ROUTE: TO BE CONFIRMED DESTINATION: SUCCESS

People generally think and talk more about being at school than about what they’re doing in school. But here’s the thing: school is not just a place we go to almost every day for 12 years, it’s also a journey of discovery that gives us the knowhow to go to other places once we write that last word of our Matric exams and run for the closest beach party (or club duvet because … sleep!).

So, what direction do you see yourself heading in after school? Now, don’t go getting stuck in the regret trap with questions like ‘has school given me the skills I need?’, ‘how much thought did I really give to my subject choices?’, or ‘have I worked hard enough to get the marks I need?’. What matters now is making the most of the skills and knowledge you have soaked up, to create the scaffolding for your next journey of self-improvement and advancement – within a rapidly changing world – be it via a gap year, further study, in the workplace, or via any of the many roads you have open to you.

What we know for sure, is that whatever route or form a career path takes, there is always a universal equation at play: finding a workable balance between satisfaction and stimulus (where the key is the synthesis of talent and enthusiasm) = successful growth through learning and skills acquisition.

Work – in the job sense – should be a natural extension of who you are, a connection between aptitude (what you’re good at) and desire (what you want to do or be). The reality is that the global pandemic has revealed the potential for innovation in a world where social skills aren’t limited to face-to-face interactions, where virtual interactions are becoming increasingly important and formative, and where good communication and selfregulation skills are cross-disciplinary.

In other words, the job boundaries (of old) have become much less distinct. The global trend among enlightened employers is all about quantifying and harnessing “soft skills”, meaning skills that reflect experience rather than formal education. Where does that leave you? Whether or not you’re sitting with a school-leaving certificate that qualifies you for university/college entrance, take a moment to ask yourself these questions:

There’s no formula for deciding what to do with your life, but to make a success of it, the line of work you choose to follow has to be an extension of who you are – you must be (self) driven to pursue it. This is your decision, not your parents’ or your favourite relatives’ choice. You’re going to be the one doing the job! The very nature of work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), is increasingly an exciting blend of entrepreneurialism and being tech-savvy, where both transcend all academic disciplines and favour personal motivation. Access to technology as a platform for learning/personal advancement has become a pre-condition for success, just as ICT profi ciency is non-negotiable, whether you’re academically or practically inclined. The computer is, among other things, an art tool, so even those who pride themselves on being more artistic and creative have to embrace technology or leave the race.

Decision-making has the potential to be a time of inspiration – rather than desperation – but it has to be informed and cannot be rushed. There are a whole bunch of career and post matric options, and not all of them involve having to get into varsity. The trick is to fi nd your ‘best fi t’. Take a look at these:

A gap year is a brilliant way to get to know the world of options out there, and yourself. It makes sense, as long as it promises the constructive use of time, rather than just buying time. Going to work at an international school in a foreign country is a fantastic option, for instance — and one that is sure to lead to unexpected contacts and a range of unprecedented experiences. You could also travel while working on a cruise ship or au pairing for an overseas family; do volunteer work; learn new skills through short courses; or become an apprentice. If you’re a sport fundi, and have the talent, it may pay you to cultivate it. High performing professional sportspeople are among the top earners on the planet. Think of your training as preparation for life. Why shouldn’t a gift for sport fund you, just like a talent for science will prepare others for technology or medicine? You are the custodian of the talent, so it’s all about what you make of it.

A great option if you’ve got a clear career path to follow. But also, if you want to explore what you’re interested in. Not all institutions off er all study options, so where you study will depend on your chosen journey. Universities off er degrees and postgraduate qualifi cations, while Universities of Technology off er higher certifi cates, diplomas and degrees. At a TVET college, you can do a certifi cate course for work in technical or vocational fi elds. To study at a University or University of Technology, you have to pass Grade 12. However, you can start studying at a TVET college with only a Grade 9 pass. Distance learning and online study are increasingly popular. And a good option if you want to earn while you learn. It’s cost-eff ective and you can choose how long you want to take to complete your course. Whatever you decide, make sure the institution you pick is accredited – ask to see the certifi cate if you’re unsure. Search their name online for reviews from other students to check their reputation.

Finding employment straight after school may be necessary, but a word of caution. A salary that looks ‘good’ now may not be enough in a year or two’s time. Carefully consider whether the job off ers you growth opportunities for personal and skills development.

There are literally thousands of ways to build a career using social media and other internet applications. Technology is constantly expanding; the world is truly your oyster. Use this unique position to create a platform on which to build a lucrative career. The list of possibilities is as endless as the list of human talents. And diff erent routes can and do lead to the same destination: a successful and happy future. Whether its university, college, technikon, a learnership, on-the-job vocational training, on the sports fi eld or a cruiseship, how you get to where you’re going is simply a refl ection of your circumstances, not a measure of your eventual success. PM

State-registered Career Pathing Practitioner and Careers Guidance Counsellor, specialising in school subject choice/s and university entrance

C: 076 965 8039 E: Doc_gn@yahoo.com