adminPrecious Nyakudya
MANY firms attended the career fair conducted at the University of Zimbabwe campus where students were joined by representatives from many of the country’s high schools were represented.
Some of the leading institutions at the fair included Econet Wireless, Plan International, FBC Bank, CBZ Bank, Delta and ZBC.
Now, you might be thinking, “Career counseling or career fair? That sounds super boring.”
But trust us, it is anything but!
Career counseling is all about helping you figure out what you love to do and how to turn that passion into a career that you will enjoy for years to come.
Many kids at the fair have a concept of what they want to do as a profession but are unaware of the programs and degrees required to seek the positions. Globally, professions and departments are changing, which means new positions and a broader career path for students to pursue.
Facilitating this fair meant that specialists, who are currently working in the disciplines, could share firsthand knowledge with students, who are interested in pursuing those fields.
Career fairs are events where employers and jobseekers can come together in one place to network and learn about different career opportunities.
For high school students, career guidance might mean exploring different fields of study and figuring out what you’re good at and what you enjoy.
Maybe you have always had a knack for computer programming, but you have never really considered it as a career option. A career counselor and the experts in the industry can help you explore different paths and find the one that’s right for you.
These can be great opportunities for students to learn about different industries, meet representatives from companies they’re interested in, and learn about different career paths.
And for university students, career fair can help you figure out how to turn your degree into a job that you’ll love. Maybe you’re studying business, but you’re not sure if you want to work in finance or marketing.
With career guidance you can be helped to explore different career paths and point you in the right direction. But while career fairs can be inspiring and informative, they can also be overwhelming – with large crowds and limited time, it can be tough to make a meaningful connection with a potential employer.
On the other hand, career counseling offers more one-on-one guidance and support for students. Career counselors can help students identify their skills and interests, explore different career paths, and figure out the education and training they need to pursue their goals. They can also help students with job searching and interview preparation.
Here in Zimbabwe, the job market is competitive, and it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. But career counseling can help you figure out how to make yourself more marketable and get your foot in the door.
Counselors can help you polish up your resume and teach you how to network effectively. While career counseling can be beneficial, it can also be cost-prohibitive for some students, or inaccessible if schools don’t offer counseling services.
Barriers to the effectiveness of career resources in Zimbabwe include limited access to information about careers and job opportunities, limited financial resources, and a lack of staff for career counseling services.
Despite these challenges, students should utilize available resources, such as career fairs and counseling, to find meaningful and fulfilling careers and build a stronger workforce. Seeking career guidance and counseling can unlock future success for high school and university students.
*Precious Nyakudya is an intern counselling psychologist
Online Reporter