Choosing a suitable career is one of the most important decisions made in young adulthood. It is a decision which has far-reaching consequences in terms of job satisfaction, future employability and quality of life. Given the significance of this decision, it can be experienced as a stressful and daunting event for both school children and parents alike.

Psychometric testing, in the form of a career assessment, can help to improve self-understanding and to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with having to make a lifelong career decision. The assessment process is holistic in that it includes an evaluation of the individual’s skill-sets, interests, values and personality traits. Standardized tests are administered in order to evaluate each area of functioning and results are integrated to inform career recommendations.  Assessment results provide an indication of the match between individuals’ profiles and various working environments.

As indicated above, accurate self-understanding is considered to be a key component in the career decision-making process. Useful questions in career counselling include the following:

• What are my strengths, skills, and talents?
• What type of work environment would I prefer?
• What comes easily to me that others tend to struggle with?
• Would I prefer to work with objects and machinery or with people?
• What are my values and motivating factors?
• How important is creativity and spontaneity in my ideal job role?
• Would I prefer a role which provides a constant challenge or would I prefer one which can be easily mastered?

In addition to self-exploration, career decision-making typically includes an evaluation of potential job markets. An awareness of the professions which are in demand and the fields which are saturated is crucial in being able to make informed career decisions. Furthermore, job requirement and employment opportunity research within the context of foreign markets can also useful. Incorporating such information into the career decision-making process is likely to improve one’s chances of being able to participate in the global economy.

Research on the importance of engaging in a ‘professionally and personally satisfying career’ has gained prominence in recent years. Apart from enhanced life satisfaction, findings suggest that career fulfilment also contributes to improved work performance. Similarly, the converse is noted in that job stress is associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. As such, the development of a fulfilling career can be considered to be an important factor not only in realizing one’s full potential but also in maintaining one’s mental well-being.

Considering the long-term implications of choosing a particular career, there is no doubt that one’s decision should be carefully thought through. A career assessment can thus be viewed as an investment in one’s future. For further information on career assessments or subject choice assessments please contact Ushmita Nana (Counselling Psychologist) on 0716854902. Alternatively, bookings can be made via the following email: info@unanapsych.co.za

References
1. Shmailan, A. (2016). The relationship between job satisfaction, job performance and employee engagement: An explorative study. Issues in Business Management and Economics, 4(1), 1-8   

Lifelong career decisions are made as early as Grade 9 when learners are required to select school subjects. It is thus expected that, at a fairly young age, learners should know with a fair degree of certainty the career paths which they intend pursuing. In the absence of sufficient information and guidance learners are at risk of selecting subjects which may limit future career prospects.

Previous generations were encouraged to seek employment within large corporations and to remain in the same company for the duration of their working life-spans. Securing a ‘good job’ in a ‘reputable company’ was the ideal. However, with the technological evolution and the increase in number of working adults, the ideal has since changed from a focus on finding a ‘good job’ to that of developing a ‘professionally and personally satisfying career’.

Typically, learners in grade 9 are at the life stage in which they are still grappling with developmental tasks related to the formation of identity. As such, it is not uncommon for grade 9 learners to have a very limited or vague notion of what a ‘professionally and personally satisfying career’ would involve for them. Subject choice and career guidance is thus crucial. Learners would benefit from discussing their prospective subjects with teachers, family members and other knowledgeable parties before a firm decision is taken.
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In addition to seeking advice from educators and family members, learners may also benefit from seeking guidance from a professional who is knowledgeable about the developmental stage of the learner and is trained to assist in the career decision-making process. This guidance can take the form of a subject choice assessment. The assessment typically explores aspects such as personality, aptitude and interests in order to obtain a holistic view of the learner. Findings relating to each of the above-mentioned aspects are integrated to inform subject choice recommendations.

A large proportion of adult life is spent at work. It is thus advisable to find a career that enables one to pursue one’s passion. For further information on career assessments or subject choice assessments please contact Ushmita Nana (Counselling Psychologist) on 0716854902. Alternatively, bookings can be made via the following email: info@unanapsych.co.za