KEY POINTS:
It is little wonder many 17 and 18-year-olds struggle to make tertiary decisions when career choices are so varied and entry requirements often confusing.
Here are responses to comments and questions often made by Year 13 students near the end of high school.
I have subjects I'm interested
in but can't choose a career!
Don't panic. You're lucky you've got interests you want to learn more about. The rapid pace of technological change means you could be doing a job in five years that doesn't exist now, so how can you 'name' it? If you can afford it, or are prepared to have a student loan for a year longer than a standard degree, then start doing a degree or diploma that gives you a range of subjects to explore, such as science, arts or business. As you get into your study, some subjects will interest you more than others. But don't just expect that to happen. Read, talk to people in jobs that sound interesting and attend lectures outside your subject area if they intrigue you. In other words, be proactive in your learning.
I don't think I'll focus if I don't have a definite goal.
Sure. Some people prefer to work until they get a focus. The ideal would be to get into an entry level job in an area of interest so you see the industry in action. But that, of course, isn't always possible.
Whatever job you do, working and/or travelling, develop important qualities and skills of independence, resilience and reliability. You also get time to think and explore.
But be proactive in learning about other jobs and industries. Read and talk to people in jobs that sound interesting. Ask for a day or two of work experience, or work shadowing in an organisation you might like to work in. Volunteering is another way to get a feel for other workplaces. Remember, tertiary study isn't the only option, so don't ignore apprenticeships, particularly if you're a practical person.
My parents nag and nag, so I shut down and can't make a decision.
It could be helpful to go to someone qualified and neutral for career guidance, such as career consultants at your school or at a tertiary institution, Career Services or someone in private practice. Career Services has a website with online and telephone career guidance (0800 222 733).
But also try talking to your parents - they are just worried on your behalf.
I'm confused! What is bachelor and major study?
Bachelor stands for undergraduate degree and is the highest level of qualification open to school leavers. A major is a specialisation within your degree, which means you study that specific subject area up to, and including, level three. By level three your study will be dominated by your major and subjects required for it. The Bachelor of Business, for example, has majors in finance, accounting, marketing, management etc. A Bachelor of Science has many majors, including chemistry, informatics, computer science, biology etc. You can do one or two majors.
What happens if I fail university entrance?
That depends on the career you want and how long you want to take to get there. The Correspondence School enrols part-time students so you could take a couple of subjects and continue studying until you have enough credits. This does involve independent study at home which can be hard to maintain. Maybe you can return to your school?
If you just missed university entrance, Hagley Community College in Christchurch offers a catch-up credit college in late January. But before shelling out money to visit Christchurch, check their catch-up credits will be accepted by the university you wish to attend - and that there is still room on the course.
Are there tertiary bridging courses if I miss out?
Absolutely! Most tertiary institutions offer bridging or foundation education courses to develop academic literacy, numeracy and other relevant subjects to a level equivalent to university entrance.
Some are tailored to individual needs and will take more than one semester. Others last a semester long. There is also certificate level study in specific fields such as health or computing.
But also, think carefully - is further academic study really the answer?
If I get university entrance, can I study any degree of my choice?
Not necessarily. Institutions are only funded for a finite number of places. Qualifications are becoming more competitive and wait-listing more common. You could be on a wait-list until well into January for your first choice of study and - in the meantime - get offered your second choice. You'll then have to decide whether to go with that or not. Don't forget, you can always withdraw from your second choice before the course starts if belatedly offered a spot in your first choice.
You should think carefully about back-up choices. Also consider enrolling in similar qualifications in other institutions; don't put all your eggs in one basket.
www.careers.govt.nz
* Career planning by industry
