VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE
What is Vocational Guidance &
Why it's important?
Vocational Guidance is a system of scientifically based measures that help young people choose a vocation, while taking into account individual aptitudes and the needs of the national economy. The system of vocational guidance helps young people find suitable jobs.
It promotes the development of the individual and reveals his potentialities and intensifies the process of training. Vocational guidance familiarizes young people with the branches of the national economy, types of vocational training, the national economy’s needs, and available job opportunities. It also helps define vocational aims and provides direct assistance in the selection of a vocation and job placement.
Have you ever wondered which jobs are in high demand in South Africa?
Well the Department of Higher Education has released a list of job opportunities that more South Africans should be considering.
In his speech today, the minister responsible for Higher Education and training, Blade Nzimande said; the country has a problem of too many students rushing to programmes that are not in high demand. This leads to a cycle where graduates are not afforded job opportunities.
The Department of Higher Education has published a National list of Occupations that are in High Demand and this publication is updated every 2 years.
Some skills and occupations that are in high demand include:
- Digital economy
- Energy
- Infrastructure development
- Data scientists
- Web developers
- Electrical engineers
- Tool makers
- Crop produce analysts
- Agricultural scientists
Confused about which career path is best suitable for you?
First, let’s determine your personality type and career fields suitable for each personality. Everyone’s personality type is made up of four letters, one chosen from four categories:
- Introverted vs. Extraverted: How you expend energy (Introvert, can be defined as “a shy person,” or in the field of psychology, as a “person characterized by concern primarily with their own thoughts and feelings. Extrovert is an “outgoing, socialite, talkative person.” But in terms of psychology, this is defined as “a person concerned primarily with the physical and social environment.
- Sensing vs. Intuition: How you receive information
- Thinking vs. Feeling: How you make decisions
- Judging vs. Perceiving: How you see the world
In this guide, we will provide a brief description of each of the 16 personality types, followed by jobs that might be a good fit for each.
01
ISTJ: Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
The ISTJ personality type is generally practical and responsible. They rely on logical decision-making, accomplishing tasks in an orderly and organized fashion. ISTJ’s typically enjoy a neat and organized space, both at home and at work. ISTJs highly value traditions, loyalty and order, making it sometimes difficult for them to be flexible during times of change.
Best careers for ISTJ personalities:
02
ISFJ: Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging
Conventional and grounded, ISFJs respect and strive to uphold established structures and create and maintain orderly environments. They have a strong work ethic that includes serving others and are dedicated to their duties. ISFJs are conscientious and methodical workers who are not satisfied until the job is done.
Best careers for ISFJ personalities
03
INFJ: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging
This is the rarest of the 16 personalities. The INFJ type is highly insightful about people’s needs, motivations and concerns. INFJs often find value in relationships with others. While often artistic, creative and complex, INFJs are also deeply caring and gentle. Often referred to as an advocate, INFJs often find meaning in work that directly helps others.
Best careers for INFJ personalities
04
INTJ: Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking Judging
The INTJ type is guided by reason and logic. They are driven by gaining and using knowledge. They are highly confident and seek to reform and improve the world around them. While self-confident, INTJs can be uncomfortable in large groups or among people they don’t know well. They prefer to discuss ideas and facts rather than engage in superficial small talk.
Best careers for INTJ personalities
05
ISTP: Introverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
The ISTP personality type is typically quiet and observant. When a problem arises, they are tolerant, flexible and quick to find a solution. Organized and practical, the ISTP values data, logic and facts to understand issues. ISTPs often find meaningful work making and creating things, finding ways to make things work and learning along the way.
Best careers for ISTP personalities
06
ISFP: Introverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
The ISFP personality type is usually friendly and quiet. They enjoy observing and taking in the environment around them. ISFP typically prefer autonomy, working in their own space and completing tasks on their own schedule. ISFPs highly value loyalty and commitment in their personal relationships. Harmony is also important to ISFPs, avoiding confrontation and keeping their opinions to themselves.
Best careers for ISFP personalities
07
INFP: Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving
Because INFPs are highly curious, inquisitive and innovative individuals, they are usually optimistic in their world view and can be an inspiring team member. INFPs comprise just 2% of the population. They are highly creative, easily find connections in hidden patterns and enjoy abstract thinking.
Best careers for INFP personalities
08
INTP: Introverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving
The INTP personality type tends to be quiet and contained. They enjoy abstract ideas, and deep thought about theories over interaction with others. INTPs desire logical answers to questions or problems that arise in their environment. Often skeptical and analytical, INTPs are great problem-solvers, helpful when certain business issues present themselves. They are often highly creative, intelligent and attentive.
Best careers for INTP personalities
09
ESTP: Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving
The ESTP personality type is often referred to as entrepreneurial. They are energetic, pragmatic and flexible. They eagerly search for fast results, often taking risks to come up with the best solutions. ESTPs often do before they think, fixing and adapting their processes as they go. ESTPs enjoy a fast-paced lifestyle by living “in the moment” and spending time around groups of people.
Best careers for ESTP personalities
10
ESFP: Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving
Often seen as the entertainer, the ESFP personality type is outgoing, friendly and generous. They enjoy spending time around others, spreading excitement and joy both at home and at work. While practical and realistic in their work, they also value having fun achieving their goals. They are energetic and flexible, encouraging others along the way.
Best careers for ESFP personalities
11 Enfp: extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Perceiving
The ENFP personality type can be powerful in many workplaces. The ENFP type is generally innovative, inspiring and often unafraid of taking risks. ENFPs make up approximately 8% of the general population and include more women than men. They are highly perceptive when understanding how individuals and groups function, making them natural leaders inside organizations. ENFPs seek excitement, enjoy abstract and experiential learning, and seek maximum potential in their career experiences and others.
Best careers for ENFP personalities
12 ENTP: Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Perceiving
The ENTP personality is ideal for entrepreneurial thinking, whether ENTPs choose to own their own business or innovate within an organization. ENTPs often struggle to meet deadlines and find it difficult to work within hierarchies, which can restrict their innovative talents. ENTPs prefer to focus on the “big idea” and resist routine and repetitive tasks. Instead, they prefer highly conceptual work, problem-solving and leaving details to others.
Best careers for ENTP personalities
13 ESTJ: Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging
ESTJs make great executives, valuing tradition and order. Strong character traits are important to ESTJs who respect honesty and dedication both in themselves and others. ESTJs are practical decision-makers, looking for ways to quickly and effectively see results. Organized and logical, ESTJs are good at both creating and implementing plans. They do not shy away from difficult plans or decisions and work to bring others together toward a common purpose.
Best careers for ESTJ personalities
14 ESFJ: Extraverted, Sensing, Feeling, Judging
ESFJs are serious and practical, committed to their responsibilities, and sensitive to the needs of others. They strive for harmony and are generous with their time, efforts, and emotions, and are eager to please—both at work and at home. ESFJs value loyalty and tradition and hold to a strict moral code. They typically enjoy their routines and maintain a regular schedule that allows them to stay organized and productive.
Best careers for ESFJ personalities
15 ENFJ: Extraverted, Intuitive, Feeling, Judging
The ENFJ personality type is often charismatic, empathetic leaders. They are highly intuitive when it comes to other’s emotions, needs and motivations. ENFJs are often loyal and responsible, looking for ways to improve their team by leading with inspiration and responsiveness. ENFJs often look for opportunities where they can make the world better and can bring people together to make a difference.
Best careers for ENFJ personalities
16 ENTJ: Extraverted, Intuitive, Thinking, Judging
Often referred to as “the commander,” ENTJs are natural leaders. The ENTJ personality type is often honest, ready to make quick decisions. They are quick to spot inefficiencies and develop ways to solve problems. ENTJs highly value goal-setting, organization and planning. They are charismatic and confident which helps them to rally a group behind a common goal. They sometimes tend to be seen as harsh by those around them, using their drive and rational thinking to achieve goals by whatever means necessary.
Best careers for ENTJ personalities