BUSINESS, SALES & MARKETING
Careers in this field are focused on promoting and selling a brand’s products or services.
COST ESTIMATOR
The job of cost estimators is to collect and analyse data to work out the time, money, materials and labour needed to construct a building, make a product or provide a service.
They usually specialise in a particular industry, and for each job they need to present a financial summary and proposal for the project and manage expenses carefully to maximise profits.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Matric subjects must include mathematics and physical sciences.
Cost estimators who work in construction will usually need a qualification in construction management, building science or engineering.
In the manufacturing industry, you’ll need a degree or national diploma in engineering, physical sciences, mathematics or statistics.
Some institutions offer specialised cost technician and cost engineering courses to complement other qualifications.
››STARTING SALARY
R264 000 a year
MEDIA PLANNER
Media planners develop strategies for businesses to advertise their brands and products. They’ll study various types of media, including online, print, radio, TV and billboards, to determine the best way to reach the target audience, using a combination of factual analysis and creative thinking.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
There are no particular matric subjects needed, but a good grasp of languages and mathematics would be an advantage.
You’ll need a degree in media studies, or marketing, business management, operational research or a related subject.
Having completed an internship working in media, advertising or marketing, as well as relevant previous work experience, will give jobseekers an advantage.
››STARTING SALARY
R200 000 a year
PROJECT MANAGER
The job of a project manager is to set up or improve an aspect of a business. This is done by analysing the project and the available resources and managing the financial, operational and technological aspects of the project in line with the goals of the business to ensure the project is done successfully and on time.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Matric subjects needed include languages and mathematics.
You’ll need a bachelor’s degree in business or computer science, as well as experience in a particular industry, or a degree or qualification relevant to your industry. Several universities offer degrees in project management.
››STARTING SALARY
R660 000 a year
MARKETING STRATEGIST
Marketing strategists try to improve a business’ position in the marketplace using research to improve strategies or to develop new plans to create additional interest in the business. They also plan or coordinate advertising campaigns to generate interest.
You can work as a staff member of a business, or be an outside consultant, but the latter will need specialised industry knowledge.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need to have studied English and mathematics, not maths literacy, in matric.
Follow up with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and experience and knowledge of a particular industry or a further degree or qualification in that field.
››STARTING SALARY
R330 000
TECHNICAL SALES ENGINEER
Technical sales engineers have extensive specialised scientific knowledge and technical skills to give advice and support for complex services and products.
In pursuit of good customer service, they decide how products and services can be designed or reworked to suit customers’ needs.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need maths, physical sciences and English as matric subjects.
Typically, you’ll need a Bachelor of Engineering degree or a national diploma in engineering or a related field.
Employers often encourage, and may expect, further study at postgraduate level in technical or businessrelated subjects.
››STARTING SALARY
R215 000 a year
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Operations managers oversee the production of goods or the provision of services, by monitoring and analysing systems and developing strategies for improvement.
They ensure an organisation is running as smoothly as possible, with efficient client service, and they research new technologies and alternative methods that could improve the efficiency of the business.
››EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
You’ll need to have studied languages and mathematics in matric.
A business qualification such as a postgraduate business administration degree, or something similar, is essential, as are advanced marketing and management courses.
››STARTING SALARY
R363 000 a year