School's out for the matric class of 2017, now what?
While a lot of emphasis is on studying directly after school, Educational Psychologist, Lianna Morrison says this is not the only way to make a success of your life.
Morrison says whether your child takes a gap year, enter the workplace or start studying, all of these will bring a shift in the home.
"A gap year can be an great time for your child as they have the opportunity to explore their interests further, widen their horizons and focus on their field of study," says Morrison.
"Job shadowing, working part time or full time, participating in exchange programs, travelling, working on cruise ships or at camps and interning can have immense value as they build independence, life and work skills as well as a sense of confidence and of self."
Morrison recommends compiling a professional Curriculum Vitae that can be delivered by hand or e-mail.
"Have a working e-mail address as well as contact number that potential employers can contact you on," Morrison says.
"Apply for jobs that are feasible for you to undertake in your current situation, don’t apply for jobs across town if you don't own your own car or don’t have funding for transport.
For those who are starting university this year, Morrison's advice is to apply for jobs associated to your field of study.
She adds: "see what skills you can learn and build on to develop your career further.
"No skill is wasted, there is the potential to learn something from every situation whether it be a “hard skill” such as operating machinery or a “soft skill” such as perseverance, all have value."