POST
GA PUMALAN OPO • M P M LI | 2014
atric
EST NORTH W
it’s your
future
Inspiration Central Find your dream career here...
ww w. po st ma tr ic . co . za
make no bones about it
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from the ed
CONSTANTLY EVOLVING EDITOR
Samantha Collins sam@yesmedia.co.za ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER
Clare Schenk clare@yesmedia.co.za PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
Ursula Munnik ursula@yesmedia.co.za ASSISTANT / COPY EDITOR
Olivia Main CONTRIBUTORS
Isak de Vries, Christina Kennedy, Robbie Stammers, Lindsey Schutters, Kim Maxwell, Peter Rudden NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
Jan Weiss jan@yesmedia.co.za PROJECT SALES MANAGER
Shakier Groenewald shakier@yesmedia.co.za ADVERTISING SALES
Nina Nodder, Priscilla September, Aaminah van Oudtshoorn, Shannon Higgo TEL 021 447 6467 FAX 021 447 6351 EMAIL info@yesmedia.co.za POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 44383,
Claremont 7735, South Africa www.yesmedia.co.za
C O V E R
P H O T O :
P E T E R
RU D D E N
WEBSITE
PUBLISHER Yes! Media CEO Deon Muller PRINTED BY
CTP Printers
Post Matric is published by Yes!Media. All copyright in material appearing in this magazine belongs to Yes!Media and/or the individual contributors. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the editor or Yes!Media. No responsibility is accepted for any errors or omissions in the contents of the magazine.
“The times, they are a-changin’,” crooned someone with a gravelly voice whose name starts with Bob and who you may, or may not, remember. And he wasn’t wrong. Seems that as soon as one gets abreast of them, they up and shoot off, leaving one swimming upstream in a bid to keep up. We at the Post Matric team HQ have been doing our fair share of keeping up with the times, sniffing out the latest facts and interesting findings that we hope will assist you when it comes to those all-important decisions you are grappling with; life-changers that will ultimately shape your future. Those of you preparing to write your big, bad Matric exams might find the article on pg 24 useful; a modern and pragmatic approach to successful studying that should help you stay on track right through to the finish line. (Think less frills, more drills!) If you’re desperately seeking finance to take your studies further after school’s out, look no further than page 40, where our bursary -hunting fairy uses her sparkle to put the fun back into funding. And to help you stay switched on to the awesome options available to you once your matric year ends, and the prom is just a dusty dance floor in the distance, see ‘No Degree? No Problem!’ on pg 30. There are plenty of options out there, and while a varsity degree is obviously desirable, it is no longer the be-all and end-all that it was once thought to be. We hope you enjoy reading our inspirational stories, and gain some insight by peering through the many different career windows open to you thanks to our Q&A contributors. Even now, in the fifth year of editing this magazine, I am sometimes amazed to discover a whole new career path or job that I’d never even heard of, let alone considered. Round off your read by having a good giggle at us, the not-thatold-but-not-exactly-young-anymore generation. Yep, your parents. Because, although we love to remind ourselves that we have years of invaluable experience that you don’t have, there is no denying that we can’t possibly keep up with you when it comes to technology, gadgets and modern-day wizardry in general. You win!
Post Matric ISSN number 2074-4412
Sam Collins EDITOR: POST MATRIC
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competition
WIN A SAMSUNG POCKET PLUS
STAND A CHANCE TO WIN A SAMSUNG GALAXY POCKET PLUS (S6010)
PRODUCT FEATURES Packing a lot of power into a compact form, Samsung’s GALAXY Pocket promises strong performance without the bulk. The 832Mhz processor lets you do more, whether you’re browsing the web with Wi-Fi, downloading files using HSDPA, or connecting with friends on various social networking sites. Android ™ 2.3 Gingerbread Platform and the TouchWiz interface simplify usage, whether taking advantage of Google mobile services, Samsung Apps or ChatOn.
HOW TO ENTER SMS the name of the province you live in, followed by your age, followed by the name of the school where you got your copy of Post Matric to 34009. EXAMPLE: ‘LIMPOPO 18 LUPHAI SECONDARY’. If you did not get your copy from school, SMS the relationship of the person from whom you got your copy – for example, ‘LIMPOPO 15 BROTHER’ or ‘LIMPOPO 17 FRIEND’.
COMPETITION RULES: Cost per SMS is R2. Free SMS’s do not apply. Competition closes 29 August 2014. You may enter as many times as you like. By entering the competition you consent to receiving electronic information regarding Post Matric or other further education or career offerings.
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Skilling the Nation for Excellence
Central Office Tel: 013 690 1430 Fax: 013 690 1450 info@nkangalafet.edu.za www.nkangalafet.edu.za
Nkangala FET College is one of the largest educational institutions and biggest FET college in Mpumalanga. Its five campuses, CN Mahlangu (Siyabuswa), Middleburg (CBD), Mpondozankomo (Witbank-Ackerville), Waterval Boven and Witbank campus (CBD), are situated in Nkangala region, hence the name Nkangala FET College. The college aims to respond to South Africa’s need for more engineers; managers such as financial personnel and project managers as well skilled technical employees such as artisans and IT technicians. These are also the needs that have been identified by the key economic sectors that surround the college: steel production, mining (coal) and electricity (power station). In addition, training in Agriculture (farming) has also been identified as a need in the area. All Nkangala FET College courses are career-orientated in order to make FET accessible to an increasing number of students in need of accredited qualifications that will open doors to the labour market or self-employment opportunities. The college is proud that it was of the first FET colleges in South Africa to be ISO (International Standards Organization)- certified. This international certification recognizes performance excellence worldwide.
PROGRAMMES NC(V) Engineering Studies (Level 2-4) • Engineering and Related Design • Electrical Infrastructure Construction • Civil Engineering and Building Construction NC(V) Business Studies (Level 2-4) • Finance, Economics and Accounting • Hospitality • Tourism • IT & Computer Science • Office Administration • Education and Development
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Nated Engineering Studies (N1-N6) • Mechanical Engineering • Electrical Enginering • Civil Engineering Nated Business Studies (N1-N6) • Business Management • Financial Management • Management Assistant • Human Resources • Tourism
2014/05/19 12:37 PM
tech essentials SMS AUDIO STAR WARS While everyone is getting with the beats, why not break tradition with these premium cans? 50 Cent is heavily invested in the audiophile game, and the SMS Audio Street By 50 Cent range shows it. The immersive sound costs a bit, but you pay for quality that’s only undermined by a little creaking on the hinges. The Star Wars edition is a limited run and comes in four designs packed with the same powerful 40mm drivers and OvalFit cushioning.
GOTTA HAVE
Compile your wish list for Santa early this year with the help of tech savvy Lindsey Schutters.
LIVESCRIBE 3 Varsity life is fast and you’re a bug on a Lamborghini bonnet hitting information at full throttle. The Livescribe 3 smartpen uses infrared camera tech to record your scribbles and doodles, and will beam it via bluetooth to your iPad via the Livescribe+ app.
SONY XPERIA E1 A full set of smartphone features including Android 4.3 complement – the insanely loud 100db loudspeaker for a brilliant multimedia package. Remember those brilliant Walkman phones Sony used to produce? This is exactly that. Back comes the dedicated Walkman button and the excellent speakers. You also get 50GB free cloud storage for life for your multitasking.
THULE ENROUTE STRUT Twenty-first century tuition is a technology-based game, and repurposing your school satchel as a laptop bag isn’t going to cut it. Swedish master luggage-solution designers Thule built all their best innovations into a backpack that swaddles your iPad and 15-inch Macbook in cushioned protection, and even provides a crushproof pocket to keep your sunglasses safe and sound. Comfortable straps, dual bottle holders and a bottle opener round out this multitalented pack’s impressive skills list.
P H O T O S :SU P P L IE D
HUAWEI E5220 Imagine a world where you travel with your own personal Wi-Fi hot spot. Now stop imagining and get your hands on this personal Wi-Fi router that you can use with any data simcard. You get four hours of mobile broadband goodness out of a single charge, and you can even use it overseas (with a data sim from a local supplier) and save bucks while staying connected. Yes please, Santa!
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For centuries, across continents, engineering team members are making a difference to the lives of people, the environment and the economy. Early ingeniators, conceptualisers of ingenious (clever) devices developed over the past 2500 years into the engineering team we know today: • • • • • • • •
Engineering Researchers Engineers Engineering Technologists Certificated Engineers Engineering Technicians Engineering Draftsmen Supervisors Inspectors and Artisans
Each of these team members has a specific role to fulfill in shaping the environment and improving the lives of people. All engineering professionals: 1. Examine problems 2. Produce solutions to problems . Apply scientific, mathematical and engineering knowledge 4. Design 5. Investigate 6. Assess and lessen the impact of engineering solutions to the environment 7 Behave ethically 8. Manage engineering activities While these activities support economic growth, each has associated risks to the health and safety of people or the environment. Because of these risks, any person who is doing engineering work has to be registred with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) to ensure that they perform their work completently and responsibly. Visit www.ecsa.co.za for more information.
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Although all engineering professionals have the same competencies such as solving problems, their roles are set apart by the level of fundamental and specialist knowledge as well as the practice. Each of the team members therefore has a ec fic r e e ne al ficat n that best develop their roles and responsibilities. Further to the qualification engineering team members also need to gain r lace e er ence of usually a minimum of three years before they can be registered and be accountable for their engineering work. Another way in which the team members differ is the area (discipline) in which they can apply their engineering competencites: • Aeronautical • Agricultural • Civil • Chemical • Electrical / Electronical • Industrial • Mechanical • Mining / Metallurgy or combinations / specialisations of the above. Engineering professionals throughout their career can potentially work as team members in a variety of multi-discipline projects and economic sectors.
en neer n tea n tn O t t en neer n t a e f t re a en
r
Visit: www.engenius.org.za for more information on: • Engineering projects in SA • Engineering role models • Fun engineering activities to try • How to invite an engineering student to your community • Engineering your future
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back on track
Desperately Seeking a Degree Q Q
Still desperate to get into varsity, but grades didn’t cut it? Your qualification catch-up questions answered…
ALL ABOARD THE VARSITY EXPRESS My matric results weren’t good enough for me to get into my desired university course. Is this the end of the road for my career dreams?
A: Don’t stress! There are several options open to you to improve your marks or upgrade your matric pass. First of all, you can apply at your old high school to redo some of your subjects. Also, if you act quickly after receiving your matric results, you can apply to your district or regional education department office to write a supplementary exam. But you’ll need to prove that you qualified to be admitted to a higher education institution, but fell one requirement short of meeting its standards. You could also consider rewriting certain matric subjects through a registered private or public further education and training (FET) college. You would need to enrol for an NQF Level 4 qualification, which is the academic equivalent of Grade 12.
Q
I’ve heard there are some dodgy private colleges out there. How can I find out if the college I choose is legit?
A: You need to check whether it is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (there is a list on their website at www.dhet.gov.za) and accredited with the South African Qualifications Authority (www.saqa.org.za).
Q
Is it possible to redo certain matric subjects part-time?
A: Yes, you can upgrade your matric part-time or at night school through a number of colleges. You can also complete it via correspondence or distance learning. These days, it’s even possible do rewrite your matric online, complete with video lectures and electronic exercises!
Q
Q
I don’t want to waste an entire year redoing a couple of subjects in order to get better marks. Is there another option?
A: You may be able to do a bridging course that will enable you to get into your degree of choice without going through the hassle of rewriting matric subjects. Find out from tertiary institutions whether they offer such courses, and if you are eligible.
Q
Can I go and study a few years after I’ve written matric, even with my low marks?
A: Yes. If you are 23 or older, you are regarded as a ‘mature student’ and many academic institutions will accept you even if your original matric marks prevented you from studying at the time. Unisa, for example, requires you to have passed at least four matric subjects with an E or better (with at least one subject on higher grade).
I don’t have the correct matric subjects to gain entry to a certain degree. Is it possible to choose and write different subjects post-matric?
A: It is possible, although there will probably be certain conditions attached. You may be required to complete Grades 10, 11 and 12 in that particular subject before you are eligible for the degree course.
I didn’t get a very good matric, but I’ve since notched up work experience in my chosen profession. If I want to attend varsity now, do I still need to bump up my marks?
A: The good news is that you may not have to go back to school, thanks to the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme, which acknowledges the value of informal or on-the-job learning. You can approach Higher Education South Africa (www.hesa.org.za) or a university with a copy of your matric certificate, and be sure to include your relevant experience and training. They will evaluate your application and may provide you with a certificate that recognises your prior learning. That could be your golden ticket to getting into varsity!
Q
Where can I find out about options for rewriting my matric subjects?
A: Contact your school, the Matriculation Board, Umalusi (www.umalusi.org.za) or the Department of Higher Education and Training for advice.
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It’s not a living science, reminds Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan. Instead as a palaeobiologist she interprets bone signals to try to make extinct animals ‘come alive’. One of her ambitions is to win over young minds to the wonders of science. By Kim Maxwell
PALAEO WHAT?
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inspirational from the people ed
Anusuya Chinsamy-
Turan is a scientist, mother and leader in her field. Her daunting list of accolades include Anusuya being named South Africa’s Woman of the Year in 2005 (she nabbed the Science and Technology category and was overall winner), and the Department of Science and Technology’s Distinguished Woman Scientist Award in the same year. This University of Cape Town professor and head of department of Biological Sciences is a palaeobiologist. That’s why she’s authored three books on dinosaurs and published various academic papers. Yet Anusuya’s warm nature and eagerness to share is what stands out most when you meet her. “It’s important that we do scientific research but it’s equally important that the public understands science and what scientists do,” she says. That goes some way to explaining why she won the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Prize for the public understanding and popularisation of science from the World Academy of Science in 2013. ➜
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inspirational from the people ed fossils from the ground and identifying them. But as a palaeobiologist, her primary research interest is not in the excavation of fossils – that’s a side story – but rather in reconstructing these animals as they once lived, by studying sections of “Science is so important; their bones under a microscope. Within those ancient bones it impacts on every there are records of an animal’s aspect of our lives.” life history. “Once the bones are excavated from the surrounding rock and prepared, then scientists like me work out what we can say about the biology of these animals. Examining thin bone sections under a microscope to see their microstructure, we can make deductions about the animal’s age, any possible diseases, the effect of its environment, and how it functioned and Palaeo is a bit of a buzzword these days, thanks grew,” she explains. largely to the recognition of the Cradle of Mankind As a vertebrate palaeobiologist, meaning she works archaeological sites at Sterkfontein and Maropeng on animals that have an internal body skeleton, in recent years. The cradle has popularised human Anusuya has published extensive research on evolution in palaeontology, the study of prehistoric life, dinosaurs, and also on their relationship to early but there is more to South African palaeontology than birds. “Most palaeontologists consider dinosaurs to be human history. Palaeobiology is a more specialised ancestors of modern birds, so I’ve studied early birds, area of palaeontology research, where scientists look and tried to work out how the transition from nonat reconstructing the biology of extinct animals or avian dinosaurs to birds evolved,” she says. Anusuya other prehistoric life forms. has also studied the fossilised bone microstructure of To understand the differences, Anusuya says a flying reptiles called pterosaurs. palaeontologist is mainly interested in removing ➜
WHAT IS PALAEOBIOLOGY? A palaeobiologist is primarily interested in removing fossils of animals or plants from the ground, and then reconstructing them to understand them as once-living organisms. There are different branches within palaeobiology. A vertebrate palaeobiologist specifically works with animals that have an internal body skeleton i.e. any animal with bones. Other palaeobiologists work solely on fossil insects, fossil plants or even fossil pollen. A vertebrate palaeobiologist (such as Anusuya) uses the bone microstructure to unravel biological information from the fossilised bones. They make a thin section of a fossil bone and study it under a microscope, to provide clues about the animal’s age, diseases, environment or how it grew. Vertebrate palaeobiologists have discovered that in some dinosaurs – a Tyrannosaurus rex, for example – you will find rings within their bones (similar to the rings found inside a tree) that can be counted to determine the age of that dinosaur. It’s a little like piecing a puzzle together. If you have a number of T.rex individuals, say a juvenile, a sub-adult and an adult, a vertebrate palaeobiologist can reconstruct a growth curve for different stages and work out the overall growth dynamics for T.rex. post matric 2014 // 17
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inspirational from the people ed The common thread in all her research is in trying to unravel the biological signals recorded in fossil bones. Age and environment aside, these bones can provide information about whether a bird was moulting, laying eggs or diseased, before it died millions of years ago. Anusuya studied a science degree at Wits, with the intention of doing a postgraduate Diploma in Education to become a teacher. But in the final year of her science degree she discovered palaeontology – and continued with an honours degree that included a palaeontology module. “I liked the idea that there was no animal sacrifice, that I was working with animals that were long dead, and that with my knowledge of biology I was able to reconstruct animals we know so little about,” she explains. She continued with a Masters and PhD degree in Science, specialising in palaeontology. Normally any academic has both a research and teaching component in their work. Anusuya loves both aspects of the job (she completed a Higher Diploma in Education to qualify as a teacher too, but it isn’t a requirement). “Of course, as head of department I have extra admin responsibilities,” she says. “But being able to lecture and “Palaeo is a bit of a to do the research buzzword these days” is really wonderful. I thoroughly enjoy engaging with my students and being able to give them cutting-edge information. So when I teach it’s not only from a textbook but also from our lab research, or from a new published paper.” Palaeobiology is a career that involves both laboratory and field work, so if you don’t like lab work it isn’t a sensible career choice. The amount of field work usually depends on an individual palaeobiologist’s scientific specialisation. But all fieldwork samples have to be collected and laboriously prepped for further study, and that only ever happens in a lab itself. It all matters though. Without Anusuya’s palaeontology studies, we wouldn’t know about the existence of many African dinosaurs. She was part of a group that discovered the Nqwebasaurus dinosaur in the mid-90s, for instance. “My colleague studied the fossils to discover the identity of the bones. I provided the information about how old the dinosaur was. We put that together and wrote up a description of the animal,” recalls Anusuya. “We now know it’s a small-bodied sub-adult or adult. From the red-grey mudstone rocks in the Kirkwood area of the Algoa Basin where we found this dinosaur, we know these
Above: Anusuya and a colleague with world-renowned naturalist and celebrity David Attenborough.
STUDY TO BE A PALAEOBIOLOGIST: UCT and Wits offer excellent programmes because they have specialists working in palaeontology. - BSc (three years) with Biology as a major (Geology is a useful subject) - Honours in Biology or Geology with specialisations in Palaeontology (one year) - Master’s in Palaeontology (two years) - PhD in Palaeontology (three years) TIP: You can fast-track and upgrade a Master’s to a PhD so you can finish in only three to four years. Talented Master’s and PhD palaeobiology students often have overseas travel opportunities for on-site excavations, research or conferences. post matric 2014 // 19
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animals were about 130 million years old. The Karoo basin was home to earlier-aged dinosaurs of about 190 million years old.” Science is something people should talk about more around the dinner table, if Anusuya has her way, and she recognises the need for scientists to communicate their research better. “Science is so important; it impacts on every aspect of our lives,” she says. “There is enormous scope for scientific research in South Africa. So when I’m talking to the public it’s about science, and not just about dinosaurs. Of course it’s often through dinosaurs that kids get excited about science. Yet even with dinosaurs, kids are learning about classification, age or geological time, or about interactions between
different organisms, so unwittingly they’re learning about science and to think in a scientific way.” Anusuya is married to a materials engineer and their two sons also love science (one is completing matric, the other is 15). Avid readers, both sons also enjoy music and play a few instruments. Anusuya is encouraging her matric son to make his own career choices – her only advice is that he should study something he enjoys. “I’m originally from Pretoria, from a family of three girls. We’re all well-educated professionals,” she says. “Growing up, my parents saw education as a stepping stone to overcome the barriers that apartheid imposed on us as black women. It was a way for us to become self-reliant.”
Did you KNOW? Very good fossil records tell us that some of the earliest evidence of life on earth dates to about 3.5 billion years, with actual micro-organisms represented in rocks dating to about 3 billion years. If you’re still questioning evolution, there is now so much evidence to support it. Africa has the largest meat-eating dinosaur of all time. Larger than Tyrannosaurus rex, Carcharodontosaurus was a predatory dinosaur (its triangular teeth resembled those of a great white shark) that prowled over much of North Africa 97 to 90 million years ago. Anusuya was involved in the exhibition on African dinosaurs for the Iziko South African Museum. Anusuya and her students have done a lot of work on the vertebrate collections displayed. The plant-eating Massospondylus dinosaur was the first African dinosaur to be formally named in 1854. It’s the best-represented dinosaur in South Africa, ranging from embryos-still-inside-eggs to juveniles, teens and adults, mostly found in the red beds of the Karoo basin. Anusuya studied the microstructure of juvenile bones and worked out it took about 15 years for these individuals to grow to adult body size. SA has the only isiXhosa-named dinosaur, called Nqwebasaurus thwazi. It’s a small meat-eating dinosaur found in Nqweba, the isiXhosa name for the Kirkwood region of the Eastern Cape. Thwazi means fast runner.
ANUSUYA’S TOP TIPS: Young people should access information online and research science subjects. You can reach out much further and become part of a global network that isn’t restricted to South Africa. Our Biological Sciences department often hosts school groups for workshops (a teacher usually contacts us). We’ve also had school learners doing job shadows in our department to understand the working life of an academic. If you love science, follow your passion. In the end it’s not about how much money you make, it’s about doing what you love. Academics have a comfortable life. The best thing is that we get paid for what we love doing. When presenting your work – even as a student – make sure it’s the best you can do. You never know who might be listening. When I finished my PhD I travelled to Oslo, Norway. After I presented two papers from my PhD research, I was offered two postdoctoral fellowships. I accepted one at the University of Pennsylvania in USA.
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EVELOP
YOUR STUDY PLAN SIX-PACK Do you want to be a good athlete? Run a lot. Do you want to be an amazing dancer? Dance a lot. Do you want to do well in the exams? Examine yourself a lot. Huh?
PHOTO: iStock / 4x6
By Isak de Vries
GOTCHA! It is true. You will not get a six-pack by looking at hot bodies in magazines. Start doing sit-ups! You will never get to the Olympic Games by watching sport on television. You need to practise that sport five to six days a week. You will never pass matric by watching your teacher. Nope. You have to practise answering exam questions five to six days a week. Listening in class helps. Paying attention is extremely important, but it is not enough. If you want to pass the final exams, you have practise answering questions for the exams.
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study time WHAT THE LATEST RESEARCH SAYS “Many students are being left behind by an educational system that some people believe is in crisis.” Guess who said this? Helen Zille? Julius Malema? Nope, it was not even a South African and neither were they talking about South Africa. It is the first sentence in an academic article on study techniques published at the end of last year in the United States of America. The article tells the story of the biggest research project ever done on study techniques. Five academics* from four of the USA’s largest universities tried to determine which study techniques work best. What did they find? They found that writing exams is like playing sport. You want to be really good at something? Start now and practise hard. So, what does that mean to someone studying for matric? Two things: 1) Start early and do a little bit of study on each subject every day. (This is referred to as ‘distributed practice’.) 2) Practise by writing lots of tests or exams. (Otherwise known as ‘practice testing’.)
IT IS JUST LIKE SPORT Thinking about getting a nice, flat stomach? Well, what will work best: a hundred sit-ups the night before the date; or thirty sit-ups every day for six weeks? Of course it is better to do fewer sit-ups over a longer period of time. That’s distributed practice in action. Do a little bit of work each and every day. This is so much better than cramming the night before. And will you get a flat stomach by highlighting all the stomach tips in magazines? Nope. Sit down. Start doing them. All those fancy highlighters that you are using to help you study do not help much. The best way to pass an exam is to work through old question papers. Test yourself, get your friends and your family to test you. Ask your teacher for old papers and for tests. This is called practice testing by the academics.
STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS Stop worrying about the guys who get eight straight As. Your worrying is not going to mean anything to them, nor will it help you. Remember, it is like a 10km run. Only about 30 people in the world can make it to an Olympic final, so run your own race. Study for your own matric. Stop trying to be someone else.
PRESSURE AND EXPECTATION So the family wants you to do extra well? The headmaster has already made that speech about doing the school proud? A few times, actually? For once you have to be deaf to what others want: This one is on you. Do the best YOU can.
YOU CAN DO IT
Stop telling yourself: “I’m gonna fail, I’m gonna fail!” Start studying. You can do it, even if it is hard. Negative thoughts won’t help you. The more you study, the easier it gets.
WHAT DOES NOT WORK? The American study found that a whole lot of things we have been taught about studying do not really work well. Here are a few techniques that did not actually produce very good results: Writing summaries, highlighting, using keyword mnemonics (donkey bridges), creating cool pictures to try and remember your work, and loads of rereading. All these things take time, but they are not as effective as answering old exam papers.
NOW FOR THE REALLY COOL NEWS Even average students score well if they practise working through exams or tests five days a week. Once again, the idea is to do a little bit of work on each subject every school day. It is like running. Not all of us can reach the Olympics, but most of us can easily finish a 10km race – if we train a little bit five days a week.
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STUDY TIPS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS BE HEALTHY, EAT THE RIGHT FOOD Athletes are careful about what they eat and how much they drink. Most athletes will have a good party now and again, but they know: healthy food, very little sugar and enough sleep will get them to the top. Be very careful of energy drinks. They contain enormous amounts of sugar. Sugar is not healthy; it simply makes the body secrete a lot of insulin and that could make you feel tired and/or irritable.
GET SOME EXERCISE A fit body studies better than an unfit body. Try doing some form of exercise at least five days a week. Go walking with friends, or with a pet. Playing tennis, going for a jog, having a swim or pumping some iron in the gymnasium are all clever ways to stay in shape. Others may enjoy dancing every now and again.
CELLPHONES? EISH! We all know that it is easier to go somwhere without underwear than it is to go without a cellphone, but be careful... while you are studying, you should learn to ignore the BBMs, the WhatsApps, the Facebook prompts, etc. Check the tweets when you have done some work and you are ready to take a break.
Start early – it is easier and better than cramming. Do a little bit of work on every subject at least five days a week. When you start studying, switch off the phone. Get enough sleep. Get enough exercise. Test yourself, over and over and over. Believe in yourself. You can do it if you practice. Work the old exam papers. Ask your teacher for tests. Set tests for your friends. Answer the tests they set. Prepare a box with all the things you will need, then you do not have to get up and go looking for things all the time. Have fun in between.
TAKE A BREAK, TAKE A FEW BREAKS
DOING IT WITH FRIENDS
Study really hard for a while. Work those old exam papers. Test yourself on the work that you have just gone through. Then take a break. It need not be a long break, just get up and do something.
Studying, like sport, can be done with friends. Working through a difficult paper can also be done in groups, but it is important that you participate fully. Looking at your friends working out the paper will not help you work it out. When I was at school, my maths teacher used to say that maths is not a spectator sport, one has to practice. She was right!
FINDING A ROUTINE Some people like routines and enjoy revising the same subject at the same time every day. Try it. If you discover that you work differently, find a way that works for you.
WHERE TO STUDY? Where do you study best? It depends on you, but a library, a school hall, a little corner at a family member’s or friend’s house – any of these may work. You must look for a place that really works for you, then claim it!
REFERENCES
* John Dunlosky, Katherine A. Rawson, Elizabeth J. Marsh, Mitchell J. Nathan and Daniel T. Willingham. 2013. “Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques: Promising Directions From Cognitive and Educational Psychology.” In: Psychological Science in the Public Interest. 14(1) 4–58. Wesbite http:// psi.sagepub.com/content/14/1/4.full.
WEBSITES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO HELP A great site which offers exam papers and memoranda: http://www.teachme2.co.za/matric-past-papers/ A private site that offers a whole stack of old exam papers. They are cellphone friendly: http://olivershouse.co.za/community-projects/educational-learning-centre/grade-12-past-exam-papers/ Old exam papers posted by the Department of Education: http://www.education.gov.za/Examinations/ PastExamPapers/ FebruaryMarch2013Exampapers/tabid/878/Default.aspx More old exam papers from the Department of Education: http://www.education.gov.za/Examinations/ PastExamPapers/tabid/351/Default.aspx Yes, even more from the Department of Education – just click on the subject: http://www.thutong.doe.gov. za/Home/Curriculum/tabid/257/Default.aspx Pearson Education has a few very good study guides to help you focus on your studies: http://www. pearson.co.za/study-guides Oxford University Press also has separate study guides available: http://www.oxford.co.za/page/schools/ study-guides/index 24 // post matric 2014
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If university is not an option for you, it’s not the end of the world – there are other paths that can lead to personal and career success. By Christina Kennedy
NO DEGREE? NO PROBLEM! Some
of the world’s greatest business pioneers, like Apple’s Steve Jobs and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, never completed their university studies. This proves that with enough imagination and entrepreneurial zeal, you can achieve great things in life without having a framed degree adorning your office. The truth is that varsity is not for everyone – you may not be academically inclined, but have strong aptitudes in other areas. A degree is not the only avenue to success. Extremely valuable and in-demand skills can be learned at private and FET colleges, or through apprenticeships and on-the-job workplace training. But why study at all? Not everyone is a genius in the vein of Jobs or Zuckerberg: a go-getting attitude and brilliant ideas are important, but most of us are mere mortals who still need to arm ourselves with
knowledge, skills and experience. And first, there are a few harsh realities to take into account. The first and most obvious one is South Africa’s high unemployment rate, which hovers at around 24% – but which is far higher among the youth. No matter how ambitious you are, without some training to back you up, you run the risk of becoming yet another sad statistic. Then there’s the sobering fact that even if you matriculate with university entrance, you may not get into university. This is because there are many more school-leavers with university exemption than there are places at the country’s 25 varsities. And your marks may just fall shy of being good enough to snag a place in your chosen course. Another reality check is that even if you do get into university, the dropout rate of first-year students is alarmingly high.
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The Human Sciences Research Council estimates that only 15% of South African university students who start a degree end up finishing it. This is due to a number of factors: they run out of money or are unable to secure funding; they can’t cope with the crazy workload (which is often far more demanding than anything they encountered at school); or they realise with a jolt they have chosen the wrong study direction. Some, of course, simply get sucked in by the partying that comes with newfound freedom! This means that tens of thousands of matriculants have to look at alternative study options.
The upside is that you are almost guaranteed a job if you choose to study or train for a vocation that addresses South Africa’s critical skills shortage. In order for the country to accelerate its economic growth and create wealth and jobs, it needs more artisans, as well as
certain categories of technical and professional workers. So, it’s clear university is not the be-all and end-all. Acquiring skills through other means shouldn’t be sneezed at – and, in fact, you may end up earning more money and enjoying more job security than your varsity buddies!
PHOTO: iStock / michaeljung
explore your options
HERE ARE SOME CAREER-FOCUSED ALTERNATIVES TO UNIVERSITY... PRIVATE COLLEGES There are hundreds of registered private colleges (including private FET colleges) in South Africa, offering tailored diplomas or certificates geared towards producing workplace-ready graduates in specific disciplines. Independent colleges may be dedicated to, for example, nursing, fitness, business or media studies, while others offer broader and more general fields of study. Some established brands, like Boston, Damelin, Intec, City Varsity and Midrand Campus, have a solid track record. But beware: there will always be dodgy charlatans who prey on desperate students, taking their money but offering poorquality tuition in return. When applying at a college, make sure it is accredited by Umalusi on behalf of the Department of Higher Education and Training. This means that its courses comply with industry standards. Otherwise, you may find yourself in possession of a worthless qualification.
On the plus side, the entrance requirements for private colleges are not as strict as they are for university programmes. A rather large negative is that studying at a private college can cost an arm and a leg – but remember that unlike universities, these institutions are not subsidised by the government. That’s why it’s important to do your homework in advance. Check the NQF (National Qualifications Framework) level of your prospective qualification against the requirements of the marketplace. An NQF-registered grading means it is a nationally recognised qualification.
FET COLLEGES/ VOCATIONAL TRAINING Further Education and Training (FET) colleges often get a bad rap; they are widely seen as a last resort for school-leavers. Vocational and occupational
training bears an unfortunate stigma, not least because some under-performing colleges are giving it a poor reputation. This perception is not helped by the fact that public, governmentfunded FET colleges (often referred to as technical colleges) are automatically accredited by Umalusi, unlike private colleges, which have to undergo stringent checks before being given the thumbs up. But this ugly stepsister of the higher education system is gradually turning into a butterfly, as more and more students realise that they can learn valuable skills through job-specific or occupational training. Students at the colleges study towards a certificate in a particular field that makes them highly employable. The workplace desperately requires certain categories of skilled workers – such as artisans. ➜ post matric 2014 // 27
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while studying and training towards a qualification. These occupational learnerships combine theoretical and practical components and are aimed at addressing the specific needs of the labour market. Apprenticeships fall into this category. According to the Careers Portal website (www. thecareersportal.co.za), a trade apprenticeship combines workplace and formal learning, and is based on an agreement between the individual who wants to learn the skill and the employer who needs a skilled worker – so there’s another win-win situation. An apprenticeship can last between two and four years. You will gain practical skills on-site under the supervision of a qualified tradesman, while also learning the theoretical and technical aspects of the chosen trade. You earn a salary while learning, you are taught valuable skills in a practical environment, and you are virtually assured of a job at the end of it – not to mention the possibility of earning a good living. So what’s not to love? ‘Appies’ are in hot demand, so this career option is definitely not one to be sneezed at!
PHOTO: iStock / pixdeluxe
can graduate. This means that undergraduate students are placed in an employment situation for a defined period – often working for free, or for a small stipend. Interning is a win-win solution: the company gets the benefit of your labour, and you gain valuable real-world experience and references to beef up your CV. Chances are, if you knock their socks off they may even ask you to stay! But even if you aren’t studying, consider approaching a company and offering your labour for peanuts, if not for free. Many employers will appreciate your initiative, and may even be able to finance your salary out of the youth wage subsidy scheme that was recently INTERNSHIPS AND introduced by the government. ON-THE-JOB TRAINING Alternatively, consider Never diss the importance of good, volunteering at a local charity or old-fashioned on-the-job training church. This will at least give you as an avenue to career success. experience and may open doors Many millennials are dismissive to opportunities you’d never of the concept of starting at the bottom and working your way up the dreamed of. corporate ladder, but this remains the best way to learn the ropes. APPRENTICESHIPS And it equips you with the practical AND LEARNERSHIPS street smarts to complement your South Africa’s shortage of skilled academic knowledge. tradespeople means that there are Several college and university great opportunities in this field. programmes require you to rack up Some companies offer learnerships, workplace experience before you providing the opportunity to work Most FET colleges are public, but there are also scores of private institutions offering specialised education and skills geared towards a particular career. Some of these colleges require only a Grade 9 or Grade 10 certificate, making them accessible to the average would-be student. They also offer vocational instruction to high school-age children who are able to obtain the technical equivalent of a matric. You may be accepted at a university of technology after completing an FET course, making this a valuable bridge for those who still dream of going to varsity.
COLLEGE CHECKLIST
A college is a college is a college, right? Wrong. Not all colleges are above board. MSC Business College has some tips for prospective students: Is it accredited and can it produce a registration number? Does it offer diplomas and/or certificates, and at what NQF level? What are the cost implications, and are there flexible payment options? Are there any hidden costs, such as study materials and registration fees? Does the college offer extra-curricular activities to enhance your student life? What study resources – such as libraries, computers and internet – are available to students? Does it have a good reputation in the job market? Check out www.colleges.co.za for a list of accredited and recommended colleges. Also try the South African Qualifications Authority website for info and careers advice – www.saqa.org.za.
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PHOTO: iStock / CatLane
Your dream degree or diploma beckons, but money’s too tight to mention. Don’t despair – if you’re on the ball, it’s easy to score financial aid.
Putting the into funding N FU
The late Nelson Mandela was bang on the money
when he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” The reality is that in today’s competitive job market, simply having a matric pass will not open many doors for you. That’s why studying further is strongly recommended – and the good news is that tertiary education need not be just for the moneyed elite. After the initial jubilation of obtaining a matric certificate – and, even better, university exemption – wears off, would-be students need to come back down to earth and start thinking seriously about their future. In fact, they should have started mulling over their career options and where they’d like to study at least a year before sitting down to write those dreaded matric final exams. But one shadow often looms large over newly matriculated teens with big dreams and small bank balances: how to fund their studies. The bad news is that each year of undergraduate study at a subsidised public university can set students (and parents) back around R30 000, and even more if you’re swotting at a private college or want to go into a field such as medicine or engineering. And that’s before you even think about forking out for accommodation, transport, textbooks and socialising!
The good news is that financial help is available from a variety of sources. But there’s a catch: you have to be smart, sussed and on the ball to be the early bird that catches the funding worm. So, instead of feeling sorry for yourself, thinking that empty pockets will put the brakes on your brilliant career, get out there and start applying for any and every bursary, scholarship and loan you can sniff out! The earlier you get your application in (you can even submit your Grade 11 results), the better the chance you’ll have of snagging a grant. Depending on the type of financial aid you receive, you may be required to repay it – either directly or by working for your benefactor for a certain period once you’ve finished your degree. So you need to ask yourself upfront whether you have the staying power to pursue a particular study path right through to the end, because if you don’t, you’ll still be liable for those fees. And lets face it, there’s really nothing worse than being saddled with tuition debt for abandoned studies! Vocational guidance counsellors may tell you one thing, but before you plunge right in, ask yourself whether your chosen path is ideally suited to your abilities and personality. In reality, will you be able to find a job at the end of it? What are the scarce skills that are in demand in the marketplace?
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funding fundi These days the internet is awash with institutions, government departments and companies that offer financial assistance to worthy students. So start enquiring as soon as possible, and be sure to follow up on all your applications. Above all, don’t get despondent if you receive letters of rejection. Repeat this mantra: try, try and try again. Your persistence and optimism will inevitably pay off!
REALITY CHECK • In 2013, South Africa’s matric pass rate was 78.2%. A total of 30.6% qualified to study at university. However, there has been much debate about the value and quality of a matric pass, and many tertiary institutions now require candidates to write an admission test before they’ll even consider you. • Remember: A matric pass with university exemption does NOT guarantee you a place at a university. Even though two new universities, in Nelspruit and Kimberley, opened their doors in 2014, South Africa still does not have enough places at its public universities to cater for the demand from matriculants eligible to study towards bachelor’s degrees. We have seen deadly stampedes in the past, with students desperate to register for any available course. • The National Treasury estimates that a mindboggling 42% of economically active South Africans under the age of 30 are unemployed. That’s almost half the country’s youth population. On the flip side of the coin, economist Mike Schussler points out only 7% of degree graduates are unemployed. And – here’s an interesting fact that could influence your study path if you aren’t academically inclined – if you are an artisan with a trade, there’s only a 12% chance that you won’t find work. You do the maths: it’s in your best interests to pursue higher education.
BEAT THE BURSARY BLUES • A bursary is a study grant that you don’t need to repay – unless you fail, that is. Bear in mind there may be a number of conditions attached, such as volunteer work or maintaining a certain standard of academic performance. • A bursary is based more on financial need, while a scholarship is usually merit-based (artistic, academic or sporting ability). But that doesn’t mean you can get away with low marks when applying for bursaries – strive for excellence to propel yourself to the front of the funding queue.
YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED Be wary of bogus fly-by-night colleges that exploit matriculants who are desperate to study somewhere – anywhere. Before you hand over any cash, check with the Department of Education that the institution is registered and double-check the quality of their qualifications. • It’s important to take the correct subjects in Grade 10 that will help ease your way into your dream career. Don’t just take the easiest subjects that you’re most likely to pass – you may come to regret it! • Ascertain what the minimum admission requirements are for the degree, diploma or certificate course you want to follow. Make sure you don’t merely meet those minimum standards, but exceed them. Popular courses are usually oversubscribed and you could be denied a place, even if you qualify for it on paper. • Find out what marks are required to qualify for a bursary. Again, strive to surpass those minimum standards. The better you fare academically, the better your chances of finding funding. • Attend the open days of universities and colleges, and gather information on all the funding options. • Apply early! The closing date for some bursary schemes can be as early as 12 months in advance of you starting your studies. • Make sure your CV is a knockout! First impressions count. It must look professional and neat, and be error-free. Motivate strongly why you should be considered for a bursary. • Have certified copies made of your results (Grade 11 and/or prelims) and your ID document. This can be done for free at your local police station. • Invest in a copy of The Bursary Register (it costs about R120). This invaluable booklet will show you how to compile a CV, apply for bursaries, scholarships and loans, and advise on how to conduct yourself at an interview. Find it at academic bookshops, libraries and tertiary institutions’ financial aid offices. ➜ post matric 2014 // 31
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WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS Tertiary Institutions • Apply for a bursary at the university or college where you intend to study. Visit, email or phone their financial aid office well in advance to find out more. • Remember that many of these bursaries are only available to South African citizens. • Once you are enrolled at university, you may also qualify for an academic merit award based on your results during your first year of study. • Some universities also offer partial bursaries for art, cultural, sporting or leadership achievements at school.
The Private Sector
PHOTO: iStock / izusek
• Many companies – particularly those operating in the scarce and critical skills sectors, such as
mining and engineering – award contract bursaries, usually with conditions such as: o You have to pass your subjects – otherwise you must pay for the courses you fail; o You will be contractually bound to work at the company for a specified number of years after completing your studies; and o You will be required to study in a field specified by the company (e.g. BCom Accounting, BSc Engineering). • Companies that award bursaries include: Spoornet, Transnet, Sasol, Absa, Anglo American, Gold Fields, Anglo Platinum, Eskom, Sasol, Iscor, De Beers, Edgars, SA Breweries, Harmony, Mintek, AECI, Engen, Group 5,
Murray & Roberts, PPC, the SA Institute of Race Relations, the SA Weather Service, Vodacom and Old Mutual. • Eduloan is a private company that provides loans to students whose parents are permanently employed. Visit website: www.eduloan.co.za.
Government Institutions • Approach your local municipality, or the provincial or national government department relevant to your studies – they often have a number of bursaries up for grabs.
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) • If you’re considering taking out a loan, the Department of Higher Education’s National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a good place to start. NSFAS is a statutory body that awards study loans and bursaries to financially needy and academically competent South African undergraduate students. • In 2014, NSFAS budgeted over R9 billion for more than 430 000 students at public universities and FET colleges. Loans range from R2 000 to R30 000 and cover tuition, accommodation, transport, food and textbook costs. • The scheme offers study loans at a low interest rate without the need for surety, and you only have to begin your repayments once you are earning R30 000 a year. You do, however, need to prove that your household income is less than R122 000 a year. • Loans are awarded for studies at public universities or further education and training (FET) colleges, but not private colleges.
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funding fundi Bank Loans
• If you pass all your courses, you could get 40% of your NSFAS loan converted into a bursary. But if you fail or drop out, you’ll have to repay every cent. • NSFAS also administers bursary funds for aspiring teachers, social workers and those studying in scarce-skills disciplines, and FET college bursaries. • Contact NSFAS at 0860 NSFAS (067327) or 021 763 3232, SMS 32261 or write to Private Bag X1, Plumstead 7801, South Africa. You can also email info@nsfas.org.za or visit www.nsfas.org.za.
Study While you Work • If you’re already working, why not find out if your employer can pay for your studies? Larger companies have to pay a skills development levy, which goes to Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) and the Skills Development Fund. These funds are made available to finance the training of a company’s own employees. • Employers can claim a SARS refund if they train their workers. So, if you want to study through your company – as long as it is related to your job – you could get your tuition paid by your boss. Wouldn’t that be cool?
• The major banks all offer student loans, to be repaid with interest once you’ve completed your studies. You will need someone to sign surety for you. • South African citizens and nonSouth Africans with valid study permits can apply for these study loans, which can be taken out for studies at a university, FET college or SA Qualifications Authorityaccredited private college. • Contact the big four banks: Standard Bank: 0860 123 000, www.standardbank.co.za First National Bank: 0860 100 762, www.fnb.co.za ABSA: 0860 100 372, www.absa.co.za Nedbank: 0860 555 111, www.nedbank.co.za
HANDY LINKS www.nsfas.org.za www.thecareersportal.co.za www.gal.co.za http://sa.gostudy.info or www.gostudy.mobi www.studentbrands.co.za www.hcifoundation.co.za/bursary
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Contact Details Helpline:
0860 111 673 “Please call me” / SMS Service:
072 204 5056 Email: help@careerhelp.org.za Careers website:
www.careerhelp.org.za Twitter:
@NQFcareerhelp Facebook:
www.facebook.com/careerhelp
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What is the NQF AND Career Advice Services Helpline?
How does the public benefit from the helpline’s services?
Making a career choice is one of the most important decisions a learner faces; it is therefore imperative that learners receive relevant information and useful advice to assist them in this process.
Members of the public benefit from the NQF and Career Advice Helpline in that they can access a wide variety of advice, including information on post-school options, genuine qualifications, career options, financial assistance for study, scarce and critical skills, learnerships and other opportunities, as well as options available to less privileged learners. This information is made available in all the African languages.
The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a body set up by Parliament to oversee the further development and implementation of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Under the leadership of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), SAQA has established the NQF and Career Advice Helpline. The NQF and Career Advice Helpline was designed as a national, comprehensive, multichannel service to bring information and advice to South Africans, particularly those with little or no access to information on gaining qualifications and choosing careers. The aim is to equip learners with information that will help them decide on work and study paths, enabling them to increase their employability and manage their own career development. Citizens of South Africa – irrespective of their race, gender, background, geographical location or religion, can access the NQF and Career Advice Helpline through various available channels.
WHAT SHOULD YOU CONSIDER WHEN DECIDING ON A CAREER? When deciding on a career, it is important to know which qualification(s) you need to obtain in order to follow that path. Choose a qualification that is registered on the NQF and that is offered by an education and training institution registered with the relevant authorities. Your qualification will be recognised by employers and other institutions, should you need to study further. You should also find out which qualifications are in demand in the world of work.
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SAQA and DHET have developed the National Career Advice Portal (NCAP), an online portal that provides information on occupations and learning pathways. It also offers a Learning Directory that gives contact and geographic location details of public education and training institutions and the quality-assured qualifications they offer. The portal also has an e-Portfolio which guides learners in developing their own career action plans.
Tell us a bit more about the helpline’s channels? The NQF and Career Advice Helpline comprises telephonic, email, SMS messaging, postal and walk-in services. Qualified career advisors deal with all enquiries that come through these channels. Advisors also go out to career exhibitions, particularly in areas where there is little or no access to information on qualifications and careers. The career advisors conduct workshops with life orientation educators and officials in other career advice organisations/centres. The NQF and Career Advice Helpline uses social media – namely Facebook and Twitter, a mobi-site and website, as well as publications and weekly African languages radio programmes – to reach the public as widely as possible.
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FIND YOUR CAREER
PHOTO: iStock / Ondine32
www.postmatric.co.za
Loads of career profiles to choose from, including: >>inspirational interviews >>what qualifications you’ll need >>where you can study >>how to secure funding >>what subjects you’ll need
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accupuncturist food technology
WHAT IS IT THAT YOU DO?
I work as a quality coordinator. I deal with internal audits, investigation of customer complaints, training, quality checks, verification of equipment and consumables.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I was accepted to study BCom and Food Technology. I did further research about both career options and felt that Food Technology would be more interesting and challenging. The microbiology component also intrigued me. Food Technology is a versatile career. One can work in a chemical or microbiology lab as a product developer where you would develop new products, match existing products or reduce costs of an existing product without compromising taste and quality, or on the production floor where you are expected to manage the production line or work as a quality controller.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
I did Food Technology at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY
High pressure and challenging. Planning is key. In the morning, I verify that the equipment is in operating order, that the temperature is in spec and may be used. Thereafter I check that the media used to analyze products has passed its quality sterility indicators – that’s standard every day. Then there are other duties like spot checks and audits, investigation of non-conformances, training, etc.
Naqsha Savahl
QUALITY COORDINATOR SWIFT MICRO LABORATORIES
WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU OVERCOME?
Self-discipline. I recall my lecturer saying that Food Technology is one of the busiest courses at the campus. You have to focus and study while everybody else on campus is playing dominoes and shooting pool. It was all worth it though.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?
When Swift won the SADC Quality Award for Service of the Year. The award system was established by government through the Department of Trade and Industry with an aim to promote and raise awareness about the need for quality assurance, quality management and the different methods on how to achieve such quality standards. The award reflects commitment to local production and quality.
EXPERIENCE VERSUS TRAINING: WHO WINS?
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
Each day is different and presents new challenges. You always have to think out of the box.
You really start learning when you start working. I would recommend studying at a university that offers experiential learning as part of the course. That time spent can also help you decide which field of Food Technology you should pursue.
ANYTHING YOU DON’T LIKE?
A FOOD TECHNOLOGIST IS...
Long hours. Whether you work in a lab or production, your work hours are not always set. If there is a problem on the production line or in the lab you need to ensure that the problem is fixed. You can’t fix it the following day. Products need to be produced for customers to consume. If you are analyzing products, the client always wants the results ASAP.
Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, to operate with a team, as well as independently. They must have a big dose of patience and understanding, and a passion for the task at hand.
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sales/healthcare
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN THIS PROFESSION?
Thanks to my background in science, and the combination of my extroverted personality and good people skills, medical sales was the ideal choice for me.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY
Crystal Singh
We are expected to MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVE ‘call’ or see eight FOR PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY doctors and three ABBOTT LABORATORIES pharmacists per day. The average day entails being at the first doctor’s EXPLAIN WHAT IT IS THAT YOU DO appointment by 8am, where one HURDLES YOU HAVE OVERCOME Well, I am a ‘legal drug dealer’! But will sometimes wait up to an hour There is a lot of competition in on a more serious note, I market or more in order to work around the pharmaceutical industry, so prescription drugs to doctors and patients. Once in the doctor’s competitor representatives make pharmacists. A drug is defined room, we have discussions it difficult for one to corner the as a chemical substance used in with him/her regarding their market. Also, the high call rate of the treatment, cure, prevention, experience with selected drugs eight doctors daily is not always or diagnosis of disease, or used offered by my company, and easy to achieve. to otherwise enhance physical encourage the use of the latest or mental well-being, so even drugs on the market that will add WHAT ‘MAKES’ A MEDICAL REP? a laxative is considered a drug. value to their patients’ lives. One should be very sociable, very There are, however, drugs that are patient, very understanding, and sold over the counter, and drugs WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST? alert at all times... because a that are scheduled and need to Medical represntatives have a lot of time is spent on the road; be prescribed by a healthcare very social job. I get to meet a lot planning and organisational professional (doctor). So my job of people, and every day is full of skills are a must; one should entails understanding the mode of different people and places. be articulate and able to action of the active ingredients of a communicate well; and, it is drug as well as the pharmacological CAREER HIGHLIGHTS? important for one to be dynamic properties of a drug and, if any, its Overachieving in my sales targets and leave a lasting impression. possible associated side effects. and being rewarded with large incentive bonuses, as well as ADVICE FOR YOUNG REPS? WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? going to conferences in exotic Persevere; it takes about six A science background is a standard destinations, both SA and abroad. months in order to become prerequisite; I have my Honour’s accustomed to the lifestyle, the in Microbiology, and medical EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING? pre-planning needed to achieve experience in pathology, and that It’s a combination. A science targets set out by the company, as gave me a sufficient foundation background is always better, well as finding one’s way around for understanding the medical however, rookie reps are the territory. A GPS is essential. industry. However, once you are sometimes employed through with a pharmaceutical company, graduate programs. YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS they have training facilities and Exhilarating, exhausting and exam modules designed to educate enthralling. the medical representative on the products before they go out into the field to communicate with doctors or pharmacists. post matric 2014 // 39
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2014/05/20 2:13 PM
Mancosa.indd 1
2014/05/08 10:46 AM
administration
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I didn’t choose the profession, the profession chose me. I worked as the training and marketing coordinator for the company at the time when the national division was closed down. Due to restructuring, I was offered the post, and due the winning combination of management, administration, research and training needed in the position, I just loved it.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
I completed an MBA degree, which was preceded by interdisciplinary studies in e-Commerce, web design, counselling, natural healthcare and theology.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK? This position fits me like a glove and I have a melancholic-choleric temperament, or an INTJ personality according to Myers-Briggs.
IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?
Definitely; change is something happening daily in the business world and as a clinic administrator you need to deal with it fast without negatively affecting the medical staff. No theoretical training prepares you for this, so experience is valuable to combine with the formal training.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
A day has a lot of variety, it’s a combination of the normal administration, plus management, purchasing and inventory control functions. Some days I am off the premises; then my days are filled with overseeing research in the field, presenting training in the business environment, doing public talks for the City of Cape Town, or attending a meeting with the MEC.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
Christo A Scheepers CHIEF CLINIC ADMINISTRATOR
TIBB MEDICAL CENTRES OF THE IBN SINA INSTITUTE OF TIBB
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER?
Being able to implement MBA theory practically within the company, and see the huge increase in clientele when the new systems we implemented worked optimally.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
I am considering pursuing a doctorate in order to enter the academic world on a full-time basis, while still being involved in the world of business management part-time.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?
Be willing to start at the bottom and work your The variety; the ability to practically implement way up by proving that you can solve problems, business and management theory while being directly and always be on the lookout to improve systems. involved with students; training students practically and theoretically while seeing them develop into the DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS professionals they are meant to be. Exciting • Fulfilling • Variation
post matric 2014 // 41
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2014/05/20 2:13 PM
NNMU/VAN SCHALK.indd 1
2014/05/19 1:19 PM
sports coaching
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I was self-employed in a totally different industry, namely catering. I saw an opportunity to be involved with a profession that stirred a passion within me. I have not looked back and my passion for swimming has only grown stronger.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO? I am a qualified Level 1 swimming coach, swimming teacher and baby swimming facilitator. I underwent courses presented by the Professional Baby Swimming Teacher’s Association and Swim South Africa, as well as Aqua Aerobics presented by Elsa Storm Professional Aquatic Association of South Africa.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY
enjoy seeing the children progress through the different levels and observing how their confidence BUSINESS OWNER, SWIMMING is boosted as they COACH & SWIMMING TEACHER achieve and grow RIPPLE EFFECT SWIM SCHOOL stronger in their swimming practice. Swimming incorporates many swimming would be the focus; different areas of growth and reaching schools in the area that development that are often not do not have swimming pools; seen or thought about initially. working towards developing swimming as a sport of choice in WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE? South Africa. I don’t like the pressure that is placed on children to perform; EXPERIENCE VS FORMAL TRAINING? either by parents, swimming Experience plays a very important teachers or coaches. I believe role, as you learn that each in working at the child’s pace individual is different and theory to make them comfortable in in practice is affected by this. water and to encourage them to Different folks = different strokes! enjoy swimming for recreation, In saying that, the theory, if competitively or for fitness. applied correctly, is effective.
Carol Esterhuizen
I facilitate baby swimming group lessons with parents and their babies. In the afternoons I hold private lessons for older children (age 3 to 5), either at my home-based pool or at a school in my area. I also coach swimming to children in grades 1 to 6 at the same school. Between these lessons I manage my business, dealing with clients, administration and different aspects that are related to the running of my business.
HURDLES YOU’VE OVERCOME?
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHTS SO FAR?
I am very passionate about swimming in general, but mostly
There are many swimming schools in my area and it has taken considerable time to build a reputation of being the school of choice, mainly through word of mouth from parent to parent. This has been the strongest advertising tool. Finding effective marketing tools that suit my business without the expertise required is a challenge; breaking mindsets of ‘end result’ versus long-term enjoyment of swimming. Developing a vision for an aquatic centre, where developmental
WHAT MAKES A GOOD TEACHER?
You need to have leadership capabilities, as well as a nurturing personality. You also need patience, and the ability to motivate and connect with children at their level of understanding and perseverance.
ANY ADVICE FOR WANNABE SWIMMING COACHES?
Develop an understanding of the skill of swimming (swim yourself), obtain professional qualifications, and do ongoing training.
YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS Just keep swimming!
post matric 2014 // 43
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2014/05/20 2:14 PM
dietetics
WHY PAEDIATRIC DIETETICS?
Dr Kath Megaw
PAEDIATRIC DIETITIAN
I wanted to study something in the medical field and wanted to work with children. I had a great love for nutrition as well as clinical (hospital) work. So becoming a clinical paediatric dietitian seemed like the perfect combination. I loved the idea of working with parents to improve the health of their families, and especially children. I feel dietetics is a very proactive and preventative form of medicine. It also plays a critical role in special needs children and ill children.
private hospitals that I look after and do ward rounds. This may include neonatal ward rounds with a neonatologist (a specialist doctor who looks after tiny, sick babies and premature infants). It may include going around the paediatric heart ward or the paediatric ICU. My job is to make sure these babies and children are getting the best nutrition in the safest way possible.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU DO?
There are wonderful dietitians working in government and it is a very fulfilling place to work, especially in paediatrics. However these days I run a private practice, which means I don’t work in government hospitals anymore. My day generally starts with private practice patients in my rooms and we discuss diets and meal plans. My paediatric patients vary and some of the issues I deal with in a day can be anything from weight loss, allergies, constipation, fussy eating, weaning and breastfeeding advice to children with cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome and epilepsy. I then go to the
I studied a BSc in Dietetics. I completed a postgraduate diploma and honours, which then enabled me to become qualified as a clinical dietitian. In South Africa you can’t specialise as a paediatric dietitian so I had to study overseas for this and did a Diploma in Paediatric Dietetics, which was another two years’ part-time study and practical experience. This was the best thing I could’ve done. I gained so much knowledge of paediatrics.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
I love my hospital work and special needs babies and children; I love the challenge of working out a medical diet and then seeing the amazing results. I work with a special diet called the ketogenic
diet and we use it for children who have epilepsy. When some of these children go on this diet they stop having seizures. These are the most fulfilling moments.
HURDLES YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Overcoming the fact that in SA we don’t specialise in areas of dietetics, so everyone does everything. I firmly believe in specialisation, as it benefits the patient. So, to be accepted as a dietitian that only handles paediatrics has been a challenge, but has turned out very positively.
EXPERIENCE OR TRAINING?
You need a large amount of both. I’ve learnt more about children by having my own kids than I ever did in any textbook.
WHICH TRAITS ARE REQUIRED?
You need to be a lover of children, but also know how to work with adults (parents), so confidence is key; attention to detail is important as special needs diets need to be calculated accurately; and, a thirst for knowledge and willingness to change, as in the world of nutrition/medicine new information comes out all the time, so you need to adapt.
YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS
Fulfilling • Challenging • Special 44 // post matric 2014
pm2014_QA_PaediatricDietician.indd 44
2014/05/20 2:15 PM
radio broadcasting
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK IN RADIO BROADCASTING?
I love entertaining and conversing with people. It is my aim to share what I have learnt and experienced in life, with the intention of uplifting others.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
I did an introduction to Radio Broadcasting course through INTEC College.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK?
Yes – an outgoing individual who is as much a talker as they are a good listener. A person invested in serving the community.
IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?
Saziso Dlamini
COMMUNITY RADIO PRESENTER & PRODUCER RADIO KHWEZI (90.5 & 107.7 FM)
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
I started off as a technician, and then joined the Presenter’s Team as the Drive Home Show presenter and Night-Tme presenter. Other proud achievements include my winnings at the MTN Radio Awards: 2012 – Best Night-Time Presenter and Best Night-Time Show; and, 2013 – Best Drive Home Show Presenter and Best News and Actuality Show!
Yes, definitely. There has to be a balance between both formal training and proper hands-on experience in the industry.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN RADIO?
My day starts off with doing relevant research, contacting the guests featuring in upcoming shows, and then compiling my show in preparation to go on air from 4pm to 11pm.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I enjoy and get fulfilment from interacting with my listeners and making a difference in their lives.
ANYTHING YOU’RE NOT ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT?
Honestly, I am enthusiastic about everything, so I can’t really say!
I aspire to have an entertainment company all of my very own.
My message to aspiring radio presenters is: to always be hopeful and never give up in life because every hurdle is just a learning curve. I almost gave up my dream, but through the grace of God, my studies and solid work experience, I was given an opportunity to build knowledge and skills, and went on to become one of the top community radio presenters in the country! I would encourage young adults to further their studies through INTEC College, who offer convenient studies with realistic payment plans.
WHICH THREE WORDS DESCRIBE YOUR JOB BEST?
Exciting • Stimulating • Fulfilling
post matric 2014 // 45
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2014/05/20 2:16 PM
Bank Seta.indd 1
2014/05/08 12:42 PM
financial
HOW DID YOU END UP PURSUING STOCKBROKING AS A CAREER?
After spending the whole of 2010 without a job, I decided to apply for the Financial Markets Honours programme at the University of Fort Hare – a programme sponsored by BANKSETA. Throughout the programme, I was intrigued by how the stock market functions and this fuelled my desire to work in this fascinating industry. I was then fortunate enough to be offered employment at Legae Securities (a stockbroking firm and member of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange).
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO AND HOW WAS IT FUNDED? The Bachelor of Commerce Honours Financial Markets programme included four of the crucial industries of the financial system: Equity Markets, Bond Markets, Derivatives Markets and Foreign Exchange Markets. BANKSETA fully sponsored my Financial Markets Honours.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?
Yes, of course! The type of work I do requires someone who is honest and trustworthy, dedicated and focused. Most importantly you have to be able to work with people, and to be able to establish and maintain long-term relationships with clients.
EXPERIENCE VS FORMAL TRAINING? Experience plays a pivotal role in stockbroking. Of course training builds one’s mental capacity, but work experience exposes one to real life situations, and how best to deal with them.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
My day starts off with reading current news to prepare for the morning GRADUATE meeting. We discuss the STOCKBROKER TRAINEE previous trading day, and LEGAE SECURITIES how we think the South African stock market will perform on a particular day. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT Every day I ensure that my OF YOUR CAREER IN trading system and other STOCKBROKING TO DATE? systems are up and running Every day brings its own special before the market opens at highlights, but what was a 9am. I then receive and execute memorable moment for me thus buy or sell orders on the system far was purchasing shares for a for clients throughout the day. client worth R14 million. In executing the buy orders, I have to ensure that the clients WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR have sufficient funds in their THE FUTURE? accounts. For sell orders, I check I want to obtain a PhD, CFA Level if the clients have shares and 3 and Stockbroking Licence, and whether the shares are ready to open a consulting company. I to be sold. I communicate with also want to be a lecturer at the clients frequently to provide University of Fort Hare in the advice, resolve any queries they BANKSETA Financial Markets may have, and to update them Honours programme. Lastly, I on their holdings. want to be a motivational speaker, and play a role in South Africa’s WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST youth development initiative.
Luzuko Mrwebo
ABOUT YOUR JOB?
The various challenges that come WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE with the job are what fascinate TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN me the most. You are required YOUR CAREER? to be quick and consistently Work hard, be willing to accurate. Every day is different learn, avoid arguments, don’t from the previous day. compromise your values, be humble and don’t undermine WHICH ASPECTS ARE YOU LEAST other people’s views.
ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT?
Dealing with difficult clients that do not understand that we are required to follow procedures.
DESCRIBE YOU JOB IN THREE WORDS Exhilarating, fun and challenging!
post matric 2014 // 47
pm2014_QA_StockBroker.indd 47
2014/05/21 1:18 PM
design
WHY FURNITURE DESIGN?
I’ve had an interest in design from childhood. When I was young I wanted to be a fashion designer, then considered studying architecture after high school, but ended up going with interior design. I never ended up practicing interior design though, not many of my classmates actually did. I moved into retail and was a homeware buyer before taking a position as creative director for a décor manufacturing company. After that I started my own design label – Indigi Designs.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU DO?
I studied Interior Design at Boston House College and have a Purchasing Management Diploma from Damelin.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY
I run around a lot! Because we supply and manufacture a variety of products, I’m often driving around seeing suppliers, picking up materials, dropping things off, or overseeing our own production
line. I often get up at the crack of dawn to attend to my emails and/ or work until after midnight.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
When we have happy customers
Natalie Du Toit
FOUNDER & DESIGNER
INDIGI DESIGNS – SELF-EMPLOYED
and people love our products. Most importantly, being able to create employment.
WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?
The long working hours (which I am trying to improve), and the snootiness that comes with some people in the design industry.
HURDLES YOU HAVE OVERCOME?
Every small business has to endure a host of issues in order to grow. If you cannot get through the hurdles you will not survive, so you need high energy levels, a lot of determination and persistence. The biggest challenge for me was starting a business while I was pregnant and being in the foundation stage with a newborn baby and a toddler! I hardly slept for a year and had no social life. Examples of hurdles would be: supplier issues with bad quality; late deliveries and just plain bad service jeopardising our relationships with our clients; raw material supply challenges; staff problems; cash-flow issues; and, finding the energy to get up in the morning and do it all again.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS TO DATE?
There have been a lot and I’m grateful that all my hard work has paid off. House & Leisure nominated me as one of their Rising Stars last year; being one of Woolworths’ artisans; and, being selected to show my product at 100% Design in London, along with some of the UK’s best furniture designers.
EXPERIENCE VS TRAINING?
I would say a bit of both, but if you have a good eye for design, business savvy, people skills and work very hard, you can go far with little experience.
WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS SHOULD A DESIGNER POSSESS?
I call this the ‘4 P’s’: Passion (the driving force that will keep you going through all challenges); Purpose (no brand or company can survive without a clear vision); Persistence (be determined and never give up); People (be good to people and yourself). You can’t just be creative, you also need a good understanding of business to run a successful company.
YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS
Dynamic, demanding, rewarding.
48 // post matric 2014
pm2014_QA_FurnitureDesigner.indd 48
2014/05/20 2:17 PM
marketing
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
From the time I was a kid, I have been fascinated with the world of advertising and media. As I grew older, I realised my creative mind and my enthusiasm to know more about human and consumer behaviour pulled me towards the field of marketing.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
I did a DCC Diploma in Marketing Management at Damelin Correspondence College.
WHAT TYPE OF PERSONALITY IS BEST SUITED TO WORKING IN MARKETING?
A forward thinker; an individual that is perceptive, objective and assertive. A brand specialist needs to have good analytical skills, be a people person and be passionate about the brand they represent. They should also be an excellent communicator, both verbally and in writing.
IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?
Yes, you have to be able to apply theory and to adapt to each organisation’s operations and policies.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
I monitor market trends and oversee advertising and marketing activities to ensure the right message is delivered for the products or services my company handles. I also regularly attend product launches, conferences and exhibitions.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
It’s fast paced and I enjoy the exciting projects I get to work with daily. There’s never a dull moment!
Lorna Williams
JUNIOR BRAND MANAGER LEMONBUZZ BRAND ACTIVATION GROUP
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR? Getting to work with a host of celebrities, and the opportunity to work with brands that I am proud to be associated with – brands that are now entrenched in the market, partly due to my contribution.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
To move up to an executive level. Eventually I hope to open my own consultancy.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN MARKETING?
You have to be willing to start from the bottom, and be prepared to work under pressure and to extremely tight deadlines. You have to be instinctive and be able to handle each challenge individually. You can’t keep on using the same winning formula, you need to constantly change your strategy. It is essential that you adopt out-the-box thinking.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS
Unpredictable • Dynamic • Rewarding
post matric 2014 // 49
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2014/05/20 2:18 PM
media management accupuncturist
WHAT DID YOU STUDY, AND WHERE?
Contemporary Music and Management at Damelin.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION? I wanted to be a Rock Star :)
WHAT WORK TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
The course at Damelin gave us practical and theoretical knowledge in all aspects of being a musician. From vocal training, live performance and sound engineering to learning about marketing, advertising, the music business and the history of music genres.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO YOUR LINE OF WORK?
You have to be an outgoing, energetic person because the job has crazy working hours and you spend a lot of time at events.
IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING? My course at Damelin was a great platform to get into the business, and what I have learnt through experience has been incredible too, so I would say they are both very valuable.
DOES YOUR THEORETICAL KNOWLEDGE ASSIST YOU IN THE COURSE OF YOUR WORK?
The marketing, advertising and music business parts of my course have been the most essential part of what I do today.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
A typical day starts with going through all my emails and responding to requests. I get to book the artists I look after for shows, then I’m sending mails and making phone calls to submit my artists for key festivals and concerts coming up, or communicating with press and media to promote and market the festivals and shows I work on. Usually in the evening there’s a live event to attend, where I get to mingle
Melissa Conradie
BOOKING AGENT & MEDIA MANAGER BREAKOUT AGENCY
with other people in the industry and enjoy watching artists perform.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I love that I get to work in the music industry and with some of the country’s most talented artists. I get to go to great events and watch some incredible live acts.
ANYTHING THAT YOU’RE NOT KEEN ON? Only one thing... I work long hours!
WHAT FACTORS HELPED YOU CLIMB THE LADDER TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
I’ve met some great people in the industry through the guest lecturers at college; people who gave great advice which has helped me to work my way up the music industry ladder.
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER? Seeing my artists succeed and watching their careers grow bigger and bigger.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS?
Listen to what people have to say and ask as many questions as possible; there’s no such thing as a dumb question. We learn a lot from other people because they have the experience that you want.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS Best Job Ever!
50 // post matric 2014
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2014/05/20 2:20 PM
craftmanship
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A WELDER?
I had little choice. I grew up on a small island in the Adriatic that had very few industries, and I didn’t like school very much. My dad was a welder and I used to help him from time to time when I was a teenager. I was never taught how to run a business – I had to learn that myself.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
I did a welding course at the shipyard in my home town.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?
Someone who likes to be hands-on and who wants to try to make something on his own. Someone who is outgoing and creative, has stamina and a good eye for detail.
HOW IMPORTANT IS EXPERIENCE?
Formal training teaches you the basics, experience teaches you everything else. Learning never stops.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
Usually I meet my workers at the workshop, order material that we need and then describe to them what needs to be done. There are always meetings with clients or architects. There is lots of driving involved between clients and sites, suppliers and galvanizers. I am very hands-on in my business.
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST?
Ivo Sola
SELF-EMPLOYED WELDER SOLA METAL FABRICATORS
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER THUS FAR?
I have been involved in some big projects in Cape Town, e.g. Boulevard Park, Virgin Active in Steenberg, The Pepper Club in Loop Street and the Crystal Towers at Century City. On all of them I was worried that I was in over my head, but what tools you don’t have you can always hire and you take each day as it comes. I am also lucky enough to have friends who give me good advice and lend me equipment if needed.
YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
Independence, interesting challenges, being creative in order to meet a challenge and the ability to come and go as I please.
To grow this business to the next level and, as a side-business, to possibly open a restaurant (cooking is my other passion).
WHAT DON’T YOU ENJOY?
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT AS A WELDER?
Traffic, unreliable workers and tax!
You need little investment, but you do need determination. You need to network and market yourself all the time. Never miss an opportunity to tell someone what you do. You never know what a person may be needing – be it a metal staircase or a beautiful balustrade.
THE JOB IN THREE WORDS
Dynamic • Creative • Fun
post matric 2014 // 51
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2014/05/20 2:21 PM
InternalAudit.indd 1
2014/03/24 1:59 PM
internal auditing
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE AN INTERNAL AUDITOR?
This is the one job that exposes you to every single aspect of an organisation, and gives you the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. The internal auditor plays a major role in the organisation’s wellbeing, making a significant difference as an assurance provider and trusted advisor to management. The position is also an excellent training ground for those wishing to move into executive positions.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERNAL AND AN EXTERNAL AUDITOR?
External audit is primarily a financial discipline with a statutory obligation. These auditors’ main function is to give assurance that the organisation’s financial position is what management has reported it is by looking at whether the financial statements are a true reflection of the organisation’s financial position. Internal auditors have a much broader scope. Although we also look at the organisation’s finance area, this is just a fraction of our function; internal auditors focus on every area in the organisation, from HR to supply chain management and procurement to IT. We also focus on strategy; risk management; fraud, ethics, compliance, sustainability, environmental and other risks; as well as governance and performance of the organisation’s core business. The job starts with understanding the risks the organisation is facing
and looking at whether there are adequate controls in place to mitigate those risks.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST?
Shirley Machaba
I love being in a position to provide advice to NATIONAL ENTERPRISE RISK management on best AND INTERNAL AUDIT LEADER practice as well as on PWC critical changes within the profession, industries and sectors. This is a multiis the standard setter of the dimensional discipline. It is an career path for internal auditors. exciting job with a lot of variety Once you have begun working, and no room for boredom. enrol in the IIA SA’s Professional Training Program (in other words, WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED? you have to serve articles) and Whilst the financial skills of then write the Certified Internal accountants are useful to do their Auditor exam as the final test of job effectively, internal auditors competence. Once qualified, you need to possess a high level can maintain your designations of technical internal auditing and knowledge through the IIA skills and superior business SA’s continuing professional acumen. They must be effective development program, and communicators, good project opt to write the IIA’s specialty managers, analytically strong, exams, which have been and it helps if they are excellent designed to further enhance negotiators. They need to be skills in particular areas such as emotionally intelligent, have government or financial services auditing and risk management. the ability to think strategically, network effectively and act as a business value enhancer. ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE In addition, they must have CONSIDERING AUDITING? unflinching integrity, be grounded First do the groundwork to in ethics and possess reserves of determine whether this is the unwavering courage. right career choice for you. Once you are certain, then proceed WHAT TRAINING DO YOU ADVISE? to follow the aforementioned The basic steps are, firstly, to career path. Don’t forget that obtain an academic qualification being a member of the IIA SA and become a member of The allows you to make use of their Institute of Internal Auditors technical guidance resources and South Africa (IIA SA); this networking opportunities, and has is a professional body that a host of other benefits. You can represents the interests of the find out more about the IIA SA internal auditing career path by visiting website community and www.iiasa.org.za. post matric 2014 // 53
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2014/05/20 2:21 PM
accupuncturist hospitality
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE?
A concierge is responsible for answering any queries a tourist/ guest has about the surrounding area, as well as the hotel. No request is too big or too small and the attitude of a good concierge is ‘never say no’. We advise on everything and can arrange practically anything. Requests range from advice on restaurants and tours to outdoor activities.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I am not a person for an office environment where the daily routine is pretty much the same from 8am to 5pm. I am a people-orientated person. Every day has its own challenges and experiences, and I find meeting different people from all around the world and experiencing foreign cultures stimulating and exciting. I love working with people.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
I completed my Hospitality Management course in 2007 at the Institute for Hospitality Education (SA). Whilst completing my studies I also received training within various areas in a hotel. I started my career being a storeman.
IS EXPERIENCE VITAL?
Formal training lays a solid foundation and is the platform from which every standard is measured, but experience plays a big role as a hotelier’s knowledge progresses with time spent working in the industry. Experience is also a key ingredient for job hunting in the hospitality industry these days.
their time in Cape Town: big names like Pierce Brosnan and Paris Hilton.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORKING DAY
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
This is not your average ‘coffee, emails and meetings’ type of job. I never know who I am going to meet, what requests will come my way and what time my day will end.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
That every day is different. The concierge is one of the few members of the hotel staff that must have a good knowledge of the surrounding area, as well as local activities and restaurants. We try our best to make every guest’s stay an authentic Cape experience. Knowing you played a part in making their visit to Cape Town a memorable one is more than enough job satisfaction for me.
Byron Page
HEAD CONCIERGE MOUNT NELSON HOTEL
Well, at the moment I’m more than happy being the Head Concierge for the legendary Mount Nelson Hotel in Cape Town. One of my current goals is to become a member of the Concierge Golden Key Society internationally.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT?
Hard work and passion are two key ingredients in a good recipe for success in this industry. There are no short cuts to the top.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS Inventing authentic experiences.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CONCIERGE?
The person must have confidence and be well-spoken. They need to be passionate and self-motivated. Interpersonal skills must be a natural characteristic and they must be able to make people feel comfortable, knowing they are in good hands.
MENTION SOME CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
In my three years at the Mount Nelson Hotel, I’ve had the honourable pleasure of assisting a number of celebrities, movie stars and singers to make the most of
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microbiology
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MICROBIOLOGY?
I have always had a passionate interest in biology and towards the end of my school career I became more interested in the causes and cures for different diseases. This interest in diseases combined with my love for the sea, which was fostered by my grandfather, saw me seeking placement in a marine facility after qualifying as a microbiologist.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
Shaleen Bhikka
MARINE MICROBIOLOGIST SAAMBR, SEA WORLD USHAKA
After completing matric I studied at UKZN majoring in Biological and Micro Science.
WHAT MAKES A ‘GOOD’ SCIENTIST?
WHAT ASPECTS ARE YOU LEAST KEEN ON?
IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS TRAINING?
WHAT ARE THE JOB HIGHLIGHTS?
You need an enquiring mind and a lot of strength and endurance. Formal training gives you the principles on which to base your experiences. I sincerely hope both formal training and experience will be ongoing throughout my career. However, you cannot start this career without formal training as it would be like trying to find a black dot in pitch darkness – you cannot interpret what you are looking at without the necessary knowledge.
DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY
Each day presents new challenges. We check on our patients from the previous night and adjust the feeding and medical charts according to their progress. We check water quality, take tissue samples for analysis, medicate and treat the fish in our care.
I really have to force myself to sit down and do admin; certainly not the best part of my day. Whenever I successfully diagnose and treat a fish and watch it fully recover – fortunately this happens often.
IN THE FUTURE...
I am going to continue with my studies and continue to find unknown strains of bacteria and share this information with the rest of the world for the benefit of all marine fish species.
ADVICE FOR BUDDING MICROBIOLOGISTS?
If you have an insatiable thirst for knowledge you will probably suit a career in the micro world.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS
Interesting • Challenging • Rewarding
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY?
I love looking at cell biology, bacteria and parasites and their ability to manipulate the environment to best suit themselves. It’s only when you have an understanding of the parasites and bacteria that you are able to successfully treat fish.
post matric 2014 // 55
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Building a future South Africa – road by road SANRAL is about more than roads. It builds people. It builds communities; and it helps to build a future South Africa with the capacity to meet the demands of a growing economy. Over the next 15 years the country will invest almost R4-trillion in strategic infrastructure as part of a national development initiative to support balanced economic growth in all nine provinces. The national and provincial road networks will form the backbone on which 18 Strategic Infrastructure Projects will be delivered, supplemented by a rejuvenated freight rail system. The planning and implementation of these infrastructure initiatives will place huge demands on South Africa’s ability to provide skilled human resources. The National Development Plan, which provides the blueprint for the country’s economic growth path over the next two decades, has set a target for the country to produce 30 000 artisans a year. By 2030 there should be 2.5 million people in the postschool technical sector, up from the current 650 000. State-owned companies such as SANRAL will share the burden with the private sector to train a skilled work-force to enable the country to meet the growing economic demands for modern new infrastructure and the maintenance of existing networks. SANRAL is already contributing to the country’s national developmental objectives and intends to grow its contribution in the years to come. This will be achieved through continuous investment in skills development, bursaries, internships and talent management within an organisation that currently has a staff complement of only 238 people. It starts at high school level where the road agency has a scholarship programme in place to identify and develop talent in the scarce fields of mathematics, science and technology. At present 179 learners in all nine provinces benefit from this programme aimed to guide promising learners towards a future career in engineering.
For the past seven years SANRAL has been offering bursaries to students for undergraduate studies in civil engineering and related disciplines in the built environment. Seventy bursaries were granted for a total investment by the company of almost R6-million. Nineteen SANRAL employees were awarded bursaries in the last financial year amounting to an additional half-amillion rand. Moreover, SANRAL provides internships to engineering students and offers them practical work experience during their studies and upon completion of their degrees. The agency has strong ties with a number of tertiary education institutions. It sponsors a Chair in Pavement Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch and another one in Transport Planning at the University of Cape Town. SANRAL cooperates with the University of the Witwatersrand in supporting some 200 academically talented learners from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It aims to increase their academic, social and psychological preparation for admission to and success at local universities. A similar programme is in place at the University of the Free State to enable and encourage more learners and students to enter into science-related studies. Internally SANRAL has a talent management and succession planning process in place to identify potential, attract new skills into the company and ensure a transfer of skills from senior, experience staff to the next generation of leadership in the fields of engineering, finance, people management, administration and technical skills. Through these initiatives SANRAL is contributing to the broader needs of a future South Africa which will require more skilled human resources, more scientists, engineers, artisans and people with post-school technical qualifications.
www.sanral.co.za
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construction
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I read an article about it whilst I was in matric. The skills required by a quantity surveyor appealed to me and I applied to study at both UCT and Technikon. I was fortunate to be accepted at UCT.
WHAT IS A PROFESSIONAL QUANTITY SURVEYOR?
Quantity surveyors act in liaison with architects, consulting engineers and contractors to safeguard the client’s interests. They are independent experts who operate in a specialised area of the construction industry; the financial consultants of the industry whose training and experience qualify them to advise on cost and contractual arrangements, as well as providing property development advice.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU DO?
I studied the five-year degree course in Quantity Surveying, BSc (Quantity Surveying), at the University Of Cape Town.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK?
You should be highly numerate and analytical, enjoy working with finances, pay attention to detail and possess good communication skills – both written and oral.
IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?
Yes, I believe it is. Any candidate quantity surveyor should be prepared to spend at least three years gaining experience, and providing a logbook of that
experience in order to register as a professional quantity surveyor.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
Days normally involve meetings (either in the office or on site) and telephonic and written communications with professional persons including architects, engineers, building contractors and clients. Alternatively, the day would be spent preparing or checking calculations for estimates, working on tenders, monthly certificates and final accounts.
Michael Kleve
PROFESSIONAL QUANTITY SURVEYOR MIKE KLEVE QUANTITY SURVEYORS
WHAT DO YOU LIKE THE MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
The opportunity to provide accuracy and detail whilst under pressure, and to meet realistic deadlines for projects that have been properly planned and/or designed and have a good chance of fruition. My training and experience as a quantity surveyor has given me the opportunity to work in other parts of the world including Namibia, United Kingdom and the Middle East.
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
Starting my own sustainable registered quantity surveying practice has been the highlight and most rewarding part of being a quantity surveyor.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? To grow Mike Kleve Quantity Surveyors in order to provide a quantity surveying service not only locally and nationally, but perhaps also internationally.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT ON THIS CAREER PATH?
Be patient and be prepared to learn the basics from a registered professional quantity surveyor.
DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS Professional, pressured and analytical.
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Life-changing careers begin with a St John training course If you’re thinking about a rewarding career in medicine or nursing, begin your journey by completing a St John First Aid or Community Health Work training programme. Our First Aid NQF Level 1 (US 119567) and First Aid NQF Level 2 (US 120496) short courses are accredited with the Health & Welfare SETA, as is our Community Health Work Level 2 full qualification. St John is registered with the Department of Labour for First Aid Level 1, 2 & 3, which is a requirement of the OHS Act of 1993. Choose a St John training programme as part of your vocational or full qualification education. Contact St John today to make your booking: St John – Bloemfontein (051) 444-6276 St John - Cape Town (021) 461-8420 St John - Durban (031) 305-6588 St John - Johannesburg (011) 403-4227 St John - Port Elizabeth (041) 364-2701 Visit our website www.stjohn.org.za for more info on our range of courses.
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tourism
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?
Riaan Renke
TOUR OPERATOR/CULTURAL GUIDE WINE FLIES
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I decided to follow my passion and my hobby... wine. I had come to a point at which working for the corporate industry was taking its toll on my family life, physical health and mental well-being.
WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE?
We basically source unique destinations with a cultural significance to expose to both local and international travellers alike; somewhere they would never see on the commercial tourist route. In this way we support small family establishments that employ and source products from the local community. Local is lekker.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO, AND WHERE?
To become a qualified tour guide you have to complete a THETA-approved tour guide course (several establishments offer this). My training with regards to wine was a result of self-exploration. I’ve been involved in various industries over the years, from hospitality to construction, and they have all aided in building experience, which I benefit from immensely in my day-to-day operations.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
On tour days, I collect guests and take them around the winelands, providing quite a bit of education regarding the various wines, their origin, and what is involved at the vineyards and cellar – all presented in an informative, but not too stuffy or pretentious way. Office days vary from dealing with bookings, to quoting on personalised tours, or marketing and product development. I enjoy the diversity.
Job satisfaction, creating an awareness and appreciation of wine, developing products that are unique, and providing travellers with a different perspective on our country and it’s diverse culture. I also enjoy assisting in community development and ‘giving back’ where I can.
WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE?
Self-righteous people that think the world owes them a huge favour!
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Converting sweet rosé drinkers and teaching them to appreciate a quality red (seriously!), being offered partnership in a small company, and being given the opportunity to capitalise on my skills and experience and spearhead a new approach to tourism.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
To make my own wine. To own a property where we can become self-sustainable. To further involve the local community through upliftment projects. Steering clear of the rat race!
ARE THERE CERTAIN TRAITS ONE SHOULD POSSESS?
In this position you have to be a people person, which no training can provide for because it’s a personality thing. You also need foresight, to be able to identify problem areas before they arise, to think on your feet and, of course, to have a love for travel.
ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT?
Always be honest; be willing to learn from others; know that the more you put in, the more rewarding it becomes; if you have ideas, explore them, but don’t stay a dreamer – act on them and make it happen!
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auto-repairs
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS UNUSUAL PROFESSION?
Because of my liking for arts and crafts, which was a subject I enjoyed in high school. During holidays I worked for the family business to see if I had a passion for spray-painting. I took a liking to it and, after school, I decided to do my apprenticeship. I’ve never regretted a moment of it – this is my passion and it still totally appeals to me.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO?
I completed my Level 1 in 2012, and went on to do my Level 2 in 2013. During my apprenticeship I also did numerous advanced courses and entered the WorldSkills Competition Leipzig 2013, where I came second at the national competition level. I also competed at the 2013 Automechanika Open spray-painting competition (competing with qualified artisans) and came second in that competition too.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK?
Yes, you need to be a go-getter and have a passion for what you are doing. In this field of work you need to take chances and be innovative – there is no room for hesitation. You need to be open-minded and think outside the box. There are rules, but the trade also allows you to explore and push the boundaries. I am actually doing something that is still seen as a ‘man’s job’ and, although I sometimes work over weekends if I am required to, during most weekends and in my spare time I still consider myself to be very ‘lady-like’!
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB
I start at 7.30am, doing the stocktaking in the paint shop and ordering for the week. I handle all the orders from different companies. Then I mask one or two cars. If my gunwoman asks me to paint, I grab a gun without hesitation and start painting. I see every task as a challenge and this excites me.
Monique Swanepoel APPRENTICESHIP IN SPRAY-PAINTING
HJ BOSCH & SONS PANELBEATERS
WHICH ASPECTS OF THE WORK ARE YOU LEAST ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT?
If I could choose to not do something required in my work, it would be preparation – called flatting. I do not like the dust that’s created at all. I can handle the paint on my hands and clothes because I can wash it off, but the dust is irritating. Maybe it’s because I respect my body; I’m a non-smoker and I despise the intake of any foreign bodies.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
In my future I would like to see myself managing a paint shop, or becoming a technician. As a hobby, I would like to improve on my airbrushing skills.
ADVICE FOR WANNABE SPRAY-PAINTERS?
I can recommend spray-painting to anybody who fits the profile, and advise those starting with spray-painting as a career to be open-minded, to be honest in everything they do, not to take short cuts and to learn as much they can. My motto is “learn from the comments of other people, they see what you don’t see”. This is important in life and in spray-painting too, after all it is an art form and the quality of the job is based on durability and finish. Be an enthusiastic apprentice, have fun and keep on learning, so that one day you can be a good journeyman or journeywoman!
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accupuncturist radio broadcasting
EXPERIENCE VS FORMAL TRAINING?
Sure, experience is important, but training gives you the competitive edge over other people who may be gunning for the same position. It is important to train because education gives you a solid knowledge base that helps you become more efficient. Boston gave me both the theory and the practical knowledge to get ahead in the industry.
DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE BEAT
Wake up at 4am and get to YFM at 5am; start the radio show at 6am; do a voice-over at 11am; klap a few meetings during the day; get home at 8pmish and hopefully squeeze some TV in before bed.
YOUR FAVOURITE PARTS OF THE JOB?
Moeti Tsiki – Mo Flava
MORNING DRIVE-TIME DJ & TV PERSONALITY YFM
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?
I’ve been listening to radio from a young age and over the years my interest grew stronger and stronger. I did some research and found out that I could study a radio-related course and hopefully get a job in the industry. I’ve always had a keen interest in world affairs and daily news, and I happen to be quite outspoken as well. The aforementioned factors gave me enough clout and inspiration to pursue a career in radio.
WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO AND WHERE?
I did a Diploma in Media Practices, majoring in Journalism, at Boston Media House.
IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY MOST SUITED TO THIS TYPE OF WORK?
You need to be inquisitive and always eager to find out about ‘happening stuff’. You need to enjoy talking to people, and you need to have an interest in current and world affairs. Finally, you need to have a firm grasp of the society that surrounds you.
The fact that I can make a difference in people’s lives using my platform.
WHICH ASPECTS OF THE WORK ARE YOU LEAST ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT?
The politics of the industry... but I just choose to ignore that aspect.
WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
Getting to host a breakfast show on the biggest youth station in the country. Its been an awesome four-year run.
YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?
To eventually work for a national radio station, to host more TV shows, and to own a multimedia company focusing on audio-visual and marketing communications.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?
Establish whether or not the career you want to get into will make you happy. If you see it as just a job, then don’t do it. Rather get into a career path that interests you all day, every day.
YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS
Exhilarating, exciting and rewarding.
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WHAT’S APP DAD! Robbie Stammers comes to terms with the fact that he has been left behind in this new(ish) age of technology, and by his very own offspring.
“Hey
Sasha, guess what? I have downloaded ‘What’s Up’ onto my phone!” I proudly exclaimed to my daughter a while back. My teenager executed the upward roll of the eye/heavy sigh combo, reserved for the less-informed (which happens to always include parents), then proceeded to explain: “Dad, it is not called ‘What’s Up’, it is called ‘Whats App’ as in Application”. “Oh right, of course. That is what I meant” I muttered, trying to cover my clearly ignorant old tracks. I do admit that in my youth (or back in the dark ages, according to my kids), my sister and I used to giggle uncontrollably whilst watching my mom trying to push play or record on the video machine. She had absolutely no idea what she was doing. The same can be said of my own Dad when it comes to mastering the art of operating cellular phones,
... pretty amazing for a guy who thinks HDTV = ‘Heavy Duty TV’. 9:05 AM
(My daughter performs the perfect eye-roll/sigh when I say that too, clearly mortally embarrassed by my attempts to speak the ‘lingo’.) Anyway, my research proved that there are far worse culprits out there than I, as far as ‘being clueless’ is concerned. These are a mere few of the anonymous postings that the younger generation have put out there concerning their parent’s technical abilities, or lack thereof: – My uncle keeps his phone off until he is going to call somebody so that he ‘saves money’ on his cellphone bill. – My mom came to visit the other day and I asked her to bring my old PS2 so I could use it to watch DVDs in my bedroom. She brought my old Nokia 6410 phone. – When my mom found out she had a front-facing camera on her phone she freaked out and threw the phone down because she thought it was watching her. – My mom opened up her web browser. I had recently set the homepage to Google. She exclaimed, “Oh good, we have Google now!” – My dad just bought a 3D TV. This is pretty amazing for a guy who thinks HDTV means ‘Heavy Duty TV’. – Mum told me the other day to get off someone else’s Facebook in case they were trying to use it themselves.
something that he still seems to struggle with. Still, he’s extremely proud of the fact that he has finally worked out how to put people on speed dial – two decades later. However, I think it’s fair to say that my parents had it easy compared to parents of today. I mean, look at the amount of technological wizardry we have to attempt to stay on top of. I never used to consider myself as ‘technologically challenged’, but every week something new is popping up on my kids’ screens. Just when I think I have mastered ‘Whats App’, Facebook, and how to retrieve My uncle keeps his phone off until he and store someone’s BB pin, my is going to call someone. kids are talking about Pintrest, Instagram, We Chat, Snap Chat and some frikken Angry Birds – I was working in an internet of some kind. support call centre when a client So, in an attempt to redeem called in and told me her internet myself, I did some surfing on the net. was not working. I asked the
client to open a new window in her explorer. She told me she could not open the windows as it was snowing heavily outside. – My grandfather needed to find an address and initially impressed me no end when he pulled out his iPad to use the GPS. Once he’d located the map, however, he pulled out a piece of tracing paper and drew the map onto paper. – My sister asked for an iPad for Christmas and my mom said, “I thought you already had one, didn’t you download one onto your phone already?” – The other day my dear old dad sent me a text that read ‘ohwowIhaveSmileys!whoknew!!’. Great Dad, I am glad you’ve got Smileys, but it’s too bad they didn’t give you a space key as well. And finally, my favourite quote of all: My mother asked me what website she needed to go to in order to create a new email address. I told her to type Hotmail.com into the address bar. She typed in Hotmale.com. I won’t go into detail, but suffice to say she didn’t get the address she was looking for. So you see Sasha… your old dad is not so bad after all. In fact, compared to these kids’ parents, I’m actually pretty ‘with it’, LOL (I even know that means Laugh Out Loud). So WTF (which I also know means Why The Frown?) ;-) This Cool Dad rests his case! G2G
64 // post matric 2014
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