Decision-Making Guide for Undecided Students
Choosing a field of study is rarely a single event; it is a step-by-step constructive process involving self-reflection and market awareness. If you are currently undecided about your postgraduate or undergraduate path, follow these research-backed steps to gain clarity.
Assess Your Natural Inclinations and Strengths
Begin by reflecting on the school subjects or work tasks where you naturally excel. Self-awareness is the foundation of a successful career. Ask yourself: "What subjects could I engage with for hours without getting bored?" and "What do others consistently ask me for help with?".
Utilize Psychometric Tools and Personality Inventories
Standardized tests such as the Strong Interest Inventory or personality frameworks like the Big Five (OCEAN) can highlight fields where your natural traits align with professional demands. Most South African universities, including Wits and UCT, offer these assessments through their Career Development Units.
Investigate Future Job Market Trends
Ensure your chosen field aligns with long-term growth sectors in South Africa, such as the Green Economy, FinTech, or Digital Health. Review the National Scarce Skills List to identify roles with high demand and lower competition.
Engage in "Career Prototyping"
Before committing to a multi-year degree, use a gap year, short internships, or job shadowing to experience the day-to-day reality of a profession. Networking at university careers expos or joining professional online groups (like LinkedIn) can provide a first-hand look at different career trajectories.
Explore Careers
Discover career paths across 13 fields of study from public universities
The study of legal systems, justice, and the rules that govern society.
Explore hereThe study of financial records, reporting, and business transactions.
Explore hereThe study of business, trade, economics, and management.
Explore hereThe study of medicine, healthcare, and human wellbeing.
Explore hereThe study of designing and building structures, machines, and systems.
Explore hereThe study of extracting insights from data using statistics and computing.
Explore hereThe study of human culture, society, language, and behaviour.
Explore hereThe study of teaching methods, learning, and educational systems.
Explore hereThe study of the natural world through physics, chemistry, and biology.
Explore hereThe study of visual expression, creativity, and aesthetic design.
Explore hereThe study of human performance, exercise, and athletic training.
Explore hereThe study of religion, faith, spirituality, and sacred texts.
Explore hereThe study of animal health, medicine, and welfare.
Explore hereThere are numerous career options — for a deeper analysis on what might suit you, book an assessment.
Professional Services
Need help choosing a degree or career interest?
A registered psychometrist (HPCSA) can assess your specific personality, cognitive abilities, and interests using validated instruments.
Full psychometric assessment measuring cognitive abilities, interests, and personality. Matched to SA degree fields.
Professional service · Contact for pricing
Discover which competencies you have, which your degree builds, and where to upskill to become more employable.
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For Grade 9 students choosing matric subjects. Assessment of abilities and interests for optimal subject combinations.
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Personality Science
The OCEAN Model
The most validated framework in personality psychology. These five traits predict job performance, career satisfaction, and professional success.
Openness
Intellectual curiosity, creativity, and preference for novelty. High scorers suit creative fields; lower suits structured roles.
Conscientiousness
Self-discipline, organisation, and goal-directed behaviour. The strongest predictor of job performance across all occupations.
Extraversion
Energy from social interaction and assertiveness. High suits sales and management; lower suits research and analysis.
Agreeableness
Cooperation, trust, and concern for others. High suits healthcare and teaching; lower suits negotiation and leadership.
Neuroticism
Emotional stability and resilience to stress. High stability benefits high-pressure roles like emergency services.
Bursaries & Scholarships
A curated list of funding opportunities for South African students. Contact funders directly for the latest application details and deadlines.
Funding opportunities for first-time university students pursuing undergraduate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
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