Youth Month Special Article - Making Yourself Employable

Howzit, guys!

In honour of Youth Month!

Let’s chat about an issue affecting us as youth - the transition from education to employment in South Africa. This journey, filled with obstacles and uncertainties, is particularly challenging due to the high 45,5% unemployment rate among young individuals (aged 15-34 years), in contrast to the national average of 32,9% in the first quarter of 2024. Despite having the qualifications, many young South Africans struggle to secure employment, leading to frustration and discouragement (Stats SA, 2023).

One of the key challenges is the gap between the skills acquired in education institutions and those demanded by potential employers. This mismatch has made the transition from education to employment even harder (ManpowerGroup, 2023). At Salix Recruitment, we decided to collaborate and explore ways to better support our youth in transitioning from students to successful professionals who can adapt well to the corporate world.

Truths About The Corporate World

The Idea of Freedom

We all thought we’d have a lot of freedom once we finished our educations. University life offers a lot of flexibility and autonomy - students can choose to skip classes if they wish, they can study at their own pace, and they have the freedom to manage their own time. However, the corporate world operates on a different set of rules. Employees are expected to adhere to strict schedules, meet deadlines, and always maintain a high level of professionalism. This sudden shift can be jarring for many young people.

The Long Workday

Unlike the 7-hour school day where only some teachers are strict or the flexible university schedule, the corporate world typically operates on an eight-hour workday. This can be physically and mentally exhausting for young people who are not used to such long hours. Moreover, the workload in a corporate setting can be significantly heavier and more demanding than what students are used to in school or university.

The Power Dynamics

During your education you might not be forced to do what you need to do, and that might be a wonderful idea to those coming from school/university, but in the workplace, employees are expected to report to a manager. There is an expectation from management that performance standards are met. The consequences of not doing your schoolwork versus not doing your work differ drastically. And this shift in dynamics can be difficult to navigate for young people who are used to a more supportive and nurturing environment in school or university.

Finding those Soft Skills

Finding out what your soft skills are is very important. Soft skills are those skills that help you with everyday interaction in the office with your colleagues. By this, we mean, do you possess traits that show off your confidence, assertiveness, innovative or how easily you able to adapt to different backgrounds or situations These skills are important because they compliment your technical or practical skills. If you can show these traits as part of your soft skill abilities, this can play a huge part in you’ being able to achieve the best as an all-rounder.? As a graduate from school or university, a tip we can give is to identify?? your soft skills and list them on your CV, being self-aware might attract a potential employer, this self-awareness can also guide you in making more informed decisions about your future. To identify? these soft skills we suggest the youth to reflect on past experiences, seeking feedback from lecturers, teachers and peers, and using assessment tools like https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test. For career guidance and personal development to help land your dream job. It’s also not a bad idea for as individuals to analyse behaviour in terms of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and leadership to recognise strengths and weaknesses. Practice and continuously develop these skills through daily activities and professional development opportunities.

Bridging the Gap: Becoming Work-Ready

Despite these challenges, there are strategies that young people can employ to make this transition smoother, through initiatives like Work Readiness Programmes. The Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator is a non-profit that offers training opportunities to equip young people with key employability skills (www.harambee.co.za). They offer a range of work-seeker and learning resources to anyone between 18 and 34 at no cost. Harambee even has a blog section on their website, where you can keep up to date with current affairs in the world of youth employment. Another resource could be the Demand-Driven Training Toolkit (https://makingcents.course.tc/catalog) which is an initiative aimed at making young people work-ready and getting youth work-ready. The toolkit is ultimately designed to aid you in your transition from education to employment.

Make yourself more visible on LinkedIn and put yourself out there. Building a professional LinkedIn profile is crucial in today's job market. Start by ensuring your profile is complete and up to date, including a professional photo, a compelling headline, and a detailed summary of your skills and experiences. Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your desired industry to expand your network. Regularly share industry-related content, comment on posts, and participate in relevant groups to increase your visibility. Highlight your achievements, any internships, and any volunteer work, as these can set you apart from other candidates. By actively engaging on LinkedIn, you demonstrate your commitment to your field and make it easier for potential employers to find and reach out to you.

Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time jobs can help young people understand workplace dynamics and expectations. We understand that youth unemployment in South Africa is high, therefore, to help get the necessary skill for that dream internship at that one company, we would consider volunteer work and embrace the concept of lifelong learning. Continually update your skills and knowledge. Udemy is one of many websites which offers a range of free courses so you can stay up to date with the latest skills required by employers. LinkedIn Learning is a paid service but offers a range of courses some of which are accredited by reputable international universities. Regardless of method or service, free or paid, showing constant development is something that potential employers immediately buy into. Building relationships with professionals can provide insight into your desired industry and might even lead to future job opportunities.

Lastly, remember to have patience. Roles at the top of the command chain take time to get to. We understand the frustration of studying for years and being placed in a junior role, however, senior roles require a ton of experience in various aspects and specific attributes which are developed over time.

The Takeaway

The journey from education to employment is indeed challenging for some. But with the right strategies and support, our youth can navigate this journey successfully. Let’s spark a discussion! Share your thoughts, experiences, and tips on transitioning from education to employment. Let’s learn from each other so that we can support our youth in their transition from education to employment. Remember, every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. You’re just getting started.