Choosing the right course gives you the opportunity to pursue some of the best careers. However, we know that is it not easy to find the right course. This is why we have compiled a list of things you can look at when choosing the right course for you so that the process is easier. Here are six (6) steps to follow when choosing a course:
- Step 1: Find your interests
- Step 2: Do relevant research
- Step 3: Know why you want to study
- Step 4: Narrow down your options
- Step 5: Choose where to study
- Step 6: Apply to study
Find Your Interests
Your interests are important when choosing the right course for you. You will complete your course easily if you are interested in it. Make a list of all the things you are interested in. Choose your three (3) strong interests and choose a course that relates to these interests.
For example, if your interests include working in an office setting, managing teams and finances, you can study our ICB Courses. You will be able to work in a company where you handle finances while managing employees.
To help you figure out what interests you have, here is a list of some things people consider as interests:
- Travelling
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Beauty
- Writing
- Outdoor activities
- Painting
- Photography
- Helping people
- Finances
- Public speaking
- Fitness
- Marketing
- Business
- Art
- Nature
- Community service
- Networking
Do Relevant Research
When you have listed your interests, do research on them. Look at each interest and see what career options you have in each. This will help you choose the course that will eventually help you find employment in your chosen field.
Make sure that the interests you have chosen give you various career opportunities. We know that finding employment is not easy. To make this process easier for you, choose a course that has various career options.
Know Why You Want To Study
Before you study any course, know why you want to study. Different courses will lead to different opportunities. This can either be employment or entrepreneurship. If you want to become an employee, you must study for courses that will increase your chances of getting employed.
If you would like to be an employer, you should study for courses that will help you know how to start and run a business.
Narrow Down Your Options
Now that you know your interests and the career opportunities you have, you can narrow down your options. You can list the advantages and disadvantages of each career you could pursue. Make sure that for the career you would like to follow, you have considered things such as the following:
- The course entry requirements
- Where you can study the course
- If you can afford the course
- If the course helps you reach the goals you have
- Will the course be interesting and enjoyable for you?
Look at the above qualities and then choose the type of course that is right for you.
Choose Where To Study
When you have decided on the course that is right for you, you can choose where to study. This can either be at a college or university. If you want to study at a university, do note that you will need a Matric Certificate with a Bachelor’s Degree pass to study.
Your acceptance into the university depends on whether you meet the requirements set by the university and the course you have applied for. If you get accepted, you may qualify to study for a Degree, Diploma, Higher Certificate or Certificate course.
There are many colleges in South Africa where you can study. One of these colleges is Matric College. We are a distance learning institution. By distance learning, we mean that our students study from any location.
We offer many courses that you can study with or without a Matric Certificate. Below we have a list of our courses and how they can help you get employed or open a business.
ICB Courses
The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB) Courses are focused on business skills and knowledge. These courses train you into a candidate who is great in business. This helps you choose whether you want to work in a business owned by someone else or run your own.
ICB Courses provide skills that all employers are looking for. These skills are in demand in South Africa. This improves your opportunities of getting employed. Here are the ICB Courses we offer:
NATED Courses
The National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) Courses are focused on practical and theoretical skills. These courses prepare you for employment. This helps you raise your chance of getting employment anywhere you want in South Africa:
NATED Courses provide you with knowledge and skills that employers value. These courses were specifically designed by the DHET to help you gain employment. These are the right courses for you if you want to get employed. These are the NATED Courses we offer:
Short Courses
Short Courses are focused on skills that are good for both employment and entrepreneurship.
These courses help you become a desirable candidate in the workplace. By doing so, you increase your chances of getting hired.
Short Courses are good for improving skills. If you are looking to gain a promotion, start a business or get employed, these are the right course for you. These are the Short Courses we offer:
- Salon Management Course
- Nail Care Courses
- Make-up Courses
- Facial Skincare Courses
- Beauty Therapy Courses
- Tourism Management Courses
- Guest House Management Courses
- Events Management Courses
- Wedding Planning Courses
- First Aid Course Courses
- Crèche Management Courses
- Child Day Care Courses
- Child Psychology Courses
Apply To Study
If you want to study at university, you can go to their website. On their website, you will see the apply button. Use this to apply for the course you want. If the university is nearby, you can visit in person and apply.
If you would like to study at Matric College, here is how you can apply:
Step 1: Apply
- Fill out an online application form
- Book a call
- You can reach us by calling (021 838 8295)
- Visit us at our physical address
Step 2: Register
- A Course Expert will contact you and get you to register for the course you want
- Study material will be delivered to your door after registration
- Delivery usually takes five to seven days
- Once you receive the study material, you can start studying as our student
Watch our Principal of Matric College, Jan Badenhorst, explain how you can choose the right course for you
What Factors Are Important To You When Choosing A Course?
These are factors you should look at when you are choosing a course:
- Are you interested in the course?
- Will you understand the course enough to pass?
- Can you afford the course?
- Do you meet the entry requirements?
- Will you get employed with the qualification you earn from the course?
- Will you have more than two career opportunities through the course?
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Connor Bergsma
Date Published: June 29, 2022