The Importance of Qualifications

‘YES QUALIFICATIONS DO MATTER’

The question of qualifications arises in many instances when someone without a relevant qualification for the job gets the position. A number of graduates sit at home with their Degrees but unemployed.

Recently Hlaude Motsoeneng was asked by the SABC to be the acting CEO, but then questions were raised in accordance with his qualifications. Hlaudi does not have a matric certificate but earns more than R2.4 million. The question then becomes does the qualification really matter or the person’s ability to do the job.

There are certain jobs that one just needs a qualification, a doctor for instance, needs the qualification to practice as a doctor because the kind of knowledge related with this profession is in the books and practice. This is different with professions of mechanics and handwork and other professions related to the media for instance.

Many media moguls did not study the profession in schools, but again it depends on the kind of job that is at hand. But if we look at it from an academics point of view then it would be totally different, yes it is unfair for someone who went to school for a qualification and is unemployed, whist someone without a qualification holds a senior position.

Neo Molobi holds a B-tech in Public Relations management, she graduated in 2009 and has since been unemployed, and she has been working temporary jobs that are not in line with her area of study. She describes her situation to be frustrating, “every time I apply for a job I get rejected, because they want 5 years experience which I do not have.” Like many other graduates who cannot find employment in their area of study Neo has resorted to work in a retail shop, but admits that she has not lost hope since she knocks on every door and hopes to get the job someday.

Qualifications are important and necessary, as much as it is hard to get employment; it becomes twice as hard when you do not hold any qualification to your name. A certificate, Degree or Diploma becomes a testimony of your commitment and motivation. There is a high rate of unemployment and as a result the is a very high competition in the job market and your qualification then becomes the best way for you to demonstrate what you are capable of.

Professor Delarey Van Der Waldt, Emphasises the importance of the theoretical background that can only be attained in books, thus the important of a qualification. “to be an excellent practitioner in a field one needs to understand certain theoretical aspects” he said. He also went on to explain the big difference between one that has experience only and one that has the qualification. A person with a qualification, in this case a scholar understands why he\she is doing something and how, whilst someone with experience might do something but not know why.

Prof Delaray went on to say that at times, depending on the kind of strategy individuals use, those without qualifications can surround themselves with good management that will help in decision making. But it is always advantageous to have.