The average TEEN, when choosing a career, always draws for the more popular and obvious careers such teacher, doctor or lawyer. Most times the career choice one makes is not based on what they want. Instead, they make choices leaning towards fulfilling the dreams of their parents and family members. It can be said that these career choices are clichéd, and as such TEENs are drawn more to them.

When choosing a career it should not be based on what people want you to become but what you really like or enjoy doing. If you do something just because your mother, father or aunt wants you to do it, chances are you may not excel at it. Therefore, when choosing your career path it is best to do a personality check and research the many different career choices available.

The following test can help in determining your personality classification. This is just a guide and may not always accurately determine an individual’s personality classification. Knowing your personality type will help you to identitfy your career type.

Answer Yes or No

1) Do you enjoy helping others and often find yourself doing so?

2) Are you a confident person who is not usually afraid to take the lead?

3) Do you prefer to work alone?

4) Do you recover quickly from failure or setbacks?

5) Are you always arranging and organising things in an orderly manner?

6) Are you usually coming up with abstract ideas?

7) Are you usually preoccupied with the interest and well-being of others?

8) Are you usually anxious to find solutions to problems?

9) Are you usually able to explain things for others to understand?

10) Do you attempt to quickly implement ideas even when you did not do much planning?

11) Do you enjoy working with people?

12) Are you usually considered for leadership positions?

13) Do you prefer figuring out things without checking or receiving instructions?

Today we will be looking at the Job Title: Agronomist

An Agronomist is one who conducts research and investigates field crop problems. Agronomists develop new methods of growing crops to ensure more efficient productions, higher yields and improved quality.

For one to become an agronomist it is required that they have passes in the following subjects leaving high school: English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Geography, Agricultural Science, Information Technology and Chemistry. In furthering yourselves, you are required to have a Bachelor of Science (BSc)/Master of Science (MSc) in agricultural science.

To do this job one must be able to work under pressure and make important decisions. They should be able to communicate well verbally as well as in written form. You should also possess good organisational kills and pay attention to details. Good management and leadership skills along with strong analytical skills are required.

Persons who are looking at choosing this career can get jobs in the ministry, and development of agriculture, international lending agencies and large agricultural businesses. The income is from average to over-average, depending on dedication to the job.

In the personality test, if you chose numbers eight and 13 as a ‘yes’ response, then this could be a career you could consider to work towards. This falls in the category of a problem solver. Good luck, and all the best.

See you next week for another Career Walk.