Career Exploration For Students | What Comes After Matric?

Your matric year is done! And now, it’s time to make some important decisions about your future.

Maybe you’ve already made up your mind and have a clear idea of what you want to do with your life.

Or maybe you’re feeling a little lost and unsure about what career, job or further education path to pursue.

If you’re feeling the latter, don’t worry! You’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed and undecided at this stage in your life.

But the good news is that plenty of resources and opportunities are available for students like you to explore different career options and find your passion.

In this post, we’ll discuss career exploration for students after matric and how to get started on your journey towards a fulfilling career.

What Is Career Exploration?

Career exploration is the process of researching and learning about different career paths and job opportunities.

It involves researching careers, reflecting on your interests and skills, and exploring options to find the best fit for you.

Why Is Career Exploration Important?

Picture this: you spend years studying and pursuing a certain career only to realise that it’s not what you thought it would be.

This is why career exploration is crucial – it helps you make informed decisions about your future by providing you with a realistic understanding of different career paths.

It also allows you to explore your interests, strengths, and values to ensure that you choose a career that aligns with them.

How To Explore Careers

Here are some steps you can take to start your career exploration journey:

1. First Things First: Know Yourself

You might feel that you don’t know yourself well enough to make career decisions, but the truth is you have all the information you need.

You know what makes you happy, what skills you possess, and what your values are.

Take some time to reflect on and write down these aspects of yourself.

This will provide you with a good starting point for exploring careers that align with your interests and strengths.

2. Research Different Careers

Doctors, teachers, engineers, accountants, and architects are probably the most common careers that come to mind when you think of jobs.

Did you know that there are over 12,000 unique job titles? The list is here.

You will be shocked to learn about the variety of careers available, and some might even pique your interest.

Research various career options to get an idea of the roles, responsibilities, required qualifications, salary expectations and growth opportunities for each.

Another factor to keep in mind is the demand for certain careers.

These types of jobs are more likely to offer better job security and growth prospects.

The Business Tech online magazine has a list of high-demand careers that you can explore.

3. Evaluate Your Options

Once you have gathered information about different career options, it’s time to evaluate them based on your interests, values, and skills.

Consider the following questions while evaluating your options:

• Does this career align with my interests and values?
• Do I have the necessary skills and qualifications for this career? If not, am I willing to try to acquire them?
• Do I need any qualifications? If so, where, how, and how long will it take to acquire them?
• What is the expected salary and job growth for this career?
• What is the job outlook for this career in terms of growth opportunities and salary expectations?
• Will this career offer me a good work-life balance?

Based on your answers, make a list of potential careers that you feel would be a good fit for you.

You can also follow the method of listing your top career choice and similar or related options underneath it. This will give you a better understanding of the different paths you can take within your chosen field.

4. Discuss & Seek Guidance

After evaluating your options, it’s always helpful to discuss your thoughts and concerns with someone who has knowledge and experience in the field. This could be a career counsellor, mentor, or someone currently working in the industry.

Guidance and advice from these individuals can help you better understand the career paths and make an informed decision.

They can also provide valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities, work culture, and challenges in their respective careers.

5. Conduct Field Research

What’s the saying? “The best way to learn is by doing.”

Once you have narrowed down your options, it’s time to conduct some field research. This could include:

• Shadowing professionals in your chosen field.
• Attending career fairs and seminars.
• Taking on an internship or part-time job.

Actively seeing and doing what the job entails can better understand the career and help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.

6. Build Up Your Credentials

Once you have a general idea of your desired career path, it’s important to start building up your credentials.

Whether you get a degree, obtain certifications, or gain relevant experience, start working towards making yourself a competitive candidate in your chosen field.

7. Write A Resume & CV

A well-written resume and CV are essential for any job search.

It is documentation that employers use to determine whether or not you are a good fit for their company.

If you need help writing a good CV, read our other blog post on CV writing tips for success.

8. Prepare For Your Career Search

The last step in the career exploration for students’ journey is to prepare for your career search.
When the time is right, and you’re all set with your credentials, it’s time to start applying for jobs and making connections in the industry.

Remember, it’s not just about finding a job; it’s about finding the right job that aligns with your skills, interests, and values.

Need Help?

If you need help with your career exploration journey, don’t hesitate to contact us.

At Tutor Doctor, we’re dedicated to helping students achieve their career goals. Our experienced tutors can provide valuable insights, advice, and resources to guide you on your path towards success.

So don’t be afraid to reach out and make the most out of your career exploration journey!