Benter Opande Highlights the Importance of Career Choice and Guidance

Benter Opande, CEO of the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA), has emphasized the critical importance of career choice, especially as students transition from secondary education following the release of the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results.

“The task of choosing a career is vital and challenging, requiring careful thought and planning,” Opande stated.

She highlighted the need for students to assess their strengths, values, and skills to make informed career decisions that align with their aspirations.

Opande underscored that career guidance should begin early, as choosing the right subjects in secondary school is essential for higher education and future opportunities. She also noted the growing demand for specialized fields such as ICT, medicine, and engineering, while traditional roles like clerical and secretarial jobs are becoming obsolete due to technological advancements.

Opande outlined six broad career categories:

• Realistic Careers: Practical and technical roles like engineering, agriculture, and wildlife management.
• Investigative Careers: Scientific and analytical fields such as medicine, research, and ICT.
• Artistic Careers: Creative roles in art, music, design, and writing.
• Social Careers: People-oriented professions in education, law, counseling, and public relations.
• Enterprising Careers: Business-driven roles in management, sales, and consultancy.
• Conventional Careers: Routine and detail-focused fields like accounting, bookkeeping, and office management.

She advised students to perform a personal self-assessment, considering questions such as, “What am I good at?” and “What do I value?” She also encouraged seeking guidance from parents, teachers, and professionals in desired fields to make well-informed decisions.

Opande concluded by stressing the need for universal skills like computer literacy, interpersonal abilities, and foreign language proficiency to enhance career readiness.

“Planning your career is planning your future,” she said, urging students to take ample time to evaluate their choices and prepare to stay committed to their selected paths.

In her remarks, Opande reiterated that career choice is a deeply personal decision but one that shapes an individual’s journey in life, work, and self-actualization.