February Frustration - why the time to start putting your career plan into action is now

The beginning of the year is the time most people consider making a change. Whether you’ve just finished school and are making those first few steps towards tertiary education or you have been working for many years, it’s possible that you are wondering if you’ve made the right decisions and asking yourself if it’s too late to make a change towards finding your passion.

Today, more than ever, people have to take the responsibility for building their own careers, but the good news is it’s never too late to try and make a change for the better.

If you have plans to further your education, getting a better job or starting your own company, you shouldn’t view your current job as a comfortable place to wait for it to happen. Your job will get busier and busier, you’ll get caught up in the rat race, and you could burn up the energy you should be using to realize your dreams.

First, ask yourself these questions and put your answers down on paper:
 
What do I love?
What are my dreams?
If I could do anything, what would I do?
What matters to me?
What do I believe in?
What brings me joy?
What do I find beautiful?
Who am I?
How do I want to spend my day?
Where do I want to live?
Who do I want to be around?

Take some time to get to know yourself. Themes will begin to appear, and your passion will start to emerge if you take the time to find it.

Whether you are just starting, or you have several years of experience, these tips might help you advance your career:

1. Never stop learning

Life-long learning is of key importance. The world is constantly changing, and everybody is looking for new ways of doing business. If you have decided that your current skills are good enough, you have also decided that your current job is good enough, but if you want to build a career out of your current profession, you should add regular updates to your skills and knowledge.

2. Ask, listen and learn

A good listener can learn a lot. Listen to people who you look up to. You can learn a lot from their experience. Ask about issues that interest you, and listen to what they say. Let them tell you about how things work, and what you could have done better. Most people would love to be your mentor and tutor if you ask them.

3. Fulfill your current job

If you’re lucky enough to be in employment, your current job might be best place to start your career. It is often very little that separates successful people from the average. But nothing comes for free. If you do your job well and fulfill your responsibilities, this is often the best way to start a new career. Talk to your supervisor about things you can do. Suggest improvements. Offer your help when help is needed. In return ask for help to build a better career. It is often possible - right inside your own organization - especially if you have proven yourself as a valued employee.

4. Build your network

Your next career step might arise from your contact network. Did you know that more than 50% of all jobs are obtained from contacts? If you have a good network of friends and colleagues, it is also a good place to discover future careers, to explore new trends, and to learn about new opportunities. Spend some time building new contacts, and don't forget to maintain the ones you already have. One of the best ways to get serious information from your network is to regularly ask your contacts how they are, what they do, and what’s new in their careers.

5. Be productive now

Make sure you don't fill up your days doing tasks that won’t bring you closer to your career goals. This is waste of time and talent. When you start in a new job, talk to your superior about your role’s priorities. If you're not sure about what is most important, then ask him or her. And then ask again. Often you will be surprised about the differences between what you assume, and what is really important.

6. Identify your ideal job

Your dream job must be identified. Before you start planning your future career, be sure you have identified your dream job. In your dream job, you will be doing all the things you enjoy, and none (or very few) of the things you don't enjoy. What kind of job would that be? Do you like or dislike having responsibility for others? Do you like to work with technology or with people? Do you want to run your own business or be a manager? Do you want to be an artist, a designer or a skilled engineer?

7. Prepare yourself

Your dream might show up tomorrow. Be prepared. Don't wait a second. Update your CV now, and continue to update it regularly. Tomorrow your dream job may show up right before your nose. Prepare for it with a professional CV and be ready to describe yourself as a valuable commodity to anyone that will try to recruit you. If you don't know how to write a CV, or how to describe yourself, start learning how now.

8. Equip yourself for the job

You can build your future career using a lot of different tools. You can add a lot to your career by studying books and tutorials. Doing short time courses or diplomas at FET colleges might add valuable weight to your CV and make you the ideal candidate for your dream position.

9. Get professional

Your employer may not tell you exactly their own view of what being professional means. Make sure you finish tasks or projects timeously and provide feedback. Be prepared when attending meetings. Avoid gossiping at work with colleagues. Make sure you always treat people (both co-workers and customers) with respect, do what you promise and don’t keep them waiting unnecessarily.

The more you put these principles into practice, the better your chances will be to create a positive reputation for yourself. This can ultimately translate into raises and promotions, chances to work on more assignments that you enjoy, and the respect of peers and senior management. You also benefit from feelings of increased self-worth and confidence, plus you keep yourself marketable for further career opportunities in the future.

10. Realize Your Dreams

Put your dreams into action. Don't let a busy job kill your dreams. If you have higher goals, put them into action now.

“Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” - Zig Ziglar

Our Write Your Own Story winner - Inonge Malumo

We recently picked a winner in the Write Your Own Story competition. Inonge Malumo was selected as the winner, and this amazing mother-of-one simply blew us away with her entry!

In the competition, entrants receive a short paragraph which forms part of a story, and we asked our fans to complete the story and submit it to stand a chance of winning R7 500 towards their studies, or a Samsung Galaxy Tab valued at the same amount.

We caught up with Inonge to find out more about her skilful story-writing and which prize she would choose.

The story you wrote in our competition is simply amazing! It’s clear that you have a gift and passion for writing – where did your love for writing begin?

I think I have always had a love for words! I come from a different generation – I’m almost 40 – and I didn’t grow up with the distraction of cellphones and satellite TV. My parents passed on the love of reading and words to me, I loved primary school and at the age of eight I started writing stories and poems. All my writing has an element of truth to it and it all stems from a deep love of books from early on.

Do you write often?

I am working as a corporate writer, working in corporate communications - all my working life I have been writing! My desire has always been to be a children’s author, because I love kids & books.

What did you study?

I studied journalism at Rhodes, which led to my current career. I decided to go into broadcasting & communications, but finally settled into the corporate communications space.

How would you like to write your own story for your own future?

Writing makes me happy, but I would be happier and complete if given the opportunity to write for children – I believe it’s my calling & passion and I don’t want to waste much more time doing anything else.

I want my story to have some sort of value, because not everything we read today has value in it. I’d like people to be moved by my words and have something to take away with them from what I have written.

There are a lot of people who think they’ll accomplish their dreams at “some point” and then they leave this earth and that “some point” never comes. Talent is given to you for a reason - it might take a lifetime to achieve your dream, but you should make a start today and never stop trying!

You had a choice between a bursary and a Galaxy Tab – which one did you choose and why?

I initially chose the bursary because I wanted to enrol for a creative writing course. Unfortunately my Blackberry was stolen, so I decided to take the Samsung Galaxy tablet, to help me do research and work from home if I need to. It will definitely help bring stability into my life again. I also want to take my time to research which course is the best instead of rushing into a decision.

The tablet will also assist in enhancing my 9 year old daughters education and learning. She will be able to use it to assist in her school projects and homework, while I cook and clean and ultimately easing the pressure as I am a single parent.

See below for Inonge’s winning entry in the Write Your Own Story competition.

Themba could never understand why his colleagues complained so often. Break after break, he would sit listening to them, trying to avoid the conversation. If only they knew what it was to be without work! Like he was, until someone saw the potential in him and sponsored his artisanship, ensuring a better future for himself and his family. He still remembers the day it all began when…

He sat outside his nephew's school, waiting as usual for the little boy to come running out so they could walk home together. As he sat there, a lonesome piece of paper fluttered past, creating a sense of litter in the tidy environment. Themba picked it up and noticing it was relatively clean, pulled out the pencil from his back pocket and began to sketch a picture of five year-old Thulani, hoping to finish it before the school bell rang. As he sat sketching, the noise of his surroundings made him look up at the people around him there was Mama Sindi who sat frying legwinya, singing her church songs in a low, melodic voice. To the right was Sizwe who washed cars outside the school, perpetually joking with anyone who passed by and never without a smile on his sun-baked face.

Sizwe not only washed cars, he also fixed them and invariably some broken-down vehicle or other would be in the near vicinity, awaiting his attention.  To the left was the stray dog which roamed the area and seemed to like being around the school - perhaps hoping to catch a crumb or two from a child’s lunchbox or be thrown a scrap by Mama Sindi at the end of the day. Everyone called the dog Zozo, although no one knew why.  Themba sketched it all, becoming more and more fascinated as he recreated his surroundings on the paper, adding random characters who happened to walk by.

 A voice behind him suddenly broke his concentration, making him look up hurriedly.  A man stood there entranced, murmuring softly and reaching out for the piece of paper. Themba hesitantly handed it over, unsure what to say or think. A minute passed, or perhaps five minutes, and then the stranger handed the paper back and looked searchingly at Themba, who was now a little unsure what to make of the unexpected company.

 “Young man”, began the stranger, “do you realise how enormously talented you are? I have never seen such beautiful and compelling work. Who do you draw for, or are you a student artist?” Themba shuffled his feet nervously, unable to stop a smile from forming on his young face. He greeted the stranger politely before clearing his throat.

“No sir, I am just waiting to collect my sister’s son from school, I sometimes come too early and today have passed my time sketching what I see around me. I have completed my secondary schooling but I don’t work, although I would love to.”

The stranger looked at the paper again, whistled softly in wonderment, then reached into his back pocket and took out a card. “My name is Phil Matiya, and I’ve come to this school to speak to the headmaster about opening an art centre for these kids, I came to this school as a child and want to give back. I am now an art dealer and want to uplift my community by giving back to the people who raised me. And I want to give back to you, young man.”

Unsure what to say, Themba stood there and nodded shyly at the gentleman, who continued speaking. “Themba, you have a gift you should share with the world. If you can draw the day as you see it, with such talent and passion, then you can draw your way through life and make a name for yourself. You say you are looking for a job? You have one now young man. I want you to come to my arts and crafts centre, where I offer artisanship in various disciplines, including fine arts. Because that is what you are doing here young man; this is fine art!”

In the distance, the school bell rang and the shrieks of children could be heard. 

“I want to groom you - not into a township artist, but into a world-class, world-renowned artist. There are galleries in the world which need your talent on their walls. Are you ready to take this trip with me, are you ready to take your gift to the world?”

Phil slipped his card into Themba’s trembling hands. “Remember, a gift is never for one person alone. Come and see me at the address on that card - I will fully sponsor your artisanship and we will take your gift to the world.”

His eyes alive with excitement, Phil smiled broadly at Themba before walking off into the school in the direction of Principal Hlatshwayo’s office. Themba took out the card and gazed at it. Somehow, right there, he knew his life had changed forever.

Write Your Own Story and you could win with Eduloan!

Is the fear of not being able to settle your outstanding fees interfering with your studies? Do you worry that your results will not be released? Well here’s a chance to rewrite your own story, this time without those fears.

Eduloan has helped South Africans from all walks of life with over 620 000 study loans to enable them to graduate – not only with registration fees and study aids but for outstanding fees that could prevent graduates from writing final examinations or getting their results.

Eduloan is there to help you complete the story of your dreams in real life, and not to let your outstanding study fees interfere with your bright future…

Over the next four weeks, we’ll be featuring a peek into the lives of ten South African people on our Facebook page, and it’s up to you to help them finish their stories.

Just complete the story in the competition tab and fill out the form with your details and we could pay your outstanding study fees to the value of R7500 OR you could win a Samsung Galaxy Tab valued at the same amount!

All you have to do is complete the story in the competition tab and fill out the form with your details. The story will change every second day, so make sure you complete all ten stories to increase your chances of winning!

You can enter the Write Your Own Story competition on our Facebook page here, and if you’re on a mobile phone, you can enter on our mobi site here. Complete the stories and you could be ‘writing home’ about your prize! 

“Working towards success”: interview with the winner of the One Day Is Today competition

We recently ran a competition on our Facebook page called the “One Day Is Today” competition, which focused on inspiring not only students but also every South African to never give up on their dreams and aspirations.

In the competition, we asked students to tell us why they deserved the prize, and although it was an incredibly difficult decision from the hundreds of entries we received, it was Vincent Olebogeng Sehume’s submission that the judges felt deserved to be picked as the winner:

“I am a first year student at North West University studying industrial psychology and human resource management. I cannot find a bursary and my parents are struggling to pay my tuition fee, my father is the bread winner hence I relied on him and he is not earning enough to provide the whole family and pay my tuition fees. We are a family of 11. My sister is studying long distance and she also relies on my father to pay her fees. I don’t even know how Iam going to pay my tuition fees at the end of this year. I’m a hard worker but I cannot focus on my studies because I’m always stressed about the situation I’m in. I sometimes think about dropping out and looking for a job just to make some money to pay my tuition fees. My dream is to finish my studies and make the world a better place for everyone.

South Africa is a nation with potential; we can make use of opportunities available including quality education in order to become successful. I believe that by empowering the young South Africans by educating them, we are working towards success.”

We caught up with Vincent recently to find out how the iPad2 and a bursary to the value of R15,000 would help him make his own dreams a reality.

Eduloan: Vincent, we were obviously very impressed with your heartfelt entry into our One Day Is Today competition. What was your reaction when you heard you had been chosen as the winner?

Vincent: I jumped for joy! I was so excited that I was actually speechless. I’d been struggling with my University fees so I was extremely thankful that I had won the competition.

Eduloan: How are the bursary and the iPad going to help you to go ahead with your studies? 

Vincent: As I said, I had been struggling with paying my tuition and making ends meet, so the money came in really handy. It brought about a great change in my life! The iPad is so useful; it’s assisting me in my studies through online research and taking notes in class. It’s really streamlined my studying routine. 

Eduloan: Why did you choose to study industrial psychology and human resource management and where do you see yourself ten years from now?

Vincent: I’m really interested in everything dealing with HR and industrial psychology. I love the fact that I can contribute to an organization's success by improving the performance, satisfaction and well-being of employees. I’m particularly interested in entrepreneurship and I want to pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur after I’ve gained enough work experience. I’d like to open a wholesale retail outlet.

Eduloan: Who would you say is your inspiration and role model?

Vincent: I frequently read business magazines for inspiration. I love reading about how entrepreneurs started their businesses. One of my role models is Patrice Motsepe, the mining magnate. I think it’s amazing that he came from such a humble background and elevated himself the way he did. It illustrates that if you work hard anything is possible.

Eduloan: What advice would you give to students when it comes to attaining a degree?

Vincent: I’d advise students to take their studies seriously as education is the key to success. If you put in the hard work now you’ll reap the rewards. Another important thing to remember is that you should invest your time wisely, don’t procrastinate!

We’re exceptionally proud to have made a contribution to Vincent’s life which will aid him in successfully qualifying with a degree. How many times have you had to put your dreams on hold because of obstacles in your way? Have you sacrificed the “you” that you could have been because you had to make someone or something else a priority?

At Eduloan we recognise the courage and determination of South Africans to make the most of themselves despite the odds being against them. Watch the One Day Is Today video above to find out more and keep an eye on our Facebook page for the next competition coming soon!