Studying or Working After Matric are two of the most common options you will have. Each option comes with it’s own benefits. This can be a hard decision to make and we would like to give you advice on how to make it. Take a look at our tips on studying or working after matric.
Challenges After Matric
The five years you spend on high school go by quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be at the end of your journey and making a choice to study or work after matric. This step comes with it’s own set of challenges. Having more information can help you make this decision.
Transitions: Transitioning into college life or work life and be quite a difficult task. You will have to adapt to new people, environments, routines and structures.
Academics: If you choose to study after matric, you will have to adapt to your new academic life. You will be introduced to subjects and topics that you never heard of.
Relationships: Once you have completed matric you will have to build new relationships with colleagues or fellow students. Remember, only the first day will be scary.
College/ Work Life: College and work life are very different to high school. This includes your clothes, work ethic, communication skills. Adapting to your new lifestyle can be a challenge in itself.
Deciding What to do After Matric
Deciding on what to do after matric is a life changing decision. It sets the tone for your adulthood. There are a number of things you can do after matric, this includes taking a gap year to travel abroad. It also includes working or studying or even both.
Studying
Studying after matric is one of the more common options. This means that you will start applying to colleges, universities and other learning institutions. The application process takes place while you are in your final year of high school. If you do however miss the closing dates, you can wait for late applications.
Working
You can also choose to go straight into the working environment if you like. This option allows you to gain the practical work skills you will need. It is important to note that because you are fresh out of matric, finding a job without work experience can prove to be difficult.
Help Choosing Between Studying and Working After Matric
Choosing between studying and working can be hard. Both options have great lifetime benefits and disadvantages. By working straight out of high school, you won’t be able to gain the knowledge you need to advance your career. If you choose to study straight out of high school, you might not be able to have an income and gain financial independence.
Benefits of Studying After Matric
Studying means that you are working towards a qualification which will then allow you to get a job. You will gain the theoretical and practical skills needed for your career of choice. Most employers look for individuals who have taken the time to further their learning, so studying can be to your advantage when job hunting.
What you gain from studying:
- Time management skills
- Independence
- A qualification
- Good written and verbal communication skills
Benefits of Working After Matric
Working has several benefits for young people, especially financial independence. The job you get might not pay a lot but it’s a start. You will get on the job training and basic knowledge of the job. This will allow you to do your job effectively.
What you gain from working:
- Independence
- Good verbal communication skills
- Time management
- Experience
Choosing What to Study After Matric
Throughout your life you aren’t really given the option of what you would like to study. This changes once you leave high school. When studying after matric you get to study whatever you want, you even get to change it if you would like. So no matter what career you want, there is an institution and course for you.
How to Choose a Course
Before selecting a course it helps to choose an institution first. Your institution should be accredited, have a good mission statement, values and reviews. Do your research and then make a decision. You can choose your course based on your interests, hobbies and your general curiosity.
Deciding a Career Path
Choosing a career can be very intimidating. You wouldn’t want to work a job you have zero interest in. So look for something in line with your natural interest and values. Then look at how much you would like to earn and where you would like to work. These are all factors that will make this decision easier.
How to get a job
The number one thing to remember when looking for a job is having an outstanding CV. Your CV is the first line of communication with potential employers. So it is important to make a good impression by working on your CV. With a good impression made you can focus on blowing them away in your interview.
Studying and Working Alternatives After Matric
Studying and working aren’t your only options after matric. In fact you can do anything you want. Many students take a break or gap year to travel the world before settling down.
Volunteering: This is a good way to give back to your community and gain skills. Students don’t know this but there are many benefits to volunteering. In fact, did you know that you can add volunteering to your CV? Well, you can and it always impresses employers.
Learnerships: Learnerships or internships range from six months to a year. It gives young people practical work skills and experience. If you work hard enough, you could even be selected to be a permanent worker for the company.
Can I be Successful After Matric?
Yes, you can! Regardless of what option you choose after matric, we believe that you can be successful. It is also why distance learning allows you to study whenever you are ready. So if you choose to study after matric, distance learning is for you. If you choose to work first and then study, distance learning is for you. Not just that but distance learning allows you the freedom to study and work at the same time.
Study or Work – Your Future is a Click Away
If you need more information or someone to help you with this decision, contact one of our course experts today. We’ll gladly take you through your options step by step.
- Complete our online contact form
- Call us for free at 0800 39 0027
