Tools For Making Informed Career Choices

“I think an individual at any point in their careers should come in for testing as it may point to strengths which can boost confidence both in and out the workplace as well as shine light on potential weaknesses which an individual can then become aware of and make the right changes, if necessary.”

Analysing where you are in your career, where you want to go and what areas you need to work on to get there are all part of developing a successful work life.

This is true whether you about to begin your career or you’ve been in the working world for some time. While financial constraints may leave many thinking that where you are right now in your career is where you have to stay, there are options available, options that become a lot clearer with analysis.

The Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation offer vocational services that can help direct you when it comes to building your dream career. 99FM’s MYD Smart spoke to Beauty Boois, an Intern Psychological Counsellor at the Ministry of Labour, to find out more about these services and how all Namibians can access them.

99FM’s MYD Smart asked :

Tell us about the Vocational Services offered by the Ministry of Labour?

“Vocational Counselling Services is a subdivision under the Labour Market Services division in the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation. The unit is staffed by qualified and passionate psychologists and psychological counsellors who undertake work as vocational counsellors within the ministry.

“One on one as well as group counselling sessions are facilitated in our subdivision, the aim of which is to help people to make informed decisions about their career choices.”

Some of the services on offer at Vocational Counselling Services are:

Psychometric Testing which includes :

• Aptitude tests. This is done in order to assess individual potential to perform and acquire certain skills by means of training and or experience.
• Personality tests which are administered to assess the psychological constructs or components that determine how individuals behave and respond to various social situations.
• Interest tests which are administered to test for an individual’s motivation and satisfaction in specified fields of study and occupation.

Career and Occupational Counselling:

• One on one as well as group counselling sessions are facilitated in our subdivision, the aim of which is to help people to make informed decisions about their career choices as well as provide counselling regarding career crises.

Personnel Research:

• Research centred on organisational behaviour, personnel psychology/human resources management and planning.

Psychometry Related Research:

• Research efforts towards the optimal utilisation of assessment tools for Namibian purposes or standardisation.

Personnel Selection:

• Using the pool of professional knowledge and the use of psychometric tests, private and government institutions are assisted to select the most suitable candidates for the right jobs.

We also offer one on one counselling for individuals who are experiencing high levels of stress, social and emotional troubles and issues.”

Why would you recommend doing Vocational Counselling Services?

“I think an individual at any point in their careers should come in for testing as it may point to strengths which can boost confidence both in and out the workplace as well as shine light on potential weaknesses which an individual can then become aware of and make the right changes, if necessary. Furthermore, these tests can help individuals to better align themselves with the vision and mission of their company.

Also, a lot of the times people find themselves in careers or fields that they selected because of parental or societal influence and are now in a position to make changes but are confused as to what suits them or in which fields they would be successful because of matches with their personality. When people find themselves in these types of situations; our doors are open to them.

These tests are not only limited to working individuals but also for learners and prove useful in helping with subject choices or university study fields.”

How can they help an organisation?

“Psychometrics can offer more insight and knowledge about candidates for selection as well as make the entire personnel selection process easier by adding a more in-depth look at candidates beyond the traditional interview process.”

What are the benefits of doing such tests?

“Psychometric tests also allow for individuals to get to know more about, and understand themselves better. These tests can serve as a form of guidance when making life decisions such as choosing which study field to pursue.”

“At its best, psychometric tests are able to provide individuals and organisations with a relatively accurate and insightful picture of a candidate’s suitability for a role. Psychometric tests also allow for individuals to get to know more about, and understand themselves better.”

“These tests can serve as a form of guidance when making life decisions such as choosing which study field to pursue.”

“We also offer aptitude tests which are suitable for individuals as young as six years old (school readiness aptitude tests) up to 18 years and above (depending on the highest grade passed at school).”

What is the process to make use of these services?

“Private and government organisations and institutions are charged a fee to make use of our services of N$25.00 per candidate or individual. This is the same fee as is charged for individuals who are employed, however the services are free for those who are unemployed and for school going learners.”

How does one apply for vocational counselling services?

“Enquiries and bookings can be made on a walk-in basis, we are situated in 32 Mercedes Street in Khomasdal, or you can call us on (061) 2066111.”