Which Degrees Can Get You a Popular Career in South Africa?

When picking a career, it’s always best to pursue a degree that will land you a highly profitable job. Many factors determine the trajectory of any profession, such as the industrial needs, employment opportunities, and how much it will benefit the local economy. In first-world countries, it is easy to pursue any opportunity, but in a developing country like South Africa, you have to play by your strength.

Over the past few years, South Africa has gained quite a lot of traction in its economy. Not only has the economy managed to develop itself, but the infrastructure has also advanced immensely.

Currently, South Africa stands as the largest exporter of gold and platinum. It has also developed financial hubs, legal bodies, and transportation services, giving its economy a significant boost. Above all, South Africa is home to one of Africa’s biggest stock exchanges, so why wouldn’t you want to work here? If you’re eager to make a career in South Africa, here are some places you should look:

Why Does Choosing a Popular Career Matter?

One of the perks of choosing a popular career is that it will land you a high-paying job. Who doesn’t want stability and security in their life? Therefore, when you pick a career, think carefully about what you want from your job. Are you searching for prestige, wish to make a name for yourself, or want to make a solid bank? Hence, thoroughly research the most popular careers and jobs in demand in South Africa and pick a path that appeals to you the most. But for your understanding, the following can provide you with a glimpse of what you can do here:

1.  Specialist Medical Doctors

The healthcare sector is constantly growing in South Africa. As a result, there’s a need for doctors who have specialized in specific fields, such as surgery. In South Africa, you already start making good money once you become a doctor, but if you choose to get an advanced degree and pursue more specialized skills, you secure a handsome salary for yourself. As a doctor, you can choose to specialize in any field, but your area of specialty will determine the kind of money you’ll make.

For instance, neurosurgery is a highly respected career in South Africa. Once you build up experience and devote more time to your profession, you can make a handsome salary as well.  Becoming a doctor in South Africa is slightly different from the US. The medical schools here go up to six years, and once you graduate, you’re awarded an MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree.

The last step is registering with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA). If you wish to specialize, you must enroll in any master of medicine program. These degrees last four to six years, and once you complete your program, you must register with the HPCSA again, but this time as a specialist.

2.  Chartered Accountant

Chartered Accountants (CA) are financial professionals who manage everything related to finance for businesses. CAs specialize in four areas: applied finance, management accounting, financial reporting, and taxation. You may also be needed to file taxes, audit financial statements, and carry out forensic accounting. Within the US, the same designation is known as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), but in South Africa, you will be known as a CA. Once you have the required credentials to be a CA, an entry-level job will make you about R489K per year, whereas if you have mid-level experience, you can make up to 605,000 Rands per year.

Becoming a Chartered Accountant in South Africa is quite technical. You will need to start your journey by pursuing a Bcom degree in any South Africa Institute of Chartered Accountancy (SAICA) accredited university. Once you have your degree, you’ll need to obtain a Certificate in the theory of accounting (CTA) or any relevant qualification. The process itself is known to take a year.

When you have your CTA and complete your training contract, there are two more qualifying exams you need to pass. In contrast, you can sit for the first part of the qualifying exam after your CTA; for the second part, you must complete a minimum of 18 months of training before you’re eligible to sit for them.

3.  Cyber Security Engineer

In today's tech-savvy world, the need for cybersecurity engineers has risen by tenfold. Since data has been integrated online, keeping it secure has become paramount for many companies, so your role as a cybersecurity engineer will come in handy. Cybersecurity is all about testing the vulnerabilities in any software security.

You do this by stimulating an attack, attempting to penetrate the network, and analyzing areas where the software seems weak. To become an engineer, you need to obtain any relevant degree related to the IT sector, such as Computer Science, Systems Engineering, or Math.

Additionally, you will need about two years of work experience in cybersecurity, such as mastering incident detection and response. Given how lucrative the field is, you’ll also need to get proficiency in programming languages such as Java. Once you have these under your belt, apply for a post-grad degree in cybersecurity.

4.  Sales Manager

Every business needs a competent sales manager. You will be responsible for the company’s growth and ensuring you hit all the necessary targets for your sales revenue. As your job relies heavily on marketing and requires you to have strong business acumen, you will need to get a degree in business administration, statistics, or mathematics. You will also need to study further and obtain a master’s degree in business administration since most companies in South Africa care about your qualifications. Taking on the role of a sales manager can be fruitful for you.

Final Thoughts

South Africa is an exceptionally booming economy, and rightfully so. This country is devoted to taking its industries to the next level, and you can play your part, too. The best way to contribute to their growing economy is by pursuing professions that will land you a prestigious life. While there are other careers you can explore, these four degrees are an excellent starting point in your research for a fruitful career.