Careers

Question 1

Steps in choosing and the decision making process

Answer 1

1. What kind of person am I?
   (desires, values, interests and abilities )
2. What career do I want to pursue
   (academic requirements, where, length, cost, work environment and income)
3. What do important people in my life say?

Question 2

Career field

Answer 2

A grouping of occupations
Common skills, knowledge and work setting
Similar interests and talents
May require different levels of training for the different occupations within the field

Question 3

Occupation

Answer 3

The work that you do
Usually requires special education, training or skills
e.g. newspaper reporter, nurse or architect

Question 4

Career

Answer 4

An occupation that you have for a large part of your life
It gives you an opportunity to progress and be promoted.
E.g. teaching – you could start in a level one post and progress to higher levels
Requires a diploma, certificate or degree

Question 5

Job

Answer 5

You are employed and paid for working
May need some basic training
E.g. shop assistant, truck driver

Question 6

Socio-economic factors that influence your career choice

Answer 6

1. Community needs
   Gaps between what services exist in a community and what should exist.
   What opportunities are most pressing in my community? (e.g. COVID PPE’s, environmental issues etc.)
   What can I do to address this need?
2. Affordability and availability of finances

Some challenges for many students
There are financial options:

Bursaries: to help pay for tertiary studies. For financial need or because you did well at school. (e.g. NSFAS)
Student Loans: Money borrowed from a bank which needs to be paid back when you start working.
Scholarship: Awarded by some companies or organisations if you have done very well at school or in sport.
Learnership/Internship: Earn while you learn. Study part time and practice what you learn in a real job.
3. Stereotyping
An unfairly held belief
Can influence and limit the careers we think are possible.
4. Accessibility
Is there somewhere close to where you live where you can study for this career?
If you must travel far, can you afford the transport or accommodation costs?
Can you study for this through distance learning? (e.g.UNISA)
Do you have access to the equipment needed?
5. Impact of Income Tax
All individuals and companies must pay tax on what they have earned
This tax is used to run the country and is collected by SARS (South African Revenue Services)
The more you earn, the more you pay.
Be aware of the difference between gross income and nett income.