Not end of the world, other career paths open

PETALING JAYA: Career consultants emphasize that there are multiple paths to success for students who are not offered a place at public institutions of higher learning (IPTAs).

Usha Devi K. Arumugam, a human resource consultant, believes that it is important for teenagers to take time to understand their strengths and interests. She highlights that there is no need for excessive pressure on oneself.

Arumugam says, “What we like can change over time. I know of engineers who switched to sales, those in operations who moved to human resources, and statistics graduates who are now doing marketing. It is crucial to reach out to those in the industry or areas you are keen on and get insights from the experts.”

The Higher Education Ministry recently announced that out of 239,609 SPM students who applied, 144,911 of them were offered places in IPTAs. This means that a significant number of students did not receive offers. Overall, 403,637 students registered for SPM 2022.

Regarding students who did not get into an IPTA, Arumugam assures them that it is just a temporary setback. She advises not to give up and suggests recharging, refocusing, and making learning a part of their lives.

For those who are unable to further their studies due to their results, Arumugam recommends considering part-time courses, short courses, or online training. She emphasizes that these options can provide a basic academic foundation and strengthen knowledge in a specific field of interest. For aspiring entrepreneurs, Arumugam suggests taking up short courses on finance, marketing, and negotiation.

Ganesh Kumar Bangah, a technopreneur, advises students who are uncertain about their next steps to engage in self-reflection, career counseling, research, and experimentation through part-time jobs or volunteering. He emphasizes the importance of avoiding hasty decisions and aligning choices with personal goals and values. Bangah believes that growth, learning, and passion are key factors in determining a successful career path.

Bangah also highlights the unique opportunities presented by entrepreneurship and the gig economy. He explains that many gig workers are essentially entrepreneurs running their own small businesses, and many entrepreneurs rely on gig workers for flexible, on-demand labor. Both these sectors are shaping the future of work in the 21st century.

Fong Choong Fook, the executive chairman of LGMS Group Bhd, emphasizes that school leavers have promising career options in the growing digital economy. He specifically mentions the booming sector of cybersecurity, which highly values skills, experience, and strong ethics. Fook recommends vocational training and certifications like CISSP, CEH, and CompTIA Security+ to enhance employability in the cybersecurity field. He also believes that practical skills, continuous learning, and hands-on experience often outweigh traditional academic qualifications.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of checking relevant accreditation and practicality before enrolling in any training or courses. While public and private higher learning courses can be verified through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) website, due diligence must be done for industry-based and market-driven short courses and training to ensure their usefulness and relevance to learners’ skill development.