Volume 65 December 2026-January 2026 : Career Corner
WHAT CAN I STUDY...?
Author : Lillian Moremi
Now that the form 5 results are finally out, I am sure there are still a number of you who are still confused as to what career path to follow. If you remember very well about the career corner February issue giving you tips on how to choose a career. If not, make sure you get yourself a copy of that issue for reference. This is just a continuation from the February issue since at this point you are most probably looking at your grades and you are still wondering what certificate, diploma or degree option you should consider.
For those who did not manage to attend the Tertiary Education Fair that took place on the 20th – 23rd of March 2013 in Gaborone, here is an opportunity for you to help contribute in your decision making process.
Here are just a few career options to further research on;
· Accountancy
· Animation
· Anthropology
· Architecture
· Art
· Athletics
· Biochemistry
· Biology
· Botany
· Broadcasting
· Business
· Chemistry
· Child and Welfare Studies
· Communication studies
· Criminal Justice
· Economics
· Education
· Engineering
· English
· Environmental Studies/ Sciences
· Finance
· Geography
· Geology
· History
· Hospitality
· Human Resource Management
· Information Library Services
· International Studies
· Law
· Logistics and Transport
· Management
· Management Information Systems
· Marketing
· Mathematics
· Medicine
· Music
· Nursing
· Nutrition
· Philosophy
· Politics
· Public Relations
· Psychology
· Public Administration
· Public Health
· Recreation & Tourism Management
· Religious Studies
· Retail/ Merchandising
· Social Work
· Theater
· Sociology
· Urban Studies
When choosing a certificate, diploma or degree to study on, do not look entirely at your grades to make that important decision. Do consider your interests, skills and values, strengths and weaknesses. You also need to look into what the curriculum involves, internships or future work opportunities one can take advantage of and relevant companies. Remember your decision is not only for the now but it will have an impact in your future- 3 or even 5 years time to come when you graduate you will then begin your journey of seeking for employment or business opportunities as a young entrepreneur so have that long term thinking in place.
Learning about your interests will help you identify opportunities to pursue and the topics you are most naturally drawn to, making school and work in the future more motivating and enjoyable.
Values are the things that will motivate you and move you toward certain decisions, behaviors and goals. Values greatly influence the career decision making process, job satisfaction and, ultimately, life satisfaction.
Skills are the things that you are good at and have the ability to do well. Assessing your skills allows you to determine which ones you want to acquire or further develop, the specific ways to accomplish those goals, and how your skills match with potential careers.
Regarding financing for your studies, this is what the Department of Tertiary Education Financing has to say through their frequently asked questions by students:
DTEF FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How do I qualify to be on Government sponsorship?
A: Every year new entry requirements are set and advertised on print medium. You have to meet the set cut-off points that financial year and also be in a possession of an admission letter from an approved local institution, this is not a guarantee for sponsorship, and it is based on competitive basis.
Q: How do I qualify for government sponsorship and what do I need to send?
A: You will fill in the application forms and attach a certified copy of your national identity card (omang), certified copy of your educational certificate and copy of your current admission letter.
Q: How do I know if the program is approved for sponsorship?
A: The courses that the government intends to sponsor are usually communicated through local media.
Q: How do I qualify to study oversees? E.g. United Kingdom
A: For you to qualify to study oversees you must first have done your BSc (Bachelor of Science Part 1; year 1&2) at the University of Botswana, and be career designated.
Q: I have A-Level qualification; can I be directly sponsored?
A: Yes, A-Level studies can only be considered for Local and Regional placement only, provided they qualify.
Q: I have been paying for my child`s tertiary education, is it possible for the Government to take over? (Pick-up).
A: This is subject to availability of funds only on local institutions where the student has achieved the required minimum points.
Q: I was sponsored for a Diploma now I want to continue to a degree programme (progression).
A: This is subject to availability of funds and selected programmes for that particular financial year.
Q: I was sponsored for a course I did not like, so I therefore absconded from my studies, can I be sponsored for the course of my choice?
A: No, you cannot be sponsored because you were offered an opportunity and you chose not to utilize it.
Q: I was sponsored and I completed my first semester at UB, can I change my program of study after registering with a different institution?
A: NO
Q: I have a Diploma and 26 points at BGCSE; Can I be sponsored for a Degree program with my Diploma qualification?
A: No, your points do not meet the minimum requirements for selection of sponsorship, we consider BGCSE over Diploma.
Q: Can I transfer from one institution to the other locally?
A: Yes it is possible, but the institution and your sponsor must approve of the transfer.
Q: Where is DTEF situated?
A: Plot 37893, Universal Estate, Block 6, Gaborone. TEL: 316 4023
If you have any career related questions or want to suggest a certain topic to be written about, email on ccbotswana@gmail.com Do encourage your friends and family to read career corner monthly articles. Remember, if the topic does not apply to you at the moment make sure you keep it safe for future reference or to share with others. Until the next issue, stay connected to the Kutlwano family. ENDS



