Top 3 Things Young People Should Do to Enhance First- Time Employability in SA

Article by Akashni Weimers

If you thought the world was full of competition when it comes to getting a job before, well it’s a whole lot crazier now.

With internet being as fast and accessible as it is, now more than any time in the past, people are always connected to a world of jobs that are exceedingly likely to transcend international borders and regional geographies.

This means that you not only have to compete with peers within your own country, but with those from outside it too!

So what’s the answer?

Well unless you have a ton of money lying around to live your life for free when you hit 20, you will have to make yourself stand out to the world and get them to take notice of who you are.

Here’s how:

1. Get a part- time job: Teach English, become a tutor or walk pets for money. Whatever your vibe, going out into the world to gain experience is a necessary and very positive way to show recruiters and potential employers that you are someone that likes to take initiative.

Not only, will the skills you learn on the job be a valuable part of your life, but in a world with millions of young people studying and job hunting every day, showing that you have part- time work experience immediately sets you apart from your peers.

2. Save money: From your part- time job of course. For what you may ask? After all, saving can wait. You are young and money will come. Um… no. Sometimes maybe… but no.

Some scholarships, learnerships, graduate programmes and overseas study programmes offer the opportunity to take up employment with the funding company after you’re done.

In the interim, you need money to take care of yourself whilst you’re hustling for this gig. How do you turn down an offer to take up an internship in Cambodia, if you have zilch in the bank and you folks can’t afford to send you?

The sad reality is that some opportunities don’t pay in the beginning, and in order to get yourself up, sometimes you need to move out… and for that you may need money.

3. Get a mentor. In the flesh. A real life professional that can guide you through important steps in life is an excellent resource that can up your chances in finding your first job in life.

Luckily, there are many people out there that want to connect with a mentee and they can be found in a number of places. Websites, credible Facebook/ LinkedIn pages, your university/ college, your family and within organisations across the country.

It is up to you to establish and drive this relationship forward by being courteous and proactive.