Figure 1 Taken from https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2022/09/14/thinking-outside-the-box...
The South African landscape of work has been undergoing transformation. The traditional concept of a stable, long-term career is increasingly giving way to a more dynamic, diverse and precarious world of work. This work environment is characterized by shrinking job opportunities in many sectors and the emergence of new, unforeseen careers, particularly because of technological advancement and the digital economy. The evolving and complex landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly for career advisors who play a crucial role in guiding individuals towards fulfilling professional journeys.
Facing the Challenges
Globally, the challenge of mass unemployment, particularly youth unemployment, arises from the globally occurring phenomenon of shrinking job opportunities that are a result of the interaction between factors such as history, the state, economic liberation, labour conditions and quality and access to education. In South Africa, the unemployment rate, which stands at 31.9% means much poverty and despair. The youth unemployment rate for the first quarter of 2023 was 46.5% and this means nearly half of all young people aged 15-34 who are actively seeking work are unable to find it. These figures demonstrate the challenges that young South Africans face entering the workforce. Sadly, this means that many first-time work seekers are not able to secure a job, let alone develop a career.
Alongside this, although an example of an opportunity that yet to be explored to its full potential in the country, the rapid pace of technological advancement and the emergence of the digital economy has created a skills gap between the skills possessed by job seekers and the skills demanded by employers. This gap arises because jobs requiring new technological skills emerge faster than individuals can acquire them through traditional education or training. This can leave many workers unemployable or underemployed if they are unable to adapt their skillsets to the changing technological landscape. This reality presents a double-edged sword when it comes to employment or the realization of stable and long careers. While it creates new opportunities and industries, it also poses challenges for the existing workforce, potentially leading to job displacement and increased unemployment.
The Need for Future-Oriented Skills
The truth of the reality is that skills that propelled individuals to success yesterday may not guarantee the same outcome tomorrow. Innovative career guidance is a need. Career advisors need to prioritize identifying and fostering in-demand skills for the future. This requires an awareness and analysis of job market trends and emerging technologies, ensuring individuals are equipped with the necessary skills to navigate the evolving landscape. One-size-fits-all approaches cannot cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of today's workforce as well as to the demand and restrictions offered by the labour market. Personalized and contextual career guidance is crucial, leveraging technology to tailor recommendations based on individual interests, aptitudes, and past experiences. Micro-guidance, focusing on specific skill development or navigating specific career stages, can further refine the support offered.
Traditional career paths no longer offer for certain a successful professional journey. Innovative guidance needs to embrace alternative career options like freelancing, remote work, or entrepreneurship. This also includes highlighting the potential benefits of upskilling technological skills and identifying how they can contribute to one’s career journey. This involves highlighting the importance of transferable skills that can be applied across different fields, enabling individuals to adapt and evolve alongside the changing landscape.
Beyond Traditional Roles
In this context, career advisors or career development practitioners have a critical role that they need to play in supporting young people envision and craft livelihood pathways for themselves in realistic ways that will enable them to be able to navigate the changes happening in the world of work. The role of career advisors needs to evolve to comprehensive and adaptable approaches that focus on future-proof skills, personalized guidance and lifelong learning strategies. Career advisors need to become navigators, guiding individuals through the complexities of the changing job market and world of work in general. This includes being able to equip young people with the tools to navigate online platforms, identify new career opportunities, and understand the evolving dynamics of work.
Leveraging technology and data analysis, advisors can offer more personalized guidance tailored to individual strengths, interests, and values. This allows them to explore a wider range of career options beyond traditional job placement, including entrepreneurship, remote work, or non-profit careers.
Career advisors can equip individuals with the skills and resources to continuously adapt and upgrade their skillsets throughout their careers. They can also play a vital role in empowering individuals to take ownership of their career journeys through career development workshops, mentorship programs, and fostering self-advocacy skills.
In the ever-evolving landscape of work, career advisors hold a vital role in supporting young people on their professional journeys. By adapting to the challenges, embracing new opportunities, and redefining their scope of practice, they can empower South Africans to navigate the uncharted waters of the future and navigate a dynamic and uncertain work environment.
See our contact details below:
Telephone: 086 999 0123
Please call me / sms: 072 204 5056
Fax: 012 323 1138
Email: careerhelp@dhet.gov.za
Website: www.careerhelp.org.za
National Career Advice Portal (NCAP): http://ncap.careerhelp.org.za/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/careerhelp
Compiled by Zimingonaphakade Sigenu
Young African Research Fellow at HSRC