Let’s be honest. Being a teenager is stressful enough. Between tests, assignments, productions, sport, friendships and trying to enjoy the last few years of high school, we’re also expected to decide what we want to do for the rest of our lives. It’s strange to think that at sixteen or seventeen, we’re already making decisions that could shape our futures. While some people have had their dream career planned since they were little, many of us are still trying to figure out where our strengths lie and what path feels right. Fortunately, Fourways High School understands that choosing your future isn’t something you should have to do alone.
To help make those decisions a little less daunting, the school hosted its annual Career Expo for Grade 11 and 12 learners in the Pavilion. Bringing together universities, colleges and higher education institutions from across South Africa, the event gave students the opportunity to explore a wide range of study options, ask questions and gain first-hand advice from the people who know the application process best.
Walking through the expo, learners could visit different stands, collect brochures, compare institutions and have meaningful conversations with representatives about everything from entry requirements and degree options to residence life, bursaries and career prospects. Instead of endlessly searching online and trying to piece information together, students had all the answers they needed in one place.
A wide variety of institutions were represented, including the University of Pretoria, the University of the Witwatersrand, Rhodes University, the University of Johannesburg, the University of the Free State, STADIO, AFDA, IMM Graduate School, Richfield, AAA School of Advertising, HTA School of Culinary Art, Oakfields College, Villoti Fashion Institute, Emeris, NewBridge Graduate Institute and several other respected institutions. With so many exhibitors in attendance, learners were exposed to career paths they may never have previously considered.
The expo arrived at an especially important time for Grade 12 learners, many of whom are busy finalising applications and making some of the biggest decisions of their school careers. Having the chance to speak directly to university representatives helped answer questions, clear up uncertainties and provide reassurance before taking the next step.
For Grade 11 learners, however, the event was equally valuable. With university applications opening towards the end of this year, the expo offered an early opportunity to start thinking seriously about the future. Rather than waiting until the pressure of matric arrives, students were encouraged to begin researching courses, understanding admission requirements and exploring different career paths now, giving them a valuable head start when application season begins.
One of the most valuable aspects of the expo was that it reminded students that there isn’t just one path to success. Whether someone dreams of becoming an architect, chef, teacher, filmmaker, entrepreneur, designer or doctor, there are countless opportunities available. The important thing is asking questions, exploring your options and finding a path that matches your interests and ambitions.
Walking out of the Pavilion, many students weren’t leaving with all the answers, but they were leaving with better questions, new ideas and a little more confidence about what comes next. Choosing your future will probably never stop being intimidating, but events like these remind us that we don’t have to figure it all out on our own.