You’ve finished Matric… now what?

How often have you heard: “It’s time to decide what career you want to pursue because you have finished high school”?

Deciding on a career path after high school can be a daunting task, especially when you have no idea what you want to do for the rest of your life. The truth is that a lot of people undergo a few career changes in their lifetimes, in fact most people do. Dentists become singers and singers become chefs – there are even doctors who have become actors. So don’t be too hard on yourself.

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed and uncertain about your future if you are not completely sure about what really makes you tick, but there are some steps you can take to help you figure out what careers could be right for you.

Step 1: Make a list of your skills, strengths and interests

The first step is to ask yourself what you are passionate about taking into consideration what you’re good at not just what you enjoy doing. What are your interests and hobbies? Do you enjoy working with people or would you prefer to work alone? Do you like helping others? Is working with your hands something that interests you or do you prefer to work with technology? Once you have identified the types of activities that you enjoy, it will be easier to narrow down your career options.

Step 2: Research different career options

The second step is to do some research on the different career paths realistically available to you. Make a list of all the different career options that interest you and research what they entail. Talk to people in the industry or look for online resources to learn about the different opportunities available. It’s important to understand the job requirements and expectations of each career before you decide. Once you have a better understanding of what each career entails, you can start to narrow down your choices.

Step 3: Identify potential career paths

The third step is to create a list of pros and cons for each career option. After researching different career options, you can see which ones might be a good fit for you. Consider the salary, the job security, the hours you would work, the size of the company, the location of the job, the people you would work with, the benefits, and the potential for growth. This will help you to get a better picture of what each career entails so that you can make an informed decision based on the things which are important to you.

Step 4: Talk to people in the field

Next, talk to people who work in the industry you’re considering to get their advice and perspectives. Reach out to family, friends, or mentors who can provide you with advice and information about the career path you are interested in. Talking to people who have real-life experience in the industry can give you a better understanding of what it is like to work in that field and maybe even point out some things you didn’t know which could be dealbreakers. Remember that being a chef isn’t all about whipping up a three-ingredient dish on TV with Gordon Ramsay and being a lawyer isn’t just dramatic speeches in a courtroom!

Step 5: Make an informed decision

The fifth and final step is to take action. Once you have done your research, drawn up a list of pros and cons, and spoken to people in the industry, you should have a better understanding of what career you want to pursue. Draft a plan of action and start taking steps towards achieving your goal. This could include applying for scholarships to study, internships, job shadowing networking, and researching potential employers.

Deciding on a career path after high school is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be as daunting as it seems. By taking the time to research your options, talk to people in the industry, and create a plan of action, you can make an informed decision that is right for you.