The Final Statement from the Minister of Education addressing all 2010 Matriculants can be downloaded or viewed by clicking the below:

• For the Adobe Pdf version, click here.
• For the Microsoft Word document, click here.

Research opportunities

Researching means investigating career options, finding a SAQA accredited training provider, applying for a suitable job and working in an environment that’s right for you. The internet can be a good way to research information about any career move.

Volunteering and Job Shadowing offers us the opportunity to get the feel of a career as you experience your dream job.
When you Volunteer you offer your services without payment in return for obtaining some experience and networking with individuals in the field. It will also make you feel content that you have assisted those in need. Visit the following the Volunteer link for further information.

Job shadowing will expose you to the real work situation. You will accompany a staff member to work for a day or more and observe what is being done within that career field. Visit the following the Career Shadow link to obtain more information.

Make a decision

Making decisions about your career does not have to be difficult. You should know what you enjoy doing and what careers appeal to you. Try a Career Quiz if you need some clarity. Once you have researched your career fields and identified your capabilities use the following steps to guide you in making an informed decision.

Guides to Decision Making

• Identify challenges.
• Identify alternatives
• Know yourself – strengths and weaknesses, knowledge, values, skills and abilities and interests.
• Gather information about options
• Evaluate the pros, cons and risks of each option.
• Choose the best option for you.
• Develop a plan of action.
• Implement your plan.

You may need to adjust your plan to cater for circumstances. It is helpful to write down your decision making process as you go along.

Plan and act

Now that you have made your decision you need to clarify your goals. Establish a time frame for your goals and they can be divided into:

• Short term goals
• Medium term goals
• Long term goals
  
  

Ensure that your goals are achievable, relevant, specific and measurable. You should take note of what is stopping you from achieving your goals and how these obstacles can be overcome. Don’t feel discouraged if things do not happen the way you planned, Rome was not built in a day. Review your goals as your situation in life changes eg career challenges, financial setbacks, change in relationships.

These are some of the questions which may help direct your planning:

• When should I begin?
• Where/ how should I start?
• Who will help me?
• How will this benefit me?

Career test

Please visit the following link Career Quiz for more information.

Additional sites to visit:

• Career Planet
  
• Skills Portal