Dominique Brassell
Dominique Brassell
Age 18
School HeronBridge College
Dilemma: Dominique always dreamed of studying law but since she’s been moving up the ranks in school, she’s no longer SURE. “I’m just very confused as to where I’m really suited.” As a hobby she goes to a vocal coach and takes piano lessons. Move over, John Legend - perhaps Dom is our latest piano whiz-kid?
Expert’s opinion
Her real dilemma
Dominique wasn’t looking clearly at her abilities and talents. She was trying to fit herself into a standard box such as a lawyer or psychologist.
Steps taken to resolve the dilemma
Dom completed the StrengthsFinder test which showed her talents as Adaptability, Inclusion, Positivity, Developer and Maximiser. This shows that she would thrive in a positive environment where she could include others and where she would be required to be adaptable. She would not thrive in a highly competitive environment. She would be fulfilled in a career where she developed people and allowed them to maximise their abilities.
I spoke to her parents about what they see in her and they agreed with the StrengthsFinder. They also said she had a soft nature and is very good with children and including everyone.
Spoke to her about the people and moments that she has enjoyed. This gal is inspired by her drama teacher and has enjoyed the outreach work where she has been able to help others become the best they can be.
Expert’s view on Dom’s biggest challenge
Finding a job where she can make enough money to maintain her lifestyle and use her talents. She may also struggle with people who are competitive as opposed to inclusive.
Suggestions
Develop and maximise her talents in such a way that she can use them to make money such as in a business environment.
Her biggest learning
She learnt that when making a career choice she needs to start by looking at her own abilities and talents and thinking about how best to maximise the use of those.
What does Dominique have to say?
Did you get more direction from the Makeover Programme?
Yes, I was able to gain a better understanding about myself and I was able to narrow down my interests, talents, skills and future opportunities. I’ve realised that it’s better to understand yourself and your talents before making life decisions. This way you’re able to find the correct career for your personality and then you’ll be happy in your career – no matter what it is!
Do you know more about yourself?
Yes, I learnt that I care greatly for people. I‘m a developer - I want to help others grow and improve themselves. I also learnt that I’m a maximizer, always trying to improve myself and grow what I already have. This helped me understand exactly who I am and why I do things the way I do. This has been extremely helpful.
What decisions have you made?
I’ve decided to apply to all universities and to study a BA in dramatics and then perhaps branching out into psychology from there.
Devin Gray
Devin Gray
Age 17
School Fourways High School
Dilemma: Comedy is the name of the game for Devin who is an aspiring stand-up comedian living it up in Jozi. If it’s a few laughs that you need, Devin is your guy. “I love making people chuckle in my spare time but ultimately I need a day job as most great comedians have day jobs like John Vlismas who is a scuba diving instructor. I believe comedians have day jobs to keep them from getting bored or falling into depression. It keeps them occupied.”
Expert’s opinion
His real dilemma
He was unsure what to study after school.
Steps taken to resolve the dilemma
We did detailed testing including Prevue, SDS, SAVII, 19 Fields of Interest and StrengthsFinder.
StrengthsFinder showed his talents to be: Adaptability, Ideation, Command, Restorative, and Strategic.
Expert’s view on Devin’s biggest challenge
Keeping focused on his studies and building an alternative career until his comedy act can support him financially.
Suggestions
Study design which would use his natural abilities and would interest him. It would allow him to use his alternative thinking, use his restorative talent and extend his questioning mind.
I suggested that he follow a career in design (especially where he can find problems in the current design or functionality and suggest ideas to make it work better). Exactly where he should study would depend upon Grade 11 marks.
His biggest learning
He can do comedy and have a fun day job. He has a Strategic and Ideation talent.
What does Devin have to say?
Did you get more direction from the Makeover Programme?
Yes, the most beneficial part was finding my talents to see what I would be good at and what I’m able to do. I realised that anything is possible but you have to work hard.
Do you know more about yourself?
Yes, I realised that I have a high artistic side and I’m able to think logically and strategically.
What decisions have you made?
I’ve decided that I would like to study design or advertising.
Thomas Lekhanya
Thomas Lekhanya
Age 17
School Fourways High School
Dilemma: We’ve all been there. (Or some of you are currently there!) Grade 12 has finally arrived and the time has come to choose a career path for next year! The horror! Don’t worry, guys and gals, Thomas can relate. He loves socialising. Tick. He loves listening to music. Tick. But that doesn’t pay the bills, right? “I need assistance with finding a career path and I believe that this programme will have a massive impact on my life and future.”
Expert’s opinion
His real dilemma
Thomas was unsure what to study after school.
Steps taken to resolve the dilemma
We did detailed testing including Prevue, SDS, SAVII, 19 Fields of Interest. We will still do the StrengthsFinder.
Expert’s view on his biggest challenge
Doing the studies and keeping motivated.
Suggestions
Thomas needs to play to his strengths and personality, otherwise he will become de-motivated more quickly. He loves to work in groups and is highly extroverted. He is also highly innovative. The tests showed him to be practical and he says he enjoys working with his hands and figuring out how electrical things work. I suggested he goes on a job shadow with an Electrical Engineer to see if the job interests him and allows him to work in a group and be innovative. The tests also indicated a potential business talent. He likes to be given basic rules and then allowed to be innovative and explore.
His biggest learning
He is innovative
What does Thomas have to say?
Do you know more about yourself?
I was surprised to find out about new qualities and characteristics about myself, which I didn’t even realise I had! Choosing a career after high school can be a very tough decision, so I think one should think about which careers you would like to pursue – way before Matric – to avoid studying something you are not sure you want to do.
What decisions have you made?
I think I want to study Electrical Engineering.
Did you get more direction from the Makeover Programme?
Yes, at first I was lost and confused and I was unsure about what type of career would suit me. I realised I must choose something where I use my strengths and make sure it suits my personality. Most importantly, I realised I must choose something that I will enjoy!
Cathrine Ramaoka
Cathrine Ramaoka
Age 23
Varsity Unisa
Dilemma: Cathrine’s currently completing her Honours degree in Political Science & International Relations. Hello UN! “I’d like to know where I’d be employed one day and do I need more than a degree to get a job?”
Expert’s opinion
Her real dilemma
She was unsure of what job she wanted to do and lacked job-finding skills.
Steps taken to resolve the dilemma
We did detailed testing including Prevue and StrengthsFinder. Her talents are Context, Adaptability, Empathy, Input and Learner.
Expert’s view on Cathrine’s biggest challenge
Finding career direction and confidently asking for what she wants.
Suggestions
We prepared a summary to tell people about herself and what job she wants. We have also prepared an opportunity spidergram to identify job opportunities and contacts for finding a job.
Currently I’m supporting her via email in her networking and job-finding process. She’s also looking for opportunities in Graduate Management Programmes.
Her biggest learning
We’re working towards her believing that she can speak confidently and that she can find a job.
What does Cathrine have to say?
Did you get more direction from the Makeover Programme?
I learnt how to tell people who I am and what I want to do. Before the makeover I didn’t know how to approach people for a job, but now I do!
Do you know more about yourself?
Absolutely! I can confidently tell people about myself now!
Melindi Coetzee
Melindi Coetzee
Age 26
Current occupation Teacher
Dilemma: After finishing high school, Melindi completed a three-year degree in Human Movement Sciences and Psychology followed by a postgraduate degree in Teaching. Talk about hitting the books… hard! “My problem is that I’ve always had an extremely broad field of interest - which made it difficult for me to decide on a course of study.” Teaching is not this gal’s passion – if anything, she’s learned what she doesn’t want to become!
“At the moment I’m searching for a career where I can grow both personally and professionally, somewhere I can make a valuable contribution to society…”
Expert’s opinion
Her real dilemma
She was unsure of what job she wanted to do.
Steps taken to resolve the dilemma
We did detailed testing including Prevue and StrengthsFinder. Her talents are Relator, Individualisation, Achiever, Ideation, and Strategic.
Expert’s view on Melindi’s biggest challenge
She was unaware of her natural abilities. She also lacked confidence and was over-analysing her current situation.
Suggestions
Develop her talents and use them as much as possible.
Her biggest learning
She has unique talents and can find ways to use them. She can achieve but she also needs to manage her “Achiever”.
What does Melindi have to say?
Did you get more direction from the Makeover Programme?
Absolutely - I now have a better understanding of my strengths and how to apply it in the workplace. It has helped me assess my current and future career opportunities. Thus, given me focus, vision, goals and, very importantly, excitement for a future vocation!
Do you know more about yourself?
I think I understand more about myself after having done this Programme. Why I wasn’t completely satisfied with my career, the obstacles that stood in my way, what I need to do or achieve to feel that sense of job satisfaction, how to apply myself with regard to my specific strengths and personality and getting to a place where I can start reaching my full potential. The most valu-able thing I learnt was what my strengths are, and understanding how the combination thereof fits into who I am and the type of career I would enjoy.
What decisions have you made?
My decisions are long-term, but for now, I will be completing my Honours degree in Psychology. A copy of my first book will be available on shelves from 2028! Alternatively you can watch me on Oprah’s Special edition show, featuring Nobel Prize winners.
SACF Career Makeover Jan 2011
Here they are, the awesome 5 lucky finalists in the first SACF Career Makeover Programme
Are you unsure of what you want to study or do after school?
Apply online today for our Career Makeover Programme and maybe you’ll be one of the lucky applicants to be chosen to join our next programme.