Life After School

Source : BOPA

Author : Lillian Nkosazana Moremi

Location : Gaborone

Event : Motivation

This is first CAREER CORNER article is dedicated to students who completed their form five last year. As you are waiting in anticipation for your results a lot is probably going through your mind. “Are you going to pass or maybe not”…what is the way forward for both scenarios. It is normal to feel overwhelmed by this feeling of uncertainty but just try to eep calm and positive throughout this experience.

For those who do not make it to tertiary because their grades do not meet the expected institution requirements, it is never the end of the world. It will be your time to go back to the drawing board and see where you did not perform well in case you decide to re-write your subjects. You are also encouraged to look into vocational training institutions. Vocational training courses are practical and will best prepare you for the world of work.

In the mean time whilst you have plenty of time on your hands, it is important to keep busy by volunteering your time to worthy courses such as spending time with ailing kids at the hospital reading story books to them, doing motivational talks at secondary schools, grouping some of your friends and liter picking in your community, tutoring and so forth. Volunteering is good not only for building up your curriculum vitae (CV) but also for improving on your skills and giving you a bit of experience.

One of the important things at the moment is to try figure out what career path you want to take. You do not want to make the mistake of choosing a career path that does not best suit your interest. In order to choose your career you will need to do plenty of research to see what careers best match your interest. Do your research online, the website has a massive wealth of information. Also, take time to ask the people around you - might be family or friends - about what they think of the different career paths you might be considering. Feel free to also consult a professional advisor such as a career coach or school counselor.

 If you to know what career path you want to take, ask the people who are already in the career field about their experiences so you know exactly what to expect. When it is time to apply for courses or a qualification for example certificate, diploma or degree, do not simply choose a field of study based on what your friends are doing or from pressure from others. Follow your passion!

You must definitely attend the Botswana Tertiary Education Fair, which is scheduled to take place towards the end of next month (March). This platform will give you an opportunity to interact, share information and network with the public intending to further their studies. All the tertiary institutions in the country will be present to share with you what courses they offer and help you apply for the course of your choice. The objectives of the tertiary education fair are:

- To introduce participants to different tertiary institutions and their programmes

- To boost participants interest in tertiary education

- To introduce participants to the different vocational training programmes available

- To inform participants of the point requirements of the participating institutions

- To introduce participants to the financing options available to them for pursuing higher education.

As much as the fair is mainly for school leavers seeking to undertake studies at tertiary level, current secondary school students, employed persons seeking to enhance their career and unemployed persons who are seeking to undertake their skills training are all welcome to attend.

A brief suggestion of what to do whilst you are waiting to start school:

- Research about careers

- Do voluntary work

- Look for a mentor- someone who is already in college/ university whom you can always ask varsity related questions.

- If you can, secure a part time job

- Start building on your CV

- Network with other students from Botswana Student Network.

Wishing you all the best of luck with your results and the start of your next chapter in life. Until we meet again in this corner next month, remember, as Eleanor Roosevelt said the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

If you have any career related questions, please email career corner on ccbotswana@gmail.com. ENDS

Teaser:

One of the important things at the moment is to try figure out what career path you want to take. You do not want to make the mistake of choosing a career path that does not best suit your interest. In order to choose your career you will need to do plenty of research...