Crawford Times 61

CAREER FILES
Technology
and the Built
Environment
Bachelor of Science in the field
of Computer Science
Yes, there is merit in the predictions for the big
demand for qualified workers in programming,
artificial intelligence, software development,
robotics, software and system architects, IT scrum
masters, IT developers, penetration testers and
game designers. As a career counsellor, I reckon
that the University of Witwatersrand (WITS) BSc
Computer Science qualification is as good as it
gets, especially in comparison to international
equivalent options. Second-year modules include
Mobile Computing, Database Fundamentals,
Analysis of Algorithms and Computer Networks,
as well as Multivariate Calculus, Abstract Maths,
Linear Algebra and Mathematical Statistics.
I often come across a learner who aspires to
become a game designer, normally based
on experiences in playing computer games
or success that has been achieved in a
school subject such as Computer Application
Technology, also known as CAT. In such cases,
I’ve found a good reality test is to expose a
learner to the second-year modules at the Wits
BSc Computer Science degree. I explain that this
is the state-of-the-art qualification and an aspirant
game designer must take the second-year
modules into consideration before deciding on a
career in gaming design.
At Wits, I’ve found that the faculty manager in the
Science Faculty, namely René Vosloo, is one of
the most caring and helpful administrators I have
ever come across. She will gladly assist students
and parents in supplying the correct information
to them, mapping the modules in cases where
students have fallen behind in studies, motivating
them and even in some cases providing food
parcels to needy students.
From a career counselling point of view, the Wits
Marketing Department must be congratulated on
the publication of their excellent Undergraduate
Applicants’ Guide. In my opinion, it must be
rated as the best of its kind in guides that are
locally available. Other universities should pay
attention to how clearly admission requirements,
including international requirements such as the
Cambridge school system requirements, are set
out in the Wits Undergraduate Applicants’ Guide.
The listing of the module choices for each degree
is one of the most useful career counselling aids
that I use in my practice.
VOCATIONAL TRADE WORKERS
Everybody talks about the shortages of vocational trade workers in South Africa. I’ve found that Sol-
Tech Vocational College in Pretoria really produces what they promise when it comes to the training of
trade workers. They undertake the training of toolmakers, millwrights, diesel mechanics, electricians,
fit-and-turners, tractor mechanics and welders.
Every child a masterpiece | 79