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Dear Lungiswa

Thank you for your question regarding pursuing your career in business management.
 
Building a career is a life long process which takes time and commitment. It is important to gain experience and participate in further study as you move along the career path you have chosen.You have already taken two very important steps:

• You have completed a programme of study – well done on getting an N6.
• You are working as a receptionist gaining valuable experience – an excellent choice as it gives you an overview of the company and helps you develop a network of contacts - well done!

Use the opportunity you have as a receptionist to gain as much work experience as you can. Ask you boss if you can do some work for the secretaries or clerks during your quiet moments. This will give you some insight into other career areas, enhance you skills (which will look good on your CV), while also showing employers you are proactive and want to learn and develop. make sure you are always on time and complete all assignments and tasks you are given well and on on time. Really commit to this job and see it as a very important step in your career path development process.

While you are working and gaining experience start your job hunt process by determining your goals and the career path you would like to follow. There are a number of books on the subject in your local public library. Use the following web page to find the closest library to you in Cape Town. http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/your_gov/12107/facilities/130. A few books to look out for include:

• The 2008 what color is your parachute? By R N Bolles;
• Job hunting : Everything you need to know by A. H. Gort,.;
• Online job hunting : great answers to tough questions by Martin Yate;
• Hot tips on job hunting by C Goldschagg;
• Job hunting for the retrenched and others by T Marr;
• Job hunting made easy: a step by step guide by J. Bramham
• Successful job hunting by I. Ural,

You could also consider studying after hours by correspondence; this will look good on your CV, as it shows potential employers that you have perseverance and are serious about your chosen career. The University of South Africa (UNISA) offers many correspondence National Diplomas and Degrees and you can even study one subject at a time. Visit the website http://www.unisa.ac.za/) to see what they offer that may suit your career development needs. Contact them directly to discuss the entry requirements and to see if you have already earned some subject credits through completing an N6.

We hope this information will help you to start building your career path. All the best for your future career.

The Career Planet Team