Ensure qualification is relevant
Ask your institution what its curriculum can do for you once you’ve qualified, before signing up to lengthy course
WITH South Africa’s matric pass rate at an historic high, thousands of learners are in the unexpectedly happy position of having received a Bachelor’s pass, thereby qualifying for further study.
Those who didn’t make provision for this eventuality may find themselves in a situation where they no longer need to settle for their Plan B, but can go for Plan A – realising their dreams of a degree – but with no place at university yet.
An education expert has warned that matriculants need to take extra care to ensure they are signing up for the right qualification, for the right reason, at the right institution, and not fall prey to unscrupulous providers because they feel pressured because of time constraints.
“Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande has warned prospective students not to fall for bogus colleges, which can cost time and money with no return, but to ensure they sign up at a registered and accredited institution,” said Peter Kriel, general manager at the Independent Institute of Education.
He says ensuring an institution and qualification is above board, by doing relevant checks, is a crucial step before one even considers enrolling.
But more than that, prospective students have to ensure their qualification will, after three or four years of study, still be relevant and provide a foot in the door into the world of work.
“Unfortunately, many qualifications – even from respected universities – are not going to adequately prepare you for the world of work, and work of the future. Technology is constantly advancing, with new approaches, best practices, tools and so forth being incorporated into workplaces all the time, all over the world.
“So your institution and qualification must be cognisant of this, and importantly, have a close connection to industry, to ensure that your education isn’t obsolete by the time you attend your graduation ceremony,” he says.
Kriel said prospective students must speak to career advisers at universities and institutions, interrogating their insight into current challenges in today’s world of work, as well as approach and insight into the likely challenges of the future.
“Ask them how they expect your field to evolve in future, and how their curriculum takes this into account. In addition, how agile their response is to new technological and other advances, and incorporation into the curriculum.
“Many institutions will claim they go beyond academics and theory, but can they give you insight into their commitment to lifelong learning and the development of vital soft skills so highly valued by employers?”