I was 17 years old and doing my matric when I decided I want to be an economist. What inspired me was an opportunity that presented itself from the South African Reserve Bank for high school learners to participate in a challenge that was then called “The MPC Challenge”. The competition consisted of a group of matriculants conducting research and providing an input on the repo rate decision. Although we did not triumph, the exercise brought an inspiration of developing a career in economics.
I received career guidance and support in all angles. Family was my primary source of career guidance and being surrounded by people that had already walked the path I wanted to embark on, although in different career fields. However, the constant reminders that “I should have my eyes on the ball” and having family to lean on during difficult times was the most significant role they played. Additionally, I received professional academic, emotional and mental coaching from the scholarship I was using during my undergraduate studies.
One of the greatest challenges I had to overcome on my journey was losing my paternal grandmother whilst I was in university. Her dream was to see me graduate, however, her life was short lived and she never got the opportunity to see me graduate.
Making my mother proud and making sure that my son knows the world is his oyster.
It doesn’t get easy but as you keep pushing you become better at it.
Attend career expos and engage with relevant people on social media, as it has become the greatest tool for sourcing information.