Career Choices_Dec 2020

december 2020

career choices

A day in the life of a pilot

Set sail with a maritime career

How to ‘fashion’ your career

How brand management uplifts a business

Five career tips for emerging graphic designers The best career paths for creative millennials

Make smart choices when choosing a career path

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius.

For many, the question “How to choose a career path?” may seem daunting and stressful. It’s a decision that can put a lot of pressure on someone, especially at a time when studying for your matric exams takes top priority.

These challenging times can cause confusion and leave you feeling stressed but it is important to pay attention to this all-important decision as it will shape your future.

When choosing the right career to follow, you need to learn about yourself, your values, interests, skills and abilities together with your personality type.

This makes some careers a good fit for you and others a not-so-good fit.

When your high school education nears its completion, you must be

prepared for what comes next, and ask yourself: “Will the end of my education be the beginning of another one which determines my career path?” or “Does my education journey end here?”.

Choosing your own career path is an important process that requires careful thinking and planning. It isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, since your entire future and way of living is based on your career decision.

With so many options to choose from, how will you choose a career that’s right for you?

This Career Choice digimag strives to make your decision-making less stressful and more exciting. It also explores some of the careers we often don’t hear much about.

I have fond memories of aspiring to become a marine biologist when in grade 10 because of my passion and love for sea life. I would tear every time I watched Flipper or Free Willy and always had this fervent longing for the sea. However, between grade 10 and 12 I went through the motions and there were probably close to 10 different career options that I wanted to pursue. In my indecisive-teenage years, I wanted to try out anything that seemed cool and hip.

However, many hours of researching helped me find a suitable career and one that I would enjoy and make a success of. I was an avid follower of the news and discovered a flair for creative writing and poetry and the pull towards Journalism therefore felt inevitable. It is a decision thatI have absolutely no regrets about.

It is important to note that contrary to society’s beliefs, not only careers such as engineering, medicine or science leads to one being successful.

Success comes with being passionate and loving what you do . Find your purpose in life and build on it. Choose a career that not only suits your lifestyle but your personality and abilities.

– MaryAnne Isaac

Five career tips for graphic designers starting out A career in graphic design can unlock a world of opportunities, placing designers in the driver’s seat of creative brand design and visual communication.

The industry is ever-changing, so those who see the world through a creative lens need to stay abreast of the latest developments. The role of a graphic designer has shifted over time and goes beyond designing innovative solutions. Graphic designers need to be flexible, well-rounded and creatively differentiated individuals capable of working within this rapidly evolving discipline.

For this reason, here are five career tips graphic designers entering the industry should know to stay on top of their game.

Apply creative thinking and be curious Designers are known for their out-of-the-box ideas. By adopting strategic thinking, designers can develop visually innovative ways of producing concepts and apply complex problem-solving to overcome business challenges with a creative flair.

Never be afraid to try out new ideas and always be eager to learn something new.

Be versatile and flexible Today, graphic designers need to be versatile and flexible due to the ever-changing nature of the discipline. Designers need to understand how to design for different media such as print, motion and screen by using the latest software and technologies.

Be a team player Make sure you can work collaboratively with other team members of the same discipline and other disciplines. In today’s world, the ability to work with others is a very important skill, whether it is in person or virtually. Make sure that you can demonstrate this ability to your future employer or on your first job.

Be entrepreneurial and think ‘strategy’ The world is full of potential and opportunities.

You can start out on your own as a designer or team up with others who are looking for opportunities.

You can also make use of freelance opportunities that know no borders. To remain competitive in the market, designers need to understand their endusers to produce design work that not only delights but also persuades.

Care for people and the planet Your work can also make a difference to society and the environment. Make sure you understand the world you plan to design for and the people in this world. Learn how to research the different audiences you are going to design for.

The IIE’s Vega School provides a strong starting point for designers that covers essential and advanced insights. These are derived from its uniquely curated and highly stimulating degree format. Whether it’s receiving training on the latest design software or designing for print or digital, the IIE’s Vega equips designers with the knowledge and resources they need to pursue their dreams.

To find out more about IIE Graphic Design qualifications available to study at Vega, visit www.vegaschool.com

S E E R G DE H WIT E S O P PUR

Apply at Vega for world-class IIE degrees in brand communication, brand management and design.

2021 OPEN DAYS 30 January 6 March 29 May 28 August 30 October JHB | CPT | DBN | PTA | ONLINE

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ve ga s c ho o l . co m Vega is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07

FOR A PATH THAT ISN’T YOUR OWN.

Study brand management at IIE-Vega Strategic selfies, trend-worthy tweets and familyoriented Facebook snaps are critical to establishing powerful social media personas and brands worthy of a never-ending list of followers. It’s for this reason that social media has made brand management a real concern for entrepreneurs looking to kick-start their business in the digital age.

“For aspiring entrepreneurs, developing and managing their brand is key to their success. In the same way that a social media profile can resonate with its followers based on what it posts and the content it communicates – and not just a glamorous profile picture – starting a business requires brand management that extends well beyond designing a company logo and beautiful website,” says Shevon Lurie, managing director at Vega (a brand of The Independent Institute of Education).

The road to starting a business is no easy task, and most entrepreneurs would be mistaken in thinking they can ignore the importance of brand management when starting their business.

Why is investing in a brand so important?

Established brands can answer the much-soughtafter what, where, when, who and how questions that customers may ask about the business. This is done through strategic communication that maps out a brand’s messaging. It can, therefore, be said that brand management encapsulates the advertising and marketing elements of a business and ensures that businesses remain visible to consumers.

A well-thought-out brand strategy forms a perceived idea of the quality of a business’ offering and establishes its position in the market, which, in an already cluttered market, is extremely important.

To ensure this is done effectively, businesses need to undergo the somewhat complex task of identifying the mission, the benefits and features of the products and services being offered, and the quality entrepreneurs would like customers to associate with their brands.

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The role of brand management in entrepreneurship Much in the same way that mentioning Oprah’s name is rarely followed by “Oprah who?” – aspiring entrepreneurs who implement brand management when starting their business can establish an identity, through a set of characteristics, that will help them stand out from the rest of the competition.

Being able to implement a solid brand strategy when starting a business adds value to the business’ offering, the same way the brand strategy behind Coke has successfully influenced loyal customers, over the years, to purchase it over other soft drink brands.

Adopting a brand strategy equips business owners with the ability to build strong brand equity and association, which is key to attracting and retaining customers who will pay for the product or service being offered, due to their perceived quality of the brand.

When starting a business, entrepreneurs must demonstrate these capabilities by developing a strong brand presence.

Developing skills in brand management A qualification in brand management is key to developing insights and skills that will enable entrepreneurs to build a quality brand.

The IIE’s Vega delivers qualifications in brand

management that combine strategy and creativity in business with critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship.

The programme presents a balanced combination between humanities and the world of commerce to graduate students with an interest in establishing a business and building their brand. As part of the experiential component of the qualification, students work in multidisciplinary teams engaging in real-world activations and brand challenges.

The business world has evolved over the years, and the idea of a brand is no longer solely comprised of a balance sheet and business plans that look at sales targets. Today, businesses, both established and those that are emerging, can create a brand presence that lives across a multitude of platforms – from social media to websites.

Without adequate brand management, entrepreneurs face an uphill battle to convey what their business represents, which has the potential to limit the amount of engagement their business will get from potential customers.

Entrepreneurs need to form the building blocks that will set them up for success by enrolling in a course that will equip them with the skills to build their entrepreneurship career on a solid foundation.

To find out more about IIE Brand Management qualifications available to study at Vega, visit www.vegaschool.com.

You can also visit vegaschool.com to apply to study at Vega in 2021, and for more information on the wide range of IIE qualifications, programmes and online courses.

Building South Africa’s future, by APPLICATIONS creating yours...

open 2021

You can still apply online for the courses below at www.cput.ac.za/study/apply

COURSE

CAMPUS

CLOSING DATE

Advanced Diploma in Technical & Vocational Teaching

Mowbray

2 Dec 2020

Postgraduate Certificate in Education: Further Education and Training Teaching

Mowbray

2 Dec 2020

Bachelor of Marine Engineering (Extended)

Granger Bay

2 Dec 2020

Bachelor of Nautical Science (Extended)

Granger Bay

2 Dec 2020

Bachelor of Eng Tech in Chemical Engineering

Bellville

13 Jan 2021

Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication Design

District Six

Closing date extended to 13 January 2021

Diploma in Interior Design

District Six

Closing date extended to 13 January 2021

Advanced Diploma in Interior Design

District Six

Closing date extended to 13 January 2021

Postgraduate Applications are open until the 15th March 2021 A detailed list of postgraduate courses available can be viewed at https://www.cput.ac.za/study/ apply/step-1-choose-a-qualification

+27 (0)21 959 6767 info@cput.ac.za www.cput.ac.za www.facebook.com/cput.ac.za @cput @wearecput

AT H L O N E

B E L LV I L L E

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#CPUT2021 GEORGE

GRANGER BAY

MOWBRAY

WELLINGTON

WORCESTER

CPUT launches new programmes in maritime studies Students who are eager to kick-start their maritime careers can now apply for exciting new qualifications at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). A maritime career offers the perfect balance between a love for the marine environment and flair for science and engineering.

The new programmes consist of Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP) for a Bachelor of Marine Engineering (BPMARX), Bachelor of Nautical Science (BGNSCX) and Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Chemical Engineering, respectively.

With the theme “building South Africa’s future by creating yours”, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology in chemical engineering and the two ECPs of nautical science and marine engineering will provide a unique opportunity to enter the faculty of engineering and the built environment at CPUT. The courses are the latest additions to the more than 80 internationally recognised qualifications offered at CPUT and will start from March 2021.

Department of chemical engineering lecturer, Ashleen Marshall says those who attain the

three-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology in chemical engineering will provide companies with skills that include troubleshooting in chemical plants, process plant optimisation, process development and process design. The qualification will commence in January 2021.

Head of maritime studies and survival centre, Theresa Williams says the courses will be offered at Granger Bay campus for full-time students (1st year intake). Williams adds that the ECP foundation programme of one year, is ideally suited for students who require a bridge in order to gain entry into the mainstream three-year Bachelor’s degree.

This foundation year is for applicants who achieved between 40% – 49 % in physical science and mathematics or between 50% – 59% in technical science or technical mathematics.

“The foundation year prepares students for higher education by inducting them into the conceptual and technical knowledge in their chosen field of study,” she explains.

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Students who are eager to kick-start their marititme careers can now apply for exciting new qualifications

Set sail with an exciting maritime career

Department of Maritime Studies lecturer, Ekaterina Rzyankina further adds that the department designed the one-year foundation programmes bearing in mind how the Covid19 pandemic may adversely impact high school learners’ potential in mathematics and science, and particularly grade 12 learners.

This intervention involves a dedicated second semester during which students are formally taken for a field trip to visit maritime industry partners.

This opportunity enables the student to visualise the job that nautical scientists or marine engineers do on-board boats, in the port environment as well as the greater transport and logistics sector globally.

Career opportunities include ship management – education, training and development – ship

navigating officer, marine pilot, tug master, vessel traffic services operator and port operations.

After successfully completing ECP, the students will have an opportunity to enrol for the first year of Bachelor of Nautical Science or Bachelor of Marine Engineering.

“We are strongly encouraging you to apply for ECP nautical science or ECP marine engineering, which will start from March 2021; applications are now open.”

Applicants must submit their applications before the closing date for online applications on December 2, 2020 and they must verify the entrance requirements for the programme before applying by visiting the CPUT website: https://www.cput.ac.za/study/apply/

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CLASSES COMMENCE MARCH 2021

NOW

2021

#FASHIONYOURCAREER2021

Fashion your career with Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion If you have always had an eye for fashion and showed a keen interest in working in the fashion industry, you can achieve your dream with Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion by enrolling in a three-year fashion design course.

Based in Stellenbosch, the academy’s 2021 applications are still open, but be quick, spaces are limited. Apply now to be part of a small yet passionate and dedicated group of first-year fashion design students.

Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion offers a fashion diploma as well as a fashion degree.

The degree programme is planned to stimulate critical thinking and professional methodology, with contextual studies. The degree promotes key theoretical skills, and sound technical ability is at the core of all module outcomes. Students will be exposed to job opportunities in the fashion design practice, textiles, writing, styling, fashion design retail and the apparel industry.

The diploma course covers the entire value chain of fashion from conceptualising an idea to designing and making of the garments. In support of this process, the academy also teaches business, research, history, CAD, illustration, photography, design management, professional development, textiles (both technical qualities and surface design techniques) and pattern drafting.

Applicants do not require any specific subjects, such as design or visual arts, to successfully apply for full-time programmes. The only requirement is English Home /Additional language pass grade. The full-time programmes start from basic knowledge, therefore no prior sewing or drawing experience is required. If this all sounds fantastic, visit www./elizabethgalloway.co.za/apply/ and apply now.

What the academy looks for in applicants is a willingness to learn, a sprinkle of creative flare, a willingness to work hard and an open-mind.

Fashion is an incredibly fast-paced industry and demands long hours of physical work, so get ready to immerse yourself in the world of all things fashion.

How to choose a career after matric Having trouble making decisions about your future and the career you want? Many matriculants feel overwhelmed by all the pressure. I mean, I remember asking myself – how can they expect me to choose a career for the rest of my life, when I can’t even decide on what colour sneakers I want to buy? But I conquered my fears and made my choices, and now I can help you do the same.

The idea that only some careers such as doctor, lawyer and accountant are only important is untrue.

The job market is huge and you should choose a career that suits your personality and abilities.

Choosing a career Find out more about yourself. Unfortunately, many matric students are unsure about what they want to study after finishing school. The lack of career guidance in high school is one of the main reasons why learners delay going to college or university.

This is also why many university and college students drop out in the middle of their first year; they realise that they are studying the wrong course.

assessment One of the best ways that you can discover your true calling is by doing a self-assessment. It will help you discover your true personality type, interests, strengths and weaknesses, and help determine which career path suits you best.

Type of questions to ask yourself when doing a selfassessment: ¡¡What type of person am I? (Introvert/Extrovert/ Ambivert) ¡¡What are my interests? ¡¡What am I really good at? ¡¡What do I struggle with? ¡¡Do I like taking orders or do I like giving orders?

Take this self-assessment test and find out what type of person you are.

Speak to career advisers Speak to a school psychologist or career counsellor.

They can help you better understand yourself and the career opportunities suitable for you. You can also consider taking an online career test.

Different types of career fields to explore Here is a list of the main career fields that will give you a better idea of what kind of careers there are: ¡¡Architecture, planning and environmental design ¡¡Arts and entertainment ¡¡Business ¡¡Communications ¡¡Education ¡¡Engineering and computer science ¡¡Environment ¡¡Government ¡¡Health and medicine ¡¡International ¡¡Law and public policy ¡¡Non-profit ¡¡Science – biological and physical

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What is a scarce skill?

A scarce skill is a career field where there are not enough people who are qualified to do the job.

When you decide to study a scarce skill, you not only help your country but you also help yourself.

Scarce skill jobs offer good salaries and job security, because there are so few people working in the field.

Why you should consider studying for a scarce skill job ¡¡Finding a job will be easier. ¡¡You will be paid a good salary. ¡¡You can expect job promotions easily ¡¡Some scarce skill jobs offer international job opportunities Now that you have done a career test, think about how you are going to achieve your career goals. Do you need a degree or will a skills programme be enough to get you into the job you want? Look at various tertiary education institutions and the courses they offer.

Also think about the location of the institution and your time. Will you be able to travel to class every day? If not, you might want to consider distance learning education or part-time study.

Affordability is also very important. When considering a learning institution, take a look at their course prices. Will you be able to afford it? Do they offer any form of bursaries or easy payment options?

Lastly, look at the course requirements. Can you study the course you are interested in with a matric certificate?

Here’s a short checklist of questions to ask yourself: ¡¡Does this institution offer the course/qualification I need to achieve my career goals? ¡¡Do I meet the entrance requirements? ¡¡How long will it take me to complete the course? ¡¡Do I want to study full-time or part-time? ¡¡Can I afford it? Do they have easy payment or bursary options? ¡¡Is the learning institution nearby? If not, are there any distance learning education options for me?

These questions will help you find the perfect institution in no time.

When doing the self-assessment or career test, be honest with yourself. And when weighing your study options, choose a learning institution that will give you the best possible education, for what you can manage and afford.

Don’t be afraid of the future! Do your research.

Source: College SA

The best career paths for aspiring young creatives

Young people care. They care about things such as affecting social change, obtaining a work-life balance, and that pesky thing called self-fulfillment.

They want to love the work they do, impact their community and make the world a better place.

There is also a want for a sense of recognition from colleagues, and a desire to feel that they are valued and highly regarded by peers. Though earning more money and having benefits is important, many things need to be taken into consideration when choosing a career.

Thinking outside the box and learnability is a must. Gone are the days of the life-long job model.

With new skills emerging as fast as old ones become extinct, the desire and ability to adapt skills to remain employable redefine career security for millennials.

Here are some of the most lucrative careers for young creatives.

1. Local SEO strategist Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a valuable and unique skill to have today, and astute millennials are picking up on the high demand for

it. As a career, you can specialise in local SEO and consult for local magazines, strategise for individual brands on what they can do to improve their Google rankings, and charge according to services you offer depending on the services you offer.

2. Social media manager Social media has exploded over the last 10 years, and millennials are quickly filling up job openings in companies that are tuning in to the importance of having a strong social presence. If you can’t get away from your smartphone, you may be able to turn it into a full-time career.

If this is your passion, there are a few ways to do this for a living. You can consult, or start your own agency after learning the tricks of the trade with your own channels, and apply the skills to bigger companies, charging for the implementation, time spent and results obtained. We foresee this career becoming more popular than ever, and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. Not too bad for a 25-year old with no job experience. ...Continues on the next page

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The best career paths for young creatives

3. Software developers and programmers With emerging technology, jobs in the programming industry are skyrocketing. The more specific your field and the more skilled you become, the more desirable you are to a company looking to fill a position.

4. Public relations specialist In fast-growing cities, there is always a need for PR professionals. Millennials who want to leverage their social standing and networking skills and align it with a career path that interests them have an opportunity to get into a field that will always experience demand and growth, and even change the face of the PR industry using a millennial-driven approach to reach other millennials.

5. Start-up fundraising managers Successful start-ups are on the rise, and if you don’t feel like taking on the challenge of a start-up yourself, consider becoming a fundraising manager.

If your interests are math and numbers, this can be a great career choice.

6. Physician’s assistant Though this is not a creative or innovative career

choice, millennials appreciate the stability and predictability of this job. With an expected 38% in growth by 2022, studies show millennials make up 45% of the market currently, making it a highly desirable career path for our generation.

7. Social justice lawyer or advocate If talking about career paths makes you feel weary and unmotivated, it is likely that you need a cause to be passionate about. Millennials care deeply about social justice, and taking on a passion project and turning it into a full-time investment may be perfect for you. Many job openings are popping up for social advocacy within large companies that want to get more involved, allowing young adults to do something fulfilling while earning a living.

8. Social media marketing specialist When you think of all the companies who are joining the social media marketing trend, it is evident that there is potential in this field. As advertisers incorporate more organic, social sharing into their advertising campaigns there is a huge opportunity to specialise in this field and manage the social media marketing aspect of a company.

Look for jobs inside large websites, blogs and online magazines, or go directly to the client and work to place their product on the right platforms.

Why a career in a trade might just be the right fit for you

MaryAnne Isaac These days, most young people are drawn towards a career in medicine, engineering or IT – as these are regarded as high-paying jobs and are popular study choices. However, in South Africa, there is an even greater need for experienced and qualified artisans to carry out national development plans. This has led to government funding and supporting artisan training.

A career in a trade A person working in a trade is known as an artisan, and a career in a trade requires advanced training and skills. And the best part? Trade careers don’t require four-year degrees. Not everyone belongs behind a desk working a straight 9 to 5 white-collar job. Some people are good at working with their hands, strong in problem-solving and prefer to be actively engaged in their day-to-day work.

According to reports, professional artisans use

the latest technology and tools to turn plans into reality, and thrive in finding practical solutions to real-world problems.

“Mechanical ability, good hand-eye co-ordination and strong mathematical skills are a great foundation for success in the trades.”

Fast Company reported skilled artisans as one of the five jobs that will be the hardest to fill in 2025, attributing this to the fact that there would be “large numbers of workers retiring but fewer young people choosing these careers, which are also difficult to offshore or fully automate.”

Career opportunities Artisans use their skills to develop infrastructure and deliver basic services. Once an artisan becomes certified, they can also venture into becoming instructors, supervisors and inspectors. They are able to practise their craft in big public organisations or as private contractors. ...Continues on the next page

Continuing from the previous page‌ The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) lists the most in-demand trades in South Africa. Here are some of them:

1. Millwrights

According to Wikipedia, a millwright is a highprecision craftsperson or skilled artisan who installs, dismantles, maintains, repairs, reassembles, and moves machinery in factories, power plants, and construction sites.

2. Toolmakers

According to Student Scholarships, toolmakers craft precision tools and machines that are used to cut, shape, and form metal and other materials.

3. Boilermakers

A boilermaker fabricates steel, iron, or copper into boilers and other large containers intended to hold hot gas or liquid. They also maintain and repair boilers and boiler systems.

4. Fitters and turners

Fitters and turners fit, assemble, grind and shape metal parts and sub-assemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.

5. Carpenters and joiners

Both are construction trades. Joiners join wood in a workshop, whereas carpenters construct the building elements on-site.

6. Welders

A welder joins metal together on metal constructions through the use of intense heat and gas.

7. Plumbers

Plumbers install and repair the pipes that supply water and gas to, as well as carry waste away from homes and businesses.

8. Diesel mechanics

They inspect and service vehicles that run on diesel engines, and inspect or repair electrical systems, retrofit exhaust systems and replace motor components.

9. Instrument technicians

They conduct precision work in the field of measurement and control – inspecting, testing, repairing, and adjusting instruments that detect, measure, and record changes in industrial environments.

10. Metal fabricators/sheet metal workers

They make precision sheet metal parts for a variety of industries, ranging from power generation to medical device manufacturing.

A day in the life of a South African pilot

MaryAnne Isaac Being a pilot is a rewarding job, especially if you love to travel and discover new places.

A pilot is responsible for the safety of all passengers and crew, as well as for the aircraft and its cargo. Pilots have to undergo a lot of training before they are granted a license to fly.

They also have to be fit and have excellent vision and hearing. Regular medical tests and random alcohol and drug tests are part of a pilot’s life. In addition they need to be psychologically stable.

South African pilot NONI RADEBE takes us through her day as a pilot.

I will normally pack if I have a night stop. Other than that, I charge my electronic flight bag (EFB), to pack in my bag in the morning. I will also pack some civilian clothes, gym clothes and a change of uniform.

I normally start getting ready an hour and half before I have to be at work. I live 20 minutes from work; I like being early to prepare. I make sure all my documents and electronic gadgets required for work are packed, get my uniform in order, get

dressed, have a light meal and I’m off to work. If I will not be around to take my daughter to school and back, I make those arrangements too and leave for work.

If it is early, I eat nothing. If it is around 8am, I will eat cereal or have eggs and some coffee.

When I arrive, I plug my EFB into the company network so that I can get the latest notices and information to best prepare for the flight.

My colleagues at our operations centre will first prepare paperwork and flight plans related to our flight based on the number of passengers, cargo weights, weather reports and aircraft type. They hand over this pack to the flight crew.

Our job begins here. The captain and I will look at the weight of the aircraft and fuel needs in relation to the weather and any structural limitations of the aircraft.

We make a fuel decision taking into consideration the airport we are flying to, and the other airport closest to our destination in case of a need to divert.

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Continuing from the previous page‌ In flight, my duties will depend on the role I am carrying out at that time, either pilot flying or pilot monitoring.

In the case of pilot flying, I am at the controls doing the flying and navigating on the route.

I also update the passengers on the progress of the flight. If I am pilot monitoring, I do the relevant paperwork, speak to air traffic control and assist the pilot flying in managing the navigation and fuel.

We also start planning for the landing at the destination, look at the performance of the aircraft, weather, alternative airports or any other factors that may affect the landing. Contrary to popular belief, autopilot does not mean the pilots sit and do nothing. Autopilot is like a computer; it works on our inputs.

Speeds, altitude and performance are all maintained by the inputs of the pilots. It needs constant monitoring and input from the pilot to

maintain the desired performance. On a normal day, we will do up to four flights. In between, we get a few minutes to stretch our legs on the ground, then we start preparing for a flight again.

The captain will check the outside of the aircraft and make sure it is still okay to fly again. Inside, the cabin crew and the first officer will do the internal checks and prepare the aircraft for the next flight.

On the last flight, we review any technical issues and brief the engineers to have a look at any defects that may be present. Then we do any outstanding paperwork and log the hours of the aircraft.

If there are any noteworthy events that happened during the day we will debrief as a crew.

We hand in the fuel slip and any other paperwork that the company needs to file for its records. If I get home early, I spend time with my daughter. I then shower and relax.

If I have an early flight the next day, I make sure my EFB is plugged in and my uniform is ready.

Then it is off to bed to get maximum rest.

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

career choices To advertise in our next Career Choices digimag, contact: Sales Executive Leigh Bester leigh.bester@inl.co.za 082 228 6050