 As a former lecturer, I've watched this play out from the front of the lecture hall. In 2018, I was part of a team teaching roughly 1,400 first-year Education students. In 2019, I coordinated the second-year level of that same module and found only about 1,079 students still there. That's a 77% retention rate, in a cohort where every single student needed that subject to qualify as a teacher. The other 23% didn't just lose a year. Many lost a career direction entirely. The bigger picture My experience isn't an outlier, if anything, it's on the better end of the spectrum nationally. Estimates of South Africa's first-year dropout rate vary widely depending on the data source and methodology, but the trend is consistently concerning. The Council on Higher Education's widely cited figure puts dropout before degree completion at over 40% (Three Streams Media, 2024), while student loan provider Fundi's own 2024 research put the first-year dropout rate as high as 60% (BusinessTech, 2024). In January 2026, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane cited a 35% first-year dropout figure (News24, 2026), and a 2025 piece featuring The IIE's Varsity College, now Emeris, placed the range at 50–60% (Future SA, 2025). Research from North-West University comparing 2004 and 2020 data found that roughly one in three university students, and one in two Technikon/TVET students, were predicted not to complete their studies (Future SA, 2024). The pattern has not meaningfully improved in two decades.  Why students leave The reasons are remarkably consistent across studies, then and now:
What actually helps 1. Use free information and career guidance, before you commit. Many universities offer career guidance through student support services, though quality varies significantly between institutions. Start there, and supplement it with independent guidance. I've written separately about developing your teenager's career curiosity and the main things to consider when helping your teenager choose a career, both useful starting points if you're navigating this decision for yourself or your child. 2. Use the support that already exists. In 2018, I appointed two tutors for over 1,000 students, fully briefed on exactly what assessments required. Only 10 students booked an appointment. The resources are usually there; the habit of asking isn't. Speak to lecturers during or after class. If you don't get help, use your university's formal complaints process. Use free resources like Khan Academy, or ask your library for past exam papers.  The real fix happens before enrolment Universities can improve support, and students can use what's on offer, but the single biggest point of leverage is getting the course choice right in the first place, ideally well before Grade 12. That's not a guess; it's a structured process of matching interests, aptitude, and realistic career outcomes to a specific qualification. That's exactly what a career assessment is for. If you or your teenager are unsure about the path ahead, get this decision tested before you commit three (or more) years and a significant amount of money to it. Reach out for a career assessment, it's far cheaper than a dropped-out first year. References
 Grade 11 marks a turning point in a teenager's school career. With Matric only a year away, this is the ideal time to begin narrowing down realistic career options rather than entering Grade 12 without direction. One way to do this is through a career assessment, usually conducted by a psychologist, which in South Africa typically costs between R2 000 and R6 000, roughly $125 to $370 at current exchange rates (Trading Economics, 2026). Not every family can afford this option, and a formal assessment is not the only route to clarity. A simple, honest conversation between parent and teenager about interests, strengths and possible career paths can be just as valuable, particularly when started early. South Africa's system gives learners less time to specialise than some other countries. In Switzerland, for example, about two-thirds of 15-year-olds already commit to a career direction by entering a dual-track apprenticeship: three to four days a week working for an employer and one to two days at a vocational school (OECD, 2025; SWI swissinfo.ch, 2024). South African learners are not expected to commit this early, but the comparison shows how much clarity is possible when career exploration starts sooner rather than later. For more guidance on making the right subject choices, read my article on Grade 9 subject selection here. Knowing the course requirements. A career assessment helps a learner connect their interests to the subject results they will need. The Admission Point Score (APS) system, used by most South African universities, converts matric marks into a single score; the University of Pretoria, for instance, requires a minimum APS of 28 for its Education degrees and up to 35 for high-demand fields such as Law, Engineering, Veterinary Science, and Medicine (University of Pretoria, 2026). Knowing the target score early gives a learner a concrete academic goal to work towards over the next two years, rather than only discovering the requirement once Grade 12 results are already final. To learn more about APS scores, click here.  Building emotional intelligence. Career guidance is not only about subject choice; it also encourages learners to reflect on their personality and how they relate to others. This matters because employers increasingly rank emotional intelligence (EQ) alongside, and sometimes above, technical skill. A Harvard Gazette discussion of the World Economic Forum's "Future of Jobs" findings places traits such as self-awareness, empathy and active listening among the top competencies employers now look for, even as analytical thinking remains the single most valued skill (Harvard Gazette, 2025). Developing this kind of self-awareness in Grade 11 can support both school performance and later workplace relationships.  Supporting personality development. Some learners find it harder than others to sustain the long hours of focused work that strong matric results demand. Understanding one's own tendencies, whether that is procrastination, perfectionism or difficulty with structure, makes it easier to build the habits needed to perform closer to one's full potential.  Providing peace of mind. Some learners already have a career in mind and simply want confirmation. A career assessment can offer this, provided the learner approaches it with an open mind rather than treating it as a formality. Psychologists generally prefer not to be told the suspected outcome in advance, so that the result is not unintentionally shaped by it. None of this guarantees employment. South Africa's official unemployment rate climbed to 32,7% in the first quarter of 2026, and unemployment among 15- to 24-year-olds was far higher still, at 60,9% (Statistics South Africa, 2026). In a labour market this competitive, a well-informed choice rather than a guarantee of work is the most realistic and valuable advantage a career assessment can offer. Whether through a formal assessment or a meaningful family discussion, the goal is to equip your Grade 11 learner with the insight and confidence needed to make informed decisions about their future. Career choices have a lasting impact, and the right guidance can make all the difference. Let me help you and your child gain clarity, explore possibilities, and make a confident career choice. Book an appointment today (click here). References
OECD. (2025). Vocational education and training in Switzerland: Vocational education and training systems in nine countries. OECD Publishing. https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/vocational-education-and-training-systems-in-nine-countries_1a86eb6c-en/full-report/vocational-education-and-training-in-switzerland_051e4a43.html Harvard Gazette. (2025, August 6). Why employers want workers with high EQs. https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2025/08/what-is-emotional-intelligence-and-why-is-it-crucial-in-the-workplace/ Statistics South Africa. (2026). South Africa's youth and the labour market in Q1 2026. https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=19526 SWI swissinfo.ch. (2024, April 16). Apprenticeships in Switzerland. https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/apprenticeship-system/43796482 Trading Economics. (2026). South African Rand: USD/ZAR exchange rate. https://tradingeconomics.com/south-africa/currency University of Pretoria. (2026). Undergraduate prospectus 2026: NSC/IEB. https://www.up.ac.za/students/admission-information About a year ago, I experienced one of those moments that felt too perfectly aligned to be mere coincidence. During a morning career assessment session, I met a 17-year-old client whose deep love for God left a lasting impression on me. She spoke about her dream of becoming a doctor. Not for prestige, status, or external pressure, but because she viewed it as a calling. Her desire was to honour God through her work, to help and heal others, and to live a life of intentional purpose. What struck me most was her clarity. At just 17 years old, she already knew what she felt called to do. Research supports what her certainty seemed to reflect, individuals who pursue careers aligned with a strong sense of purpose or spiritual calling tend to experience higher levels of motivation, commitment, and career satisfaction (Frizzell, Hwang, & Yeh, 2021). That kind of clarity, discovered so early in life, is not a small thing. it is a gift.  This is why career choice assessments in adolescence matters so much. Studies show that young people who identify their vocational purpose early on are better equipped to make meaningful educational choices, navigate setbacks with resilience, and enter adulthood with a sense of direction that protects their mental health (Dik, Byrne, & Steger, 2013). A structured career assessment, one that explores values, strengths, personality, and interests alongside a young person's deeper sense of calling, can be transformative at this stage. It does not box a teenager in; it helps them see themselves more clearly, and gives words to what they may already feel but are struggling to articulate. For my client, those words were already there. For many others, it needs to be unlocked.  Hours later, life illustrated that very calling in the most personal way. Our 3-year-old son had an accident at school and needed stitches. My wife and I rushed to the doctor to find the scene every parent dreads: our child wrapped in a restraint, tearful and frightened, as the procedure began. I held him down and watched as the doctor worked, calmly, gently, and with unwavering steadiness. It was hard to witness. But it was also deeply reassuring. That doctor's composure and compassion brought comfort not only to our son, but to us as well.
In that moment, I saw exactly what I had spoken about earlier that morning: the sacred, often unseen role that doctors play in the lives of ordinary families. Healthcare professionals who perceive their work as meaningful are more resilient, more empathetic, and less likely to experience burnout (West et al., 2021). What we experienced was more than professional competence, it was the unmistakable presence of a true calling to medicine, and it made all the difference. Purpose in a career does not only protect the professional. It blesses every life they touch. Research consistently shows that purpose-driven work supports long-term wellbeing, enhances life satisfaction, and strengthens mental health across an entire lifespan (Park, 2010; Ryff & Kim, 2020). The earlier that purpose is identified and nurtured, the more powerfully it can shape a life, and the lives of others. To my client: Your calling matters. The world needs doctors who lead with faith, compassion, and the kind of quiet courage you already carry. Do not wait to explore it, understand it, and build toward it. A career assessment is not just a practical exercise, it can be the first intentional step toward the life you were made for. And to my son: Thank you for being brave. Your courage reminded me, once again, why the people called to care for others, and the work they do, matters so very deeply. References
 My career journey began as a youth pastor in Cape Town, a role I embraced as a teenager with genuine passion for people. But over time, I found myself wanting more: the tools and training to help people reach their full potential. That desire led me to Psychology. In 2013, I embarked on a career change, and by 2018 I had completed my studies as an Educational Psychologist. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life. If you are questioning whether a career change is worth pursuing, you are in good company. Research increasingly suggests that career transitions are becoming the norm rather than the exception. Estimates indicate that individuals may change careers between three and seven times over the course of their working lives (OECD, 2024). Rather than signalling instability, these transitions are increasingly understood as evidence of a more adaptive and evolving approach to work and personal development. In support of this shift, recent findings show that 83% of workers now prioritise work–life balance over salary, marking the first time that balance has overtaken pay as the leading workplace priority (Randstad, 2025). Research consistently shows that individuals experience greater job satisfaction, engagement, and well-being when their work aligns with their strengths, interests, and personal characteristics (Bischof, 2021; American Psychological Association, 2024). Conversely, when there is a mismatch between a person's abilities and the demands of their occupation, job satisfaction tends to decline. Career assessments can help bridge this gap by enabling more informed career decisions or transitions. For me, discovering Psychology was a turning point. It allowed me to align my natural abilities and passion for helping others with a meaningful vocation. This alignment transformed my work from simply earning a living into a career that provides both purpose and fulfillment.  Before You Resign: Consider These Steps Explore your current field thoroughly before making a leap. There may be a role at your existing organisation, or within your industry, that fits you far better. Only once those options are exhausted should you consider a broader shift. When you are ready, here is practical advice:
The best time for a career assessment is while you or your child is still in school, ideally between Grade 9 and Grade 12. This allows teenagers to become career-ready and enter higher education with purpose and direction, which often improves academic motivation and performance. That said, it is never too late, a career assessment at 30, 40, or even 50 can be life-changing.   The Journey Is Worth It Becoming an Educational Psychologist was not a short road. But the ability to guide people toward self-discovery, resilience, and purposeful living makes every year of study worthwhile. Using psychology, assessment tools, and counselling to help individuals find where they belong in the world, that is what I love about what I do. Whether you are 20 or 60, a career change is not a detour. It may well be the main road. After all, life is about far more than just the destination. References
Your child is finishing Grade 11 this year. You should be proud and if you're quietly anxious, that's completely understandable. Because somewhere between the relief of the final stretch and university open days, a clock starts ticking. Applications open and deadlines approach. And suddenly you're expected to navigate a system that nobody properly explains. Which course is right for your child? Which universities will realistically accept them? What do all these numbers mean? And what happens if they don't get in?  If you've found yourself on a university website at 10pm, more confused than when you started, you are not alone. The system can be genuinely difficult to navigate. So let's work through it together.  What Is an APS? An Admission Point Score, or APS, is the calculated number South African universities use to determine whether your child qualifies for a specific program. It's calculated from their National Senior Certificate results, typically using their six best subjects. Some universities include Life Orientation in this calculation; others don't. Either way, it's worth checking each institution's policy individually. A practical example: For BCom at the University of Pretoria (UP), the standard entry requirement is a minimum APS of 30, plus at least 60% for English and 50% for Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy does not qualify for a BCom at UP.  If your child's marks fall short, it's not the end of the road, UP also offers a BCom Extended Program, a four-year route designed for students who show potential but haven't yet reached the standard threshold. The entry requirements are lower: APS of 26, Mathematics 40%, and English 50%. Always verify current requirements directly at www.up.ac.za, as they are updated annually. The Challenge: Every University Does It Differently This is where it gets confusing. The APS is not a universal currency. While UP uses it, Stellenbosch University calculates admission through its own formula based on subject averages, not a standard APS score. A number that qualifies your child at one institution may be meaningless at another. Research into South African higher education confirms that this fragmented system places a disproportionate burden on families navigating it without professional support (Brahic et al., 2025). That burden falls hardest on parents, who are already stretched, and it matters, because approximately 71% of South African university students are now first-generation students, the first in their families to enter tertiary education (Council on Higher Education, 2023, as cited in Frontiers in Education, 2026). Put plainly: helping your child apply to university has become a project that demands significant time, research, and patience. Most working parents don't have those in surplus. Universities Your Child May Not Have Considered A lower APS does not mean fewer options. It means different ones. And some of those options are overlooked. North-West University, a well-established institution with strong academic standing and a broad spectrum of programs availables, offers degrees with APS requirements ranging from roughly 24 to 34 depending on the faculty. The University of the Western Cape has built a respected reputation across multiple fields, with accessible entry requirements and strong academic support. These are not consolation choices. They are accredited, reputable pathways to professional qualifications. Not even to mention the great variety of private higher education providers available. What If They Don't Get In? This is the question most parents don't want to ask and the one every parent should think through before results day. Rejection from a first-choice university is common, but it is not the end of the road. Practical paths forward include applying to a second institution before their deadline closes, exploring extended curriculum or bridging programs, considering registered private higher education providers, or planning a structured gap year with a clear re-application strategy. None of these are failures. What matters is knowing about them before the letter arrives. How I Can Help As an educational psychologist, I work with parents and teenagers at exactly this crossroads. A career assessment at our practice does more than match your child's marks to a course list. It looks at their cognitive strengths, personality profile, interests, and values, building a picture of who they are and where they are most likely to thrive. Research consistently shows that structured career guidance during late adolescence significantly improves career-related outcomes, including career decidedness, self-efficacy, and future planning (Krasniqi & Berisha, 2024; Sharapova et al., 2023). It is also one of the most underprovided services in South African secondary schools, with many learners compelled to navigate the process entirely through self-initiated research (Daries & Adams, 2024). Every assessment includes a free follow-up consultation. Sometimes you just need to know you're on the right track. Start the Conversation Now The families who feel most prepared in Grade 12 started asking questions in Grade 11, or earlier. If you're unsure where your child is headed, this is the right time to act. Contact our practice to book a career assessment. By Johan Louw | Educational Psychologist References
Every week, parents sit across from me having just received assessment results that paint a picture they wish they had seen years earlier. Their child is in Grade 9. Intelligent. Hardworking. And quietly struggling in ways nobody fully understood, until now. This story is far too common in South Africa, and it needs to change.
The Gap Between Warning and Action Teachers are often the first to notice. Research consistently shows that educators identify behavioural and academic red flags significantly earlier than formal diagnoses are made (Louw & Louw, 2014). Yet studies in the South African context indicate that parental follow-through on teacher referrals remains low, with many families delaying assessment by two to four years, or not pursuing one at all (Donald, Lazarus & Moolla, 2014). The reasons are understandable: cost, stigma, uncertainty about where to start. But the delay carries a price. The Hidden Struggle: ADHD-Inattentive Type as an Example Consider a learner with ADHD, Inattentive Subtype, commonly known as ADD, the "quiet" presentation of the condition. This child is not disruptive. They may even be perceived as dreamy or simply unmotivated. Yet they are missing critical details, losing track of instructions, and expending enormous mental energy just to keep up. Because they appear to be coping, the diagnosis is missed. By adolescence, the picture often shifts and heightened anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and low self-esteem become the presenting complaints, symptoms that mask the original, underlying challenge (Barkley, 2015). Without understanding the root cause, these teenagers are frequently treated for anxiety or low mood alone, while the attentional difficulty continues unaddressed. Post-COVID Mental Health: A System Under Strain South Africa's learner mental health landscape has deteriorated significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Research by Mayosi and colleagues (2021) highlighted a steep rise in adolescent anxiety and depression locally, a trend echoed globally. The pandemic disrupted foundational schooling years, fractured social development, and left many learners with fragile coping mechanisms. Into this context, undiagnosed learning barriers like ADHD, dyslexia, anxiety, and processing difficulties, act as accelerants. A child who already struggles to decode text or regulate attention in a classroom is far less equipped to manage pandemic-era disruption, academic pressure, and social uncertainty. This might result in school refusal, dropout, and referrals to smaller learning centres that, while valuable, might have been avoided with earlier intervention. Why Early Identification Matters Early diagnosis does not label a child, it explains them. It equips parents, teachers, and the child themselves with the language and tools to respond effectively. The research is clear: early intervention for learning barriers produces significantly better long-term academic, emotional, and vocational outcomes (Bronfenbrenner & Morris, 2006; Department of Basic Education, 2014). Conversely, late identification allows years of compensatory struggle to compound, shaping a child's self-concept around perceived failure rather than understood difference. Where to Start: A Practical Path Forward If a teacher has raised concerns, take it seriously. That observation is data, and it deserves a response. Occupational Therapy (OT) is an excellent starting point. An OT can assess gross motor development, fine motor skills, sensory integration, visual-perceptual processing, and handwriting. Challenges that often underlie classroom difficulties and that parents may not have connected to academic performance. Educational Psychology Assessment takes the next step: it provides a comprehensive picture of cognitive functioning, academic achievement, emotional wellbeing, and learning style. This assessment steers intervention in a precise direction, distinguishing, for example, between an attentional difficulty and a processing deficit that may look similar in the classroom but require very different support. A School Readiness Screening is particularly valuable for younger children. Identifying developmental gaps before or early in formal schooling allows for targeted support before those gaps widen. An Invitation At Louw Development, we offer scholastic and educational psychology assessments designed to pinpoint where your child's strengths and challenges lie, and to give you a roadmap for addressing them. Whether concerns have been raised by a teacher, or you simply sense that something is not quite right, an assessment provides clarity. Early intervention is not a last resort. It is the most powerful tool we have. If your child's teacher has flagged a concern, or if you have noticed signs of struggle at home, don't wait. Click here to contact us at Louw Development to discuss the right assessment pathway for your child. Written by Johan Louw References Barkley, R. A. (2015). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (4th ed.). Guilford Press. Bronfenbrenner, U., & Morris, P. A. (2006). The bioecological model of human development. In R. M. Lerner (Ed.), Handbook of Child Psychology: Vol. 1. Theoretical Models of Human Development (6th ed., pp. 793–828). Wiley. Department of Basic Education. (2014). Policy on Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS). Government Printer. Donald, D., Lazarus, S., & Moolla, N. (2014). Educational Psychology in Social Context: Ecosystemic Applications in Southern Africa (5th ed.). Oxford University Press. Louw, D., & Louw, A. (2014). Child and Adolescent Development (2nd ed.). Psychology Publications. Mayosi, B., Lawn, J., & Van Niekerk, A. (2021). South Africa: Improving health through innovation. The Lancet, 374(9691), 762–773. Every year, thousands of South African families face the same pivotal question: which subjects should my Grade 9 child choose for their final three years of schooling? It is a question that carries real weight and rightfully so. Research published in the African Journal of Career Development confirms that the Grade 9 subject selection process "marks a significant milestone for South African high school learners," with uninformed choices potentially limiting future career options (Farao et al., 2024). But while the stakes are real, the process does not have to be overwhelming. Two Approaches to Subject Choices:  Approach 1: Play It Safe — The "Big 6" The most common approach is to select a broad, academically recognised combination that keeps as many doors open as possible. This typically includes:
Why it works: This combination satisfies the entry requirements for most university programs in South Africa and is well-aligned with the National Senior Certificate (NSC) framework outlined by the Department of Basic Education. Where it falls short: A broad selection does not always mean the best preparation. A learner with a clear interest in commerce, for example, may be better served by Business Studies and Economics than by Physical Sciences. Similarly, a student drawn to healthcare may benefit from Life Sciences paired with a subject that can lift their overall academic average. Generic choices can lead to reduced engagement and research suggests that when students select subjects that align with their strengths and interests, they are significantly more likely to remain motivated and perform well (Crawford International, 2026). Approach 2: Master of Few - Aligning Subjects with Career Direction  The second approach involves selecting subjects that are more closely matched to a learner's emerging career interests. This is supported by Donald Super's influential Career Development Theory, which positions adolescence as a critical "exploration stage", a period during which young people begin to crystallise vocational preferences and lay the educational groundwork for future career roles (Super, 1990; Patton & McMahon, 2006). According to Super's framework, career maturity, the readiness to make sound career decisions, is not an ability that you are born with; it is developed through guided reflection and early exploration. Research on Korean adolescents found that higher career maturity significantly predicted improved academic achievement, suggesting that when learners have a clearer sense of purpose, they engage more actively with their schoolwork (NIH/PMC, 2022). This has direct implications for subject choice: a learner who understands why they are studying a subject is more likely to excel in it. The Role of Career Assessments Given the complexity of this decision, a professional career assessment at Grade 9 can be valuable. A study conducted with South African secondary school learners found that many students in the absence of structured career guidance make "uninformed, trial-and-error, and haphazard decisions" about subject choices, decisions that can compromise their future options (Akhurst & Mkhize, 2006, as cited in SpringerLink, 2019). Career assessments help address this gap by building self-understanding, identifying aptitudes, and introducing learners to a wider range of career possibilities, including emerging fields that may not yet be on a teenager's radar. A personal note: My own career assessment in Grade 9, conducted by my mother, a psychologist, pointed me toward careers in psychology, teaching, and pastoral work. As a teenager, I was convinced she had it completely wrong. Years later, I had worked as a youth pastor, lecturer, teacher, and eventually a psychologist, working alongside her for over eight years. The assessment was not a restriction; it was a compass. Is Grade 9 Too Early? Not at all. In fact, research indicates it is precisely the right time. The National Cancer Institute's framework for career readiness, alongside Super's developmental model, both identify mid-adolescence as the ideal window for initial career exploration. This is not to lock in a final destination, but to begin orienting a young person toward meaningful possibilities (Super, 1990). A follow-up career conversation in Grade 11 or 12 can then refine and confirm those early directions, making the final decision far less daunting. Key Benefits of a Grade 9 Career Assessment
Taking the Next Step If you would like to support your child in making confident, well-informed subject choices, consider booking a career assessment appointment today. For families where finances are a concern, my blog on Main Things to Consider When Helping Your Teenager Choose a Career walks through a free, accessible process of career exploration. The right subject combination is not about playing it safe or making a perfect prediction. It is about giving your child the self-knowledge and direction they need to thrive. References
 These days it is expected of a 17 or 18-year-old to pick a career. They might be scared of choosing the wrong course or being stuck in a career that makes them unhappy. These fears are expected, thus, prioritising time to think about and allow your child to explore various fields is important for their future career happiness.  Some good news is that moving between career fields has become easier. An undergraduate degree could be seen as a starting point instead of a final career destination. In various fields, it is quite easy to jump from one field to another by doing a one-year bridging postgraduate certificate or diploma. Doing a postgraduate certificate in education after completing any NQF 7-level qualification is mostly possible, available for instance at Stadio or Pretoria University. Another example would be going into business and doing a postgraduate diploma in business administration at Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBBS) or Wits Business School (WBS). My story involved undergoing my Postgraduate studies in Psychology after completing a degree in Theology while my wife's path entailed her moving from Accounting to Education to Psychology after she completed a BCom(Law) degree. We are living proof that it is possible to move from one field to another, but we are also perhaps an illustration of individuals who had a lack of exposure to different careers early in our lives. Here are some tips to help your teenager explore various career fields;  1) Talk to people Encourage your child to have conversations with people about possible careers. Covid-19 has made it difficult to shadow people or talk to them face-to-face. However, doing this helps to get a feel for the career that your child is considering. Also inspire them to talk to people outside of your circle of influence as your child might get stuck in what family and friends know, instead of exploring the unknown. On the other hand, Covid-19 has forced all generations, young and old, to use more technologically advanced platforms, like Google Teams, Zoom, and Skype. So make use of the acceleration in technology and accessibility that has come with the pandemic. Also, try to connect with people in other countries whose experiences might broaden your view of career fields on another level. 2) Explore career options for free 2.1) Gostudy On gostudy.net your child might be able to further their understanding of different careers available at the moment. For instance, we all are familiar with a Physiotherapist; navigating through the website might introduce related careers like a Biokineticist, Chiropractor, or Osteopath (a medical specialisation not available in SA at the moment). This website describes various careers, what personal requirements you should have for the field, and tertiary institutions where you can go and study them. Not all careers are included, and the information is not always 100% accurate, but it is a great opening move for your child to explore different future careers.  2.2) Onetonline Another useful website is Onetonline.org. The website is American based and might be a bit complicated to use at times. One of the exciting aspects is the "bright outlook" categorisation, which includes careers that; are expected to grow rapidly, will provide you with job opportunities, or are emerging career fields. The website also includes requirements for the occupation, experience needed, and employee characteristics. 2.3) Youtube Motivate your child to watch Youtube clips on the careers they find interesting to identify the various contexts of how the qualification plays out in real life. For instance, here is a video on the basics of Engineering; Alternatively, your child can consider going to an Engineering week that provides exposure to the various Engineering fields. Like the University of Pretoria's Engineering Week (EBIT Week). Alternatively, allow your child to go to their local University's open days. Due to Covid-19, these might only be available online, like Stellenbosch University having an online open day earlier this year in April.
You are welcome to make an appointment today if you prefer a professional to guide you through the process of a career choice for your teenager.
From an early age, it's crucial to engage with your child to foster their career interests. While you might only be able to introduce a limited range of possible career options, starting small is still beneficial. Encourage your child to have conversations with friends and family to broaden their career curiosity. Here are some considerations to develop your child's career aspirations without financial strain: 1) Personality It's essential to understand what comes naturally to your child. Do they gain energy from being around people, or do they prefer solitude? Would they thrive in a structured job or one that's more dynamic and less desk-bound? A free personality questionnaire, like the one on 16Personalities, can be a good starting point. While the results may not always be fully accurate, they can provide valuable insights, especially with your guidance.
2) Interest Observing what magazines your child reads or what topics they frequently search on Google can reveal their interests. While these interests might not directly link to a career, they offer a valuable starting point for career development. Additionally, identifying their favourite subjects or specific aspects of subjects can highlight their passions, while less appealing subjects might indicate fields to avoid. For a more structured approach, consider using the free interest questionnaire on GoStudy. 3) Aptitude/skills Aptitude refers to a natural ability to do something. Identifying the subjects your child excels in can provide clues, though performance can vary for many reasons. Online IQ or aptitude assessments may not always be relevant to the South African context, but practical skills can be very telling. For instance, if your child has a knack for practical work, they might consider a trade like plumbing, diesel mechanics, or electrical work. Institutions like Soltech in Pretoria are dedicated to training tradespeople, addressing a critical need in South Africa.
Some countries list various trades on their critical skills occupations list, which can provide quick access to work opportunities abroad. For example, plumbing is on Canada’s list. 4) Values Understanding what your child values most in life is crucial for making a fulfilling career choice. Do they prioritize earning a high salary or helping others? Are they focused on maintaining fitness, family time, travel, creativity, career advancement, or working from home? Aligning career choices with these values ensures long-term satisfaction and balance. Other values might include travelling, creativity, variety, being able to advance in your career, or working from home. Taking the Next Step If identifying and integrating these categories seems challenging, a career assessment with a trained psychologist can provide specific guidance and options. You can make an appointment today to support your child's career happiness and ensure they make informed career choices that align with their future aspirations. |
