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where you would like to see yourself in 5 years time
grade 12,leaving school in 2022,want to study law at univarsity of Pretoria,univarsity of Johannesburg ,witswatersand univarsity and rhodes univarsity.My favourite class is English,Debate and Sesotho.
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Kelly’s Answer
Hello Reabetswe.
For many young people with learning and thinking differences, defining your next chapter can be difficult. Many people don’t know exactly what they want to do, career-wise, exploring and experiencing a variety of options before graduation will help you make informed choices. I encourage you to be willing to explore and try new experiences. I truly believe in asking yourself what is your WHY? What is a career that can align with your professional goals and your WHY?
For example, I have always been passionate for helping others. I took the path in the medical field right out of high school. I attained my BS and became a Registered Medical Assistant. Turns out, I did not like the Medical Field at all. Definitely did not align with my WHY! I was able do a total 360 and entered Human Resources. Human Resources really provides so much joy in assisting people in locating their dream job. My WHY professionally.
Best wishes to you!
Kelly Christensen
For many young people with learning and thinking differences, defining your next chapter can be difficult. Many people don’t know exactly what they want to do, career-wise, exploring and experiencing a variety of options before graduation will help you make informed choices. I encourage you to be willing to explore and try new experiences. I truly believe in asking yourself what is your WHY? What is a career that can align with your professional goals and your WHY?
For example, I have always been passionate for helping others. I took the path in the medical field right out of high school. I attained my BS and became a Registered Medical Assistant. Turns out, I did not like the Medical Field at all. Definitely did not align with my WHY! I was able do a total 360 and entered Human Resources. Human Resources really provides so much joy in assisting people in locating their dream job. My WHY professionally.
Best wishes to you!
Kelly Christensen
Claire McCarragher
Leadership Sourcing Recruiter | Amazon | Consumer & G&A Talent Acquisition
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Claire’s Answer
Hi Reabetswe,
One recommendation I give to anyone starting out in their career OR making a change in career is to dive deep and ask yourself questions to truly understand your core wants/desires/passions/motivations that are leading or drawing you to a particular career path. Or, alternatively, if you don't know - then understand what you need from a role to have your core needs met.
For example, I used to be a commercial negotiator for 5 years before making a career change. I didn't know what I wanted to do next so I started looking at what I enjoyed from my last role and what I desired in my next role. I discovered:
1. I enjoy helping people.
2. I enjoy providing solutions to a problem.
3. I enjoy negotiating to achieve an outcome that is fair and will positively impact all parties.
4. I enjoy contributing to the success and growth of an individual OR a company / organisation.
5. I enjoy working in a pressurised environment when I know that the outcome I have achieved will greatly & positively impact a person/company.
I understood all of these things but... I still didn't know where to look in terms of next job/career. It wasn't until I attended a recruitment agency that the individual interviewing me asked if I had ever considering recruitment. I hadn't, but I went away and researched what the role entailed.
Two weeks later I had interviewed and accepted the role. I have now been a Recruiter for over 4 years and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
IF your core needs are met then you will achieve authentic satisfaction that will only enable a passion to continue to grow, learn, develop and progress throughout any career path that you choose.
Good luck!
Claire
When making a decision, stop and ask yourself 'why am I choosing to do this?' / 'will this meet my core needs/wants?' / 'do i understand my core needs/wants to truly & authentically make this decision or should I explore this further?'
One recommendation I give to anyone starting out in their career OR making a change in career is to dive deep and ask yourself questions to truly understand your core wants/desires/passions/motivations that are leading or drawing you to a particular career path. Or, alternatively, if you don't know - then understand what you need from a role to have your core needs met.
For example, I used to be a commercial negotiator for 5 years before making a career change. I didn't know what I wanted to do next so I started looking at what I enjoyed from my last role and what I desired in my next role. I discovered:
1. I enjoy helping people.
2. I enjoy providing solutions to a problem.
3. I enjoy negotiating to achieve an outcome that is fair and will positively impact all parties.
4. I enjoy contributing to the success and growth of an individual OR a company / organisation.
5. I enjoy working in a pressurised environment when I know that the outcome I have achieved will greatly & positively impact a person/company.
I understood all of these things but... I still didn't know where to look in terms of next job/career. It wasn't until I attended a recruitment agency that the individual interviewing me asked if I had ever considering recruitment. I hadn't, but I went away and researched what the role entailed.
Two weeks later I had interviewed and accepted the role. I have now been a Recruiter for over 4 years and I have enjoyed every minute of it.
IF your core needs are met then you will achieve authentic satisfaction that will only enable a passion to continue to grow, learn, develop and progress throughout any career path that you choose.
Good luck!
Claire
Claire recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Reabetswe,
I guess my overall advice is to have a direction but be open to possibilities - sometimes that direction changes the more information and experience you gain. Your current interests do lend themselves to studying law so do more of that at the college level. I'd also see if you can shadow or intern in a law office.
I hope this helps!
Jessica
I guess my overall advice is to have a direction but be open to possibilities - sometimes that direction changes the more information and experience you gain. Your current interests do lend themselves to studying law so do more of that at the college level. I'd also see if you can shadow or intern in a law office.
I hope this helps!
Jessica
Updated
Sikawayi’s Answer
Hello Reabetswe, this is a great question. I would say 5 years from now I will have my own practice where I'm able to work from anywhere I choose. I will have two grandchildren and my husband of 36 years, and I will be free to travel all over the world. We will be semi-retired. Also, some were in those 5 years I would like to buy a summer home on the beach. Best of luck
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hello Reabetswe! Great question to ask. Some helpful information below:
1. Take your time to think about what you really want to do in life. Do not let people pressure you in making a quick decision just to make a decision. Remember you are young and have your whole life ahead of you! What better time to explore different interests than right now!
2. Its easier said than done but don't get stressed about the decisions that you make today. I am in a totally different industry that I never thought I would be in. I work in finance/banking and really enjoy it! It has been fun/exciting to see where this path takes and even though sometimes the unknown is stressful it has enabled me to meet some amazing collogues who will be friends for life.
3. A great way to discover new ideas is to explore summer internships with companies/industries that you admire. This is a great way to "dip your toe in the water" for a couple of months to see if you like/dislike that particular industry. Also, try and use that time to connect to a mentor at that particular company to provide greater insight.
4. Be open to new jobs/industries that you would never see yourself working in. Trying new ideas can be eye opening and can expand your horizons . Also, the more skills that you have this will assist you in your job growth with any company. You never want to "pigeonhole" yourself in an industry or job that has little to no growth.
5. I have added two great books below that personally helped me over my young journey.
Good luck to you!
Read - Dream Big by Bob Goff
Read - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
1. Take your time to think about what you really want to do in life. Do not let people pressure you in making a quick decision just to make a decision. Remember you are young and have your whole life ahead of you! What better time to explore different interests than right now!
2. Its easier said than done but don't get stressed about the decisions that you make today. I am in a totally different industry that I never thought I would be in. I work in finance/banking and really enjoy it! It has been fun/exciting to see where this path takes and even though sometimes the unknown is stressful it has enabled me to meet some amazing collogues who will be friends for life.
3. A great way to discover new ideas is to explore summer internships with companies/industries that you admire. This is a great way to "dip your toe in the water" for a couple of months to see if you like/dislike that particular industry. Also, try and use that time to connect to a mentor at that particular company to provide greater insight.
4. Be open to new jobs/industries that you would never see yourself working in. Trying new ideas can be eye opening and can expand your horizons . Also, the more skills that you have this will assist you in your job growth with any company. You never want to "pigeonhole" yourself in an industry or job that has little to no growth.
5. I have added two great books below that personally helped me over my young journey.
Good luck to you!
Daniel recommends the following next steps: