HOW TO SLAY IN 2022 - YOUR WAY

After getting through Grade 11 in 2020 (read: the year the world fell apart) largely unscathed and then completing Grade 12 amidst second and third waves of the Covid-19 pandemic, you’d think people would lay off the “So, what are you doing next year, after Matric?” inquisition. But alas, it’s a rite of passage to be pestered by wellmeaning, and in some cases just nosey, friends and family. Also, the reality is that no matter how hard life gets, it still goes on, and we still have to figure out how to make the most of it. So… let’s tackle the most obvious choice first: tertiary education. While there are other options besides studying further, many matriculants would like the opportunity to gain a formal tertiary qualification. Whether you’re afforded this opportunity as a result of bursaries, loans or generous relatives, making the right choice for YOU when it comes to what to study is crucial.

Jobs within the industry you wish to enter may require either a certificate, diploma or bachelor’s degree, with the latter two options typically allowing for a greater range of jobs. It’s best to check job listings in the industry where your interests lie to see what types of qualifications are usually required. Remember, your subject choices determine which faculties and courses you could apply for, but your Matric pass is a result of your final marks and is your ticket into the tertiary world. It’s super important to put a concerted effort into your academics in order to give yourself as many tertiary options as possible after matriculating. Matriculating with a certificate pass allows you to apply for certificate courses at either TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) colleges or private colleges. Should you matriculate with a diploma pass, you’ll be able to apply for both certificate and diploma courses at TVET colleges, private colleges, universities of technology and even some academic universities. With a bachelor’s degree pass, you’re able to apply for any type of tertiary qualification, specifically a bachelor’s degree at an academic university or university of technology. A bachelor’s degree allows you to apply for postgraduate studies (honours, master’s and doctoral degrees) in your chosen field. One of the biggest changes to the tertiary education system as a result of the pandemic has been the move to online education. Many institutions are realising the value in offering their programmes in an online format, which will hopefully translate into more opportunities for students outside of the major towns and cities where tertiary institutions are located.

A “gap year” is a popular term used by those privileged enough to take some time off between school and pursuing tertiary education. Considered by many as a year to travel the world, a gap year can actually take many different forms – and the traditional travelling bug will most likely have to be curtailed to within our borders for now. Using the time off as constructively as possible will be hugely valuable in the long run, once you’re ready to commit to a path. To understand what this might mean for you, it’s important to consider the purpose of your gap year. If it’s to avoid burn out after the academic stress of Grade 12, then focusing on personal growth and your mental health is paramount. If your intention is to figure out what it is you want to study, then building a relationship with a career counsellor or mentor should be a priority. Volunteering, job shadowing, travelling and completing short courses are all productive ways to structure your gap year. Short courses are great because while you won’t gain a formal qualification, you’ll benefit from both a better idea of a particular field and learning a new set of skills. Short courses are offered by many institutions and there are a ton of awesome online short courses available through organisations like GetSmarter, who have consolidated short courses through some of the world’s leading tertiary institutions such as UCT, Harvard, MIT and Cambridge University. Then there is the structured gap year, where you sign up for a programme that lasts several months. This may even be residential – meaning you stay on the property. They usually aim to build general life skills, so might include options like first aid courses, some practical mechanics courses or even business management (e.g. Warriors SA, Game Ways, GVI, Urban Rooster). Some universities are now also offering 10-month certificate courses as a constructive gap year option, for example Stellenbosch University’s “Young Minds” entrepreneurial course. Other popular options for gap years include “stooging” at schools abroad (working in boarding houses), stewarding on yachts, working as a summer camp counsellor in the USA, working at ski resorts in the USA or Europe, au pairing either locally or abroad, or tutoring high school students in the afternoon.

Many matriculants either want to – or have to – find a job and begin working after school. But with youth unemployment in our country at an all-time high, this may prove rather difficult. Nevertheless, the wisest choice in this regard is to either try to align yourself within an industry that you see yourself potentially pursuing at some point in your career, or in a position where you’re able to gain transferable skills. (In an ideal world, you would be able to find a paying entry-level job in the field of your dreams, but this is unfortunately not the reality for most.) Gaining transferable skills means equipping yourself with knowledge and experience that can be used in a variety of jobs or industries. While the goal is to use any position to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible in order to move onto greener pastures, it’s so important that you treat the job as if it’s the only one you’ll ever want. Put your best foot forward every single day to leave the best impression and gain as much as you can from the job. Hard work and effort never go unnoticed and might be the first step to a promotion.

While it may feel like all your friends are clear on which direction to take after matriculating, the reality is that the majority of matriculants are unsure of what their future holds. Consulting with a trusted teacher and your parents/guardians is always recommended. These people know you well and should offer good insight into what might be right for you. Gaining an objective opinion, however, might even be more valuable. A registered career counsellor (check their HPCSA status!) can help you understand your unique strengths and how to use these in a way that ensures both your happiness and success. While their services may come at a cost, the investment in your future is invaluable.

Whatever you end up doing after school, remember to always leverage your strengths, put real effort into all your steps along the way and soak up as much knowledge as you can. PM

International travel bans and closed borders don’t have to mean the end of gap year travels. Consider a local travel adventure, where you get to explore some popular and hidden gems right here in Mzansi: ❖ Explore the Otter Trail, Fish River Canyon or Blyde River Canyon ❖ Visit National Parks like Addo, Hluhluwe and Kruger ❖ Unpack our history at the Apartheid

Museum and Constitutional Court in

Joburg or the District Six Museum and

Robben Island in Cape Town ❖ Learn about indigenous San culture with guided tours through the Kagga Kamma

Nature Reserve.

For any tertiary institution offering certificates, diplomas or degrees, always check: ☛ Are they accredited with the Council of

Higher Education and can they provide the certificate to prove it? ☛ Are their courses verified by the South African Qualifications Authority? ☛ Do they have a website with contact details and a physical address, even if they offer online qualifications?

The age-old saying of “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is”, is worth remembering. If something seems off, contact the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Michelle is based in Cape Town, but all her services can also be accessed online. She has extensive experience, having assisted high school students and matriculants from all over the world. Contact www.michelleduraan.co.za for more info or to book a session.