FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENT WITHOUT ACCESS TO THE INTERNET?
Yes. It is possible to make an appointment to complete the assessment on-site at the Careercounsel offices or request the manual documentation to be faxed or emailed to you. (545 Rubenstein Drive, Moreleta Park, Pretoria)
CAN A SECOND PERSON USE THE SAME LOGIN DETAILS TO COMPLETE AN EVALUATION?
No. Everyone is required to register to receive individual login details. The login allows one to complete the evaluation only once.
CAN MY CHILD MANIPULATE THEIR EVALUATION?
Good psychometric and ecometric media is designed in such a way to minimise manipulation. The questionnaires used by Careercounsel have been designed to be valid, relevant and to minimise socially desirable responses. It is, however, important for any person participating in an evaluation to be as honest and forthright as they can be in order to benefit optimally from the results. Should the person try to manipulate answers, inconsistencies will be reflected.
MUST MY CHILD COMPLETE THE ENTIRE EVALUATION AT ONE SITTING?
It is preferable to dedicate uninterrupted time to completing an assessment, but it is possible to break this time up. If you choose to do so, you will have to log in and carry on when you resume the assessment.
WILL I OR MY CHILD OVERSEAS BE ABLE TO COMPLETE AN EVALUATION?
Yes. No matter where you are situated, you can complete the Careercounsel evaluation online. The coaching session can take place in person, or via a zoom call, teams meeting or Skype. With the technology available to us, distance is no longer a limitation.
HOW LONG WILL THE EVALUATION TAKE?
This will depend on which assessment or group of assessments is being completed. You can work on an average of 30-45 min per assessment.
I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT I WANT TO DO AFTER SCHOOL, SHOULD I TAKE A "GAP YEAR"?
Research has shown that a gap year (some time taken after school to work/travel before studying or entering the world of work) will not directly lead to a career decision. It does, however, improve your career maturity (i.e. your readiness to make a decision). The types of activities engaged in during a gap year greatly determine how valuable this period is. A career coach can advise you on how to make the most of a gap year.
WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SKILLS I NEED TO MASTER TO BE RELEVANT TO THE JOB MARKET?
Firstly, it is important to foster an attitude of flexibility and you need to be open to opportunities. Sometimes, one's career path takes unexpected detours, and a relevant global worker is ready and willing to make changes and adapt to the needs of their job. Secondly, regardless of the career path chosen, it is a good idea to have at least a basic working knowledge of computers and the associated technology related to your field, as daunting as this might seem! A good career coach will be able to help you identify any gaps in your individual skills set and help you to foster flexibility and openness.
WILL I BE ABLE TO FIND WORK WITH MY QUALIFICATION?
While it is not possible to guarantee employment, a career coach can help you select a career that is relevant to the economy thereby increasing your chances of being employable. Other factors such as interview skills and setting up your CV can also be addressed through your career coach, increasing your likelihood of success.
IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO CHANGE MY CAREER AFTER MY 20S?
It is never too late to make a change in career. The world of work is changing, and people no longer spend their whole working lives in the same company before retiring. Changing jobs and even changing career paths is becoming the norm as people adapt to shifts in society, the economy, and the global workplace.
DO I HAVE TO GO BACK TO UNIVERSITY TO STUDY IF I WANT TO CHANGE CAREERS LATER IN MY LIFE?
It depends on the shift in career that you want to make. Recognition of prior learning and any current work experience that you have gained certainly does count when you are considering making a change. It may be necessary to do a short or longer bridging course or diploma. Your career coach can advise you on the 'shortest route' to your chosen career.
CAN MY APTITUDE CHANGE, OR WILL I GET THE SAME RESULTS LATER IN LIFE?
Aptitude refers to a natural ability, tendency, or strength to do something. Your aptitude remains stable throughout your life. For example, if you have an aptitude for languages, you are unlikely to suddenly lose that aptitude and develop one for mathematics! However, it is always possible for you to work on improving your weak areas and enhancing your strengths. Having an accurate understanding or your (or your child's) aptitude makes it easier to make an effective career choice, in which success is more likely.
WHAT DOES CAREER COUNSELLING ENTAIL?
Career counselling entails entering a partnership with a career coach who will use specifically designed questionnaires and other methods to investigate your interests, values, strengths and personality. The coach will help you to identify possible career paths and specific jobs that you are likely to be interested and successful in and will provide you with guidance regarding the ways in which you can attain your goals.