Career Management

Career Management

At SAGDA we have observed that graduate unemployment starts at high school when subject choices are made. These choices can become very tragic at times, especially when learners choose maths literacy over mathematics.

The advent of scarce and critical skills in South Africa (outcome 8 of NSDS 3), signals the importance of career management to close the skills gap prevalent in our country. Many prospective students have no clue what to study when they enrol for university/college studies do to, amongst others, lack of career information, poor pass rate.

Due to high limitations placed to learners by the absence of career planning and management at public high schools, SAGDA introduces Career Management to boost confidence of both teachers and learners in making career choices.

Career management is defined as; lifelong, self-monitored process of career planning that involves choosing and setting personal goals, making informed career choices and formulating strategies for achieving them.

SAGDA’s career management program proposes major overhaul to the current philosophy and system of Career Guidance. The organization is partnering with key partners such as the ETDP SETA, SAQA, SACPO, NSA and DHET to implement career management as a profession.

Implementation for the program will commence in 2012 with the training of 650 Career Management Tutors for placement at rural and township public high schools/FET Colleges. It is believed that this program will enhance learners knowledge and planning for the future based on economic and labour market demands.

Career planning portfolios are like resumes in scrapbook form. They are collections people put together to show their abilities, skills and achievements. Career planning portfolios are extremely useful marketing tools because they are solid evidence of accomplishments. Traditionally career planning portfolios have been used by creative artists, actors and photographers. But they can also be used by journalists, business people and technicians. Today many people have their career planning portfolios on computer disc. Career planning portfolios have become so important to modern job applicants that many high schools and colleges require students to assemble portfolios as a requirement for graduation.

What can career planning portfolios do?

Demonstrate what you have accomplished in previous jobs or assignments, or even as a volunteer.

Showcase your skills and abilities.

Give you extra confidence as you prepare for an interview.

What should be included in career planning portfolios? Of course, this depends on what skills, abilities and accomplishments you want to bring to the potential employer’s attention. Here are some suggestions.

Educational transcripts
All diplomas, degrees and certificates
Letters of recommendation
Awards and certificates of merit
Letters of commendation, letters of thanks
Newspaper or magazine articles about your achievements
Professional licenses, registrations and certificates
Photographs
Work performance records and job evaluations
Programs from conventions or conferences you helped organize and other work samples.

When people are assembling career planning portfolios, they should keep in mind that portfolios must be flexible, and can be customized to suit the interview situation. There are a variety of options for packaging. Some people use photo albums or binders. Others prefer accordion folders. Some portfolios can be stored on disc. If you do use a computer disc, take your own laptop to the interview and be sure the battery is charged.

Be sure to write clear and concise captions for each item contained in your portfolio. The caption should help specify the skills used for that particular accomplishment. Example: This is the certificate I was awarded by a local charitable organization for raising $5,000 for the town hospital. Next to the certificate is a photograph of me with fellow fundraisers at the dance and dinner I organized.

Highlight your achievements. When you prepare for the interview, be sure you can easily access those materials you especially want to show the interviewer. It’s a good idea to have a table of contents in your portfolio.

For information on how to construct a portfolio, check with the Educational Resource Information Center (ERIC). You can also get assistance from the Portfolio Library and other websites that are sponsored by university career centers and offer help to job seekers.