Ceta) accredited college.

Former Minister for Public Works and Infrastructure, Patricia de Lille visited the college to see first-hand the work they have done in the short time of their existence.

She engaged with the founders and students on their work and the importance of empowering more women to claim their space in construction and related industries.

De Lille said the React Training college had provided competency-based modular training with new innovative plumbing techniques.

She added that the founders Celeste le Roux, Charmaine Jampies and David le Roux had tailored their courses to ensure that their artisans were trained for the South African water and infrastructure challenges.

“This focus in their work is so crucial as a large percentage of water is lost before it reaches customers due to water leaks. The South African water system requires qualified and skilled artisans to ensure that we protect and increase the efficiency of our infrastructure,” said De Lille.

She said they trained students to equip them with the necessary skills to be trade-test ready within a few months.

Le Roux said their mission was to empower, develop and train superior plumbing artisans.

“As previously disadvantaged black women in the construction industry, it has been fundamentally crucial for us to develop and empower women.”

One of the students, Nwabisa Konana, said she had been at the college for three months, and had managed to learn many things within the plumbing sector. “ I can even do my own drainage, install geysers and chimneys by myself,” said Konana. “(The) visit affirms that women have so much to offer in our country and in the built environment. There is no limit to what the women and girls in our country can achieve and React Training College is just one of many other women-owned businesses in South Africa which we can be proud of,” said De Lille.

Women forging ahead in maledominated careers IT’S thanks to the women of the 1950s and 60s - who paved the way for the younger generation of women to thrive in what would have been a man’s world - that today we can forge our own paths, step over stereotypes and shatter those glass ceilings along the way. And while we may feel that we have not yet reached any close to true equality, the world of work is slowly but surely making strides in welcoming women into all types of careers – even those previously considered “too risky” or “dangerous”.

Here are just a few examples of women stepping into male-dominated industries and making their mark: Mathapelo More - engineering One such female-achiever is Mathapelo More, who sees herself as part of the transformation in the civil engineering industry, with all of the other women hard at work in the field, and those about to embark on their journey.

“I think being active in the industry automatically inspires young women to join, as it shows it is possible to operate in this male-dominated world,” More says.

More is a professional engineer, whose job involves developing existing infrastructure that is otherwise a liability for the client, and transforming it to the benefit of local communities.

Currently, she is an asset transformation specialist at consulting engineering and infrastructure advisory firm, Zutari. reshMi Khan - supply chain Supply chain, logistics and operations may not sound glamorous, but they are critical to how a business works. Reshmi Khan is a supply chain transformation Emea demand track leader

at Cummins, and considers her career to be a journey wrapped in every role and experience.

She believes this has added professional knowledge and confidence, while also strengthening her soft skills.

Khan believes that the industry has been transformed sufficiently, but not enough women are involved in the pipeline. “Women are not growing sufficiently in leadership roles. However, current small strides could see bigger transformation in the industry in the next generation.” antoinette Kloppers - architecture Newly-appointed Paragon Architects senior associate Antoinette Kloppers says: “Work hard and follow your own unique growth path” – and this has certainly worked out for her.

“I always wonder if I am really making a difference and reaching my goals. This great recognition and the congratulations that I had received have brought a refreshing perspective on how I have grown in my career.

“In the past year, we have had to rethink everything. We have had to create opportunities and new ways of learning and mentoring. One cannot grow without trials, and as much as we have faced many difficulties, you can find at least one lesson learnt in every challenge faced.”

BoloKang innocentiah Mere - Mining When a drilling technology solutions provider, Rosond, designed and developed a nextgeneration drill rig that automates this arduous and dangerous process, an opportunity arose for several women to be deployed at Kumba Iron Ore in the Northern Cape.

A grade control drill assistant, Bolokang Innocentiah Mere’s job is to ensure that all samples taken are labelled correctly, and assists with setup when relocating to the next exploration site.

“What I enjoy most about my job is that we always work as a team. This truly creates a family environment where everybody is there for each other. I feel empowered, because for many years only men were allowed to work in the mining industry. I know I still have much to learn, which is why I am so excited about this job and being part of women in mining.”