Every parent dreams for their children to study medicine, pharmacy or law or something corporate-ish. I guess this is the construct of the out dated mindset that declared these careers prestigious. Most parents will have satisfaction seeing their children being called doctors and lawyers even if they tarmac for four years or more. This mindset unfortunately has blinded our teachers in schools today. From the instep as a form one student, all the ‘gallant’ teachers tell students is to study and become doctors, pharmacist and lawyers. Most of them, not all. The bitter truth is, not all students are meant to be, like to be or even dream to be these titles.
With the fast-changing world of economics, information and technology, a child could be anything and be successful. Again, success is idiosyncratic. Parents and teachers should understand that the old guard world view is not the millennial’s or generation Z’s view of life. A quick survey with our Kenyan institutions of higher education alludes to the fact that a big percentage of students who go for the traditional prestigious courses are not passionate about them. A doctor could be more flaming towards music as opposed to medicine. An engineering student could do just fine as an illustrative artist. In choosing a career consider the following;
Asses your interests
To begin with, choose a career based on what you like. Asses your strengths, weaknesses, interests, likes and dislikes. A person who enjoys working with people should consider teaching, media, law, social work among other highly interactive careers. One who enjoys working with computers or repairing machines could consider a career in ICT and machine related careers. In making this decision, consider your interests now and if they are sustainable into the future. Real satisfaction comes with doing what one loves
Consider your qualifications and skills.
It is unreasonable for a student who scores a d+ to insist on becoming a medic. Your scores in sciences, languages and mathematics are a contributing factor as well. A student with great oratory skills would fit well in law, journalism and social sciences while reserved students would suit more in medicine, engineering and the science based sector. Based on your K.C.S.E results, your skills and abilities, select a career that you will fit in easily.
Scan the job market.
Demand dictates supply. Some courses are evergreen courses while others are seasonal in terms of marketability. While this should be among the last considerations you look at, it is important that one chooses a career that will satisfy him financially and professionally in terms of availability of opportunities. Nuclear engineering is a good profession but is it marketable in Kenya? Find out. While ICT might be “flooded”, there are numerous opportunities in the field. Speculation on potential jobs in the market is good to inform your career. Do not choose careers based on the complexity of the names.
Consult experts
It is important to get advice from experts on careers. This will help you understand what each course entails. Ensure you get as much information as possible, let the information be unbiased but objective. Radio, television and print media articles are also good sources of expert advice. However, do not let other people influence your decisions.
Read from my other blog: Dear twenty-something year olds
In making the final decision, listen to your intuition. Careers are however not necessarily what one goes to study in campus, always consider what works best for you. Some doctors and engineers gravitate towards media and communication while pharmacists and teachers take to marketing and banking respectively. It is not a matter of life and death. Here at the Mjengo we keep pushing :-)
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