Gauteng Grade 9s receive career guidance at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½
- Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University
High school learners guided by career experts at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ to help them reach their career aspirations.
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University took a step to help learners get a better sense of career paths and the changing world of work. Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½’ inaugural Career Guidance Day for Grade 9 learners brought together 31 high schools from across Gauteng for a day of career exploration infused with fun sport activities on 16 August 2024.
Organised by the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ School Liaison Office (SLO), the event was designed to assist Grade 9 students as they navigate the crucial decision of selecting their subjects for Grade 10. The choices made at this stage are important, as they influence both future academic pathways and career prospects. The event organised in partnership with the Career Counselling and Development Unit (CCDU) and Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ Sport, also sought to highlight that University is about leading a balanced life and making room for fun. Throughout the day, learners attended sessions to help align subject choices with potential career paths and University admission requirements.
''The work starts here in Grade 9. Choosing the right subjects sets the foundation for future success, both academically and professionally,” said Zodwa Ndebele, Student Recruitment Officer at SLO.
Empowering students for the future
Professor Osman Ruksana, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University, talked about why Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ is the best University.
“Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ is one of the few universities in Africa that can give you an all-round education, not just the field you want to go in, but most importantly who you want to be as a human being in this world, and I think what Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University gives you, it gives you the edge, it gives you an opportunity to get to know who you are and why you want to be in this world and the contribution you want to make.”
An investment into the next generation
Lehlohonolo Salemane, from Abbotts College Johannesburg South, says the event had solidified his plans for the future. “I had already planned on studying further, but this event has definitely reinforced my decision. Learning about the subjects needed for certain majors helps with my choices for Grade 10. I’m now considering subjects like CAT, Life Sciences, with an eye towards a career in Psychology or Neurology,” he said.
Thato Ntshiwa, a teacher at Abbotts College Johannesburg South, commended the University for the event adding that it would result in long-term benefits. “It’s not just about today—it’s about building a lasting connection that will benefit both institutions and students. This event strengthens the relationship between Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ and our school by providing a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange.”
This inaugural Career Guidance Day is part of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ University’s broader commitment to fostering academic excellence and supporting the next generation of students. The SLO, in conjunction with other University departments, plans to continue this initiative and expand its reach to more schools in the future.