Start discussing careers early

GRADE 10: PARENTS AND STUDENTS NEED TO DESIGN A TERTIARY EDUCATION TRAJECTORY

They mustn’t lose hope if their plans go awry.

As the class of 2023 is on the brink of making life-altering decisions about their future paths, the multitude of careers, tertiary qualifications and higher education institution options can induce overwhelming stress, emphasising the need for collaborative decision-making.

The guidance of parents, counsellors and peers becomes pivotal to ensuring school leavers are making informed and confident choices.

According to the data provided by the South African Institute for Advancement (2021), universities are only able to accommodate 18% of matriculated students and of them, a staggering 47% will drop out.

Parents and advisors, therefore, play a huge role in supporting students so they not only get accepted but also fully complete their studies.

The earlier the be er

The first hurdle is the delay in initiating the application process.

As Atelisha Harilal, head of marketing and student recruitment at Stadio explains, waiting until after exam results are released may lead to missed opportunities as limited positions are quickly filled.

“The administrative complexity of the application process, coupled with the scarcity of positions in public higher education institutions underscores the importance of early planning,” she said.

Parents play a pivotal role in guiding students. Harilal advises starting discussions about subject choices as early as Grade 10.

“Conversations about interests, skills and future goals set the foundation for informed decisions. However, it is crucial that these discussions are honest and non-pressured as this will ensure pupils enter Grade 11 with a well-defined plan and a variety of options,” she said.

Avoid peer influence and misconceptions

Peers can significantly impact application decisions, with students’ choices often swayed based on which institutions their friends have chosen. However, this should never be the primary factor influencing decisions.

“It is important that pupils and their parents understand the selection process, as academic success alone usually does not guarantee acceptance. Parents need to educate themselves on selection criteria, including specific subject requirements.”

Students who have not applied, or who have not been accepted to their first choice should not lose hope. Public universities are not the be-all and end-all of tertiary studies and with the right parental support, these students can find the right path for them.

Parents are encouraged to actively embark on their children’s academic journeys at every stage.

Explore the institution’s website and help students consult with student advisors to help lead to positive, well-thought-out decisions, crucial for success in the life-shaping process of tertiary education choices.

While involved parents are invaluable, Harilal again emphasises the importance of allowing pupils to find their own voices, as opposed to the voices of their parents or their peers, to ensure a higher chance of success.

Build a supportive community

Harilal believes in the proverbial “it takes a village” approach.

Encouraging knowledge sharing within communities empowers parents and students to have critical conversations about career choices.

Seeking advice from institutions offering free career guidance, attending open days and interacting with academic teams are essential steps in making well-informed decisions.

“Seeking guidance from a student advisor can really help navigate the complex terrain of career choices,” she said.

“Student advisors possess upto-date information about various industries, emerging trends and the educational requirements for different careers.

“Their insights empower students to align their interests, skills and goals with suitable academic and vocational options, ensuring a more targeted and successful career trajectory.”

By encouraging knowledge sharing within communities, student advisors contribute to a supportive environment where parents can engage in critical conversations with their children, fostering a collaborative approach to educational and career planning.

This enhances the likelihood of pupils making better-informed decisions that align with their aspirations and the demands of the job market.

As Benjamin Franklin famously said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

Offering a helping hand strengthens the foundations of the educational journey and reduces the risk of students dropping out of tertiary later.