Mentor Letter: Making the Right Career Choice For You

As we pass the middle of 2020, I am receiving more and more requests from students regarding subject and career choices.

Choosing your future career is an important milestone and choosing school subjects which support your career choice is equally important.  Keep in mind that being unsure about which career you want to follow is not uncommon. You are young and knowing what you want to do with your life and where you want to be in 30 years’ time is a challenge. You may also want to change your career later in life.

 Different people opt for different career choices because we all look for different things in jobs. As our personalities differ, this also influences our career choices. Some of us may flourish in a creative, busy and noisy environment, while others may prefer the opposite.

Exposure to different fields of study and careers also influences one’s choices.

It is important to remember that you have to consider what the actual job entails and not just the field of study. In the world of work, one has to be happy and stimulated by spending every day doing what the job entails.

• To limit your choices and make deciding easier, it is advised to do a lot of research about the various careers you are interested in.
• Make two lists – one about things that interest you and that you enjoy doing and the school subjects you enjoy – these are often the subjects you do well in. Now list all the things that you do not find interesting and you do not like doing.
• Research careers related to your interests – this will ensure that you have a better understanding of what different careers entail and what a typical day or year at work look like.
• Also research the tertiary institutions where you will be able to study towards your career.
• Reach out to different people who are working in the industry – they will be able to answer your questions and give you advice.
• Visit an educational professional or complete an online career choice assessment – this will also indicate your strengths and weaknesses and assist you in the process of refining your career choice.

Once you have narrowed down your options, ensure that you are aware of the subject requirements for application at tertiary institutions.  When choosing subjects,  be careful not to choose only the subjects you find easy, but to focus on the subjects you need to realise your long-term goals.

Brainline is planning an exciting Career Day in October to assist our students with subject choices. Please keep an eye out for more information.