Plan for tertiary education

AS the year nears its end, it is time for matrics to begin planning for tertiary education. While some may have the next few years mapped out, others still need to do some research on the fields they may want to work in one day.

“Many matrics do not realise the significance of the decision they will make at the end of Grade 12, as this will have an impact on the rest of their lives,” says Rama Govenden, human resources executive at financial services company PPS. “It is vital they do as much research as possible when they consider what they want to pursue as a career.” He has this advice for matrics:

Speak to people in the industries you are interested in. It is useful to get first-hand information on how things work. It is important to speak to experts or mentors who have been in that field for a few years;

ý If you get the chance to work in the holidays in an industry that interests you, take it. This is a great way to find out if this is a field you may want to be part of one day;

Attend as many open days at universities and colleges as possible;

Use the internet to do research about the jobs available in the sector of your choice;

To increase your chance of finding work after you have completed your studies, choose a field where there is demand for professionals. The government has a list of scarce skills at www.inseta.org.za/downloads/Top%20 100%20scarce%20skill%20occupations %20in%20south%20africa.pdf;

Make sure you have all your forms filled in and any other documents you need well in advance; and

If you need to find money to pay for your studies, get that process started. — Margaret Harris