Author: Career Planet

 South Africa boasts some of the top universities in Africa, and they are also held in high regard internationally. Which university is “the best”, however, depends on the research agency doing the ranking, as well as which faculty is being focused on. The University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, Stellenbosch and Pretoria are ranked high on most international listings. Choosing a university Choosing a university involves a balancing act — weighing up where your chosen courses are offered, how good those faculties are, whether you can afford them and qualify for enrolment there, and the logistics involved in attending…

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Private providers may provide a range of qualifications. These may include formal credit-bearing qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (which they must be accredited to offer), and non-formal provider programmes. Also, some institutions offer foreign programmes, which are quality assured by foreign bodies. Students must therefore, before they enrol for a qualification, ascertain whether the qualification they are registering for, is a formal national qualification, or a non- formal provider programme. Umalusi certifies a number of formal qualifications offered by both public and private providers and consequently accredits such providers to offer these qualifications. These are: The National…

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A University of Technology places emphasis on innovative problem-solving and career-directed courses, in addition to the basic responsibilities of a university.  The courses are designed to be career-orientated and practical, with experiential learning forming part of the courses. Universities of Technology offer mainly diploma and certificate courses, but also offer degree courses that take about three years to complete.  Entrance requirements vary depending on the course that you want to take.

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University courses focus on theoretical training in a specialized field, offering degree courses that take a minimum of three to four years to complete.  Entrance requirements for courses vary and can be quite specific. You will need to have completed the National Senior Certificate (matric) with very good marks, particular subject choices and may need to meet a list of specific requirements to gain entrance. The longer you study, the more specialized the field becomes; once you have completed your degree you can continue studying and earn a postgraduate level of study (Honours, Masters and Doctorate).

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What you need to know before enrolling for a study programme or qualification Before you register for any qualification or programme Ensure that: You fully understand the accreditation status of the institution offering the qualification and that You fully understand the status of the qualification or programme. Use the following information when considering where to enrol and, what to enrol for. Umalusi (the Council for Quality Assurance in General and Further Education and Training) is an official body that accredits private providers to offer particular qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) at levels 1-4. Umalusi accredits: Private FET colleges Independent schools Private adult…

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Have you got an interview coming up? Are you feeling prepared? It’s natural to feel a little nervous before a job interview. Why? Because it’s nearly impossible to know exactly what interview questions and answers you’ll need to prepare for. These questions could affect your future life and career! Yes, a job interview is a big deal and you need to impress. For starters, we recommend conducting thorough research on the company, dressing to impress and thinking of some great questions to ask. Another key thing to consider before any interview is what you might be asked. While you can’t prepare for every question…

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Everyone needs meaning in their life and for many people, their career is where they choose to make a difference. Now you may be thinking that in order to help others in your career, you need to work for a charity. And while this may be one of the most popular ways to do so, it’s certainly not the only one – which is why we’ve put together this guide to jobs that make a difference. What does it mean to make a difference? Quite an abstract phrase, isn’t it? There are many ways to make a difference in your career,…

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STEAM. It’s an acronym you’ve probably heard. But did you know that those five little letters are important to you whatever you plan to do in your career? We’ll tell you why – but first, let’s answer the question “what are STEAM subjects?” STEAM fields are science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, or applied mathematics. STEAM is designed to integrate STEM subjects into various relevant education disciplines. These programs aim to teach students innovation, to think critically and use engineering or technology in imaginative designs or creative approaches to real-world problems while building on students’ mathematics and science base. STEAM programs add art to STEM curriculum by drawing on design principles and encouraging creative solutions: Source: Wikipedia…

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When it comes to dealing with people, whether you’re at a job interview, serving a customer at work, or just hanging out with friends, your body language is crucial. Why? Because your body language gives people big clues about how you feel about yourself, how you feel towards them and even what you’re thinking. What am I really saying? Whatever words you say, a tilt of the head or crossing of the arms can make all the difference to the vibe you’re putting across. Welcoming or hostile, confident or shy, interested or fed up, your body says it all. However,…

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Ok, you’ve got your first CV up and running – it must be time to submit that job application. But wait! What about your cover letter? This is as important to your application as your CV, and can make all the difference when employers are deciding who to interview. But what is a cover letter? And what should you put in it? On this page, we talk you through the basics so you know exactly how to write a cover letter. First, check out this video we made specially for you: What is a cover letter? Most job applications are made up of two parts –…

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