No plan? No worries. Get creative about your next move right here.

Chenelle Cohen and Melani Smith | May 2024

'What do you want to be when you grow up?’ is a question you’ve probably been asked at nearly every family gathering since you were born. Yes, even when you were only able to respond with cute baby sounds, the adults still wondered out loud who you’d grow up to be. The pressure to come up with a resolute answer has always been on. But now, as you inch nearer to the finish line of your school career, the heat on the subject has been turned way up. It’s time to decide whether you really do want to fulfil your dream of being an astronaut, president, movie star, doctor, dancer…

This doesn’t have to just be a super stressful year though – it’s also exciting to map out your future (and, of course, there’s what to wear and who to take to the matric dance, and how to celebrate once exams are finally over). If you don’t know what that map looks like right now, it’s okay, there are many productive paths to take while you figure it out besides formal higher education. From a gap year and jumping into the world of work to adding some useful online courses to your CV, we’ve got you.

SELF-DISCOVERY

The first – and most important – step is to ask yourself, “What am I truly interested in and what am I good at?” Your interests and strengths are the compass that will guide you towards a fulfilling future. Too many people swipe their alarm first thing in the morning and think, I hate my job. This boils down to a lack of alignment between their job and their personal interests – they find the job boring and tedious. If you are interested in a task, the likelihood is that you’ll persist through the challenges, stay motivated, and maintain a positive attitude towards your work, reducing the risk of burnout.

But how do you discover your interests and strengths? There are clues all around you that just need to be noticed. Think about which subjects at school you love and do well in, what people often ask you about when looking for help or advice, what activities make you lose track of time, the extracurricular activities you enjoy, content on social media you follow and comment on, shows or books you enjoy reading, and interesting topics you discuss with your friends and family.

When you’ve finished reflecting, start researching the careers that link to your interests and strengths. Learn about the day- to-day tasks, required skills and educational paths. Also talk to professionals in the field and job shadow them. This will provide a realistic view of what a career entails and help you decide if it is a good fit for you.

KEY CAREER Q’S

☞ Will I lose my job to technology?

☞ Are the skills I learn transferable overseas?

☞ Is my career in demand locally and internationally?

TO GAP IT OR NOT?

Now to decide if you’re going to take a gap year or jump straight on the higher education train. If you’re feeling burnt out or in need of self- discovery, then a gap year may be right for you. But this is not a thumbs up to surfing on your parents couch all day every day in your pjs. It’s a chance to gain valuable experience while you figure out where you’re heading in life. You need to work, volunteer, learn new skills or travel. You may be interested in au-pairing, tour guiding, waitering, bartending, teaching English overseas (TEFL), working on a ship, starting a blog or YouTube channel, volunteering at an orphanage or animal shelter, taking a course on coding, photography or first aid.

A gap year can help you build and develop independence, maturity, skills, and possibly allow you to save money for your tertiary studies. These new skills and experiences can also beef up your first CV. There is a downside though – while a refreshing break may be genuinely needed, some students lose momentum and find it difficult to jump back into the formalities of studying. It also puts you a year behind your peers.

THE HIGH ROAD

Each tertiary institute has different admission requirements. Don’t throw in the towel or settle for a course that you have no interest in because you failed a subject(s) or didn’t get the marks you were aiming for. You still have a chance to rewrite the following year. Contact the Department of Education (DET) through your school to apply for a rewrite or for remarking if you believe that your paper(s) was unfairly marked. Keep an eye on the DET website for registration and rewrite dates.

WORK VS STUDY

Competition in the job market is fierce. While it’s true that you can start working without a tertiary qualification, pursuing further education is highly recommended to enhance your employability and future prospects. There is a demand for skilled workers and many job listings specifically require a tertiary qualification.

In addition, people with tertiary qualifications tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with only a matric certificate. If finances are limited, you can start working right away and work towards your further studies part time or through online programmes to enhance your qualifications.

NQF LEVELS EXPLAINED

NQF level 1 is a completed Grade 9. An NQF level 4 qualification is a Grade 12 National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Vocational Certificate (NCV) level 4. Depending on your marks, you will either qualify to study towards a Higher Certificate (NQF 5), National Diploma (NQF 6) or a Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7). Later, an Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s or Doctorate Degree takes you to NQF level 8, 9 or 10.

WHERE YOU STUDY VS WHAT YOU STUDY

Traditional public universities

✐ Many students

✐ Large facilities

✐ Wide variety of programmes (certificates to under- and postgraduate)

✐ Numerous extracurricular activities

✐ Courses are content/theory heavy

✐ Lead into professional careers in engineering, law, medicine, etc.

Private institutes

✐ Smaller – more personalised experience

✐ Offer specialised or niche programmes, e.g. design, advertising, film making, culinary skills and game ranging

✐ Courses range from certificates to degrees

Practical learnership or internship

✐ Combines theory with practical workplace experience

✐ Approx. 12 months, usually leads to an NQF 5/6 qualification

✐ Funding provided by SETAs or private organisations

✐ Likely to receive an allowance

✐ Variety of career fields, e.g. banking to food industry

✐ https://nationalgovernment.co.za/units/ type/8/seta

Apprenticeships

✐ Choose a trade, e.g. plumber, electrician, mechanic

✐ Theory training at a TVET or other institute plus practical on-the-job learning for 2-4 years (registered with a        SETA)

✐ Trade exam to quality with trade certificate (recognised with NQF)

Always check if a college or course is accredited or registered with the Department of Education – you want to climb the NQF level ladder and gain certificates, diplomas or degrees that are recognised and valued.

If the thought of committing to another 3-7 years of studying is too daunting, consider shorter courses that will give you a marketable skill, i.e. computers and technology, entrepreneurship or office administration.

Research courses at Udemy, edX, Coursera.

MIC DROP

It’s a lot to contemplate! Don’t make impulsive decisions. Take your time to reflect on your interests and strengths and put in the effort to research your options. Also, remember that it’s okay if you change your mind. But be open minded. There is help and support everywhere: tertiary advisors at the universities and colleges, career counsellors, the internet (ChatGPT), family, friends, and professionals in your fields of interest. Reach out.