Choosing what to study or which career path to follow is probably one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make.
In order to assist and give matriculants of Hawston Secondary School the necessary guidance Neo Life, a non-profit organisation, organises a two-day career exhibition every year. This exposed learners to careers they might not have been aware of and gave them the opportunity to actually learn from and interact with professionals in various fields. They were also advised about internship programmes and bursary options.
The first day was dedicated to professionals from a diverse array of organisations and businesses based in Hermanus, who shared their personal stories and gave the matrics practical tips to aid them in their job search or even starting their own business.
The learners were excited to learn that businesses are always on the lookout for passionate future employees with the right attitude and keen to work hard.
A new edition to the career exhibition was the presence of the South African Air Force. Lieutenant Koopman and the team from the base in the Overberg were on hand to inform learners about the wide range of career fields available to them within the Air Force.
Other representatives of participating businesses and training facilities included Jacques du Toit of Guthrie & Theron Attorneys, Theo Krynauw of Overstrand Learning Hub, HR Manager Stephan Groenewald of Openserve, Nobuhle Mtyobile of Thoza Tours, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Kleinmond Marine Team, Standard Bank, a social worker of the Provincial Government Western Cape (PGWC) Nicolette van Graan, Jeffrey Sodladla of Helderstroom Correctional Services and Captain Fadila September of the Hermanus Police.
Officials of Overstrand Municipality’s Fire Department, Law Enforcement and Traffic units and Chrysalis, West Coast College, Human Resources Consultant Arina Fyfer, Priscilla Booysen (Director at the Rupert Education Foundation), paramedic Zah-rah Adams of CMC (Critical Medical Care) and Pierre de Villiers, the Operations Manager of Cape Nature, were also on hand to share their knowledge.
Day 2 was for a walkabout as Grade 11 and 12 learners engaged and interacted with the exhibitors, asking information pertaining to applications and different courses and job opportunities.
René Müller and Portia Kleinsmidt of Neo Life thanked all contributors for their positive influence on the aspirations of Hawston Secondary students.
Stressing the significance of students approaching their lives and decisions with seriousness, they stated: “Though we offer support the journey ahead may pose challenges. It demands self-reflection, commitment, and unwavering dedication to your objectives. Keep in mind that your surroundings do not determine your identity; instead, it is crafted by the choices you make.”
Tips for matriculants
• Filling out an application is an essential part of the hiring process. Avoid being unnecessarily disqualified because of a ‘silly’ mistake. Your application form is the first thing they see about you. Therefore, it is very important to complete your application form fully, with the correct reference number for each particular post you have applied for and without mistakes.
• Apply to as many universities/colleges and bursaries as possible; don’t just rely on one.
• Prepare your CV for submission and keep it up-to-date.
• Apply as early as possible. University applications start closing from as early as July and colleges from end of September.
• A positive and enthusiastic attitude will get you much further.
• Internship programmes are a great way to work your way up and study through a company.
• Consider taking short courses; obtain a motor and skipper licence and do a diving course should that be your interest.
• Specialise in something when studying; do not just choose a BCom or BA just for the sake of a degree.
• Do your homework diligently and take responsibility for yourself: be sure to use your resources and research certain jobs as it will help you to learn a great deal about the profession you want to pursue.
• Know your options: Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges accept students who have passed Grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 with an average of 40% in all subjects and are an opportunity to prepare students for further study.
• The bigger the company grows the more complex it becomes, but also the bigger range of people they employ so regularly visit websites to look for jobs; do not only do it once a year.
