University of Johannesburg UJ Careers
Choosing a Career
Who am I?
Learn about yourself:
- Values: What is important to you?
- Interests: What appeals to you?
- Skills/Aptitude: What are you good at?
- Personality: What makes you you? / Who are you?
- Energy: High or low levels of energy?
Where am I going?
Learn about the career:
Once you’ve narrowed your career choices, talk to people who are working in that field or,
if possible, find a part-time or volunteer job in that field; job shadowing.
It’s helpful to ask questions such as, “What’s good and bad about this job?” and
“What are the educational requirements?”
There are many sources of career and job information available: check the internet or go to a library;
Informational interviews; Career Resource Centres.
Discover your top career areas of interest to you from 21 career areas, by completing the PACE Career Interest Questionnaire.
This questionnaire will assist you in identifying and research on those careers that you are likely to enjoy doing most!
How do I get there?
Consider how much training you will need for the career you’re interested in.
| High School Qualification | Cashier, Receptionist, Retail Salesperson, Security Guard, Waiter or Waitress and others. |
| Special Career Training (e.g. Apprenticeship) | Auto Service Technician or Mechanic, Cosmetologist, Police Officer, Boilermaker and others. |
| Higher Education Qualification | Accountant, Engineer, Nurse, Pilot, Teacher, Public Relations Officer, Doctor, Lawyer, Video Game Designer and others. |
