Career, Education, Student Finance, Startup and Gap Year Features

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Gap Year Adventures; Published: 22 May 2007; Last Updated: 01 March 2016

Aged 26 Heather Reed is a South African with global ambition! After completion of her studies Heather decided to venture the globe! We asked her ten quick questions about her travels and experiences as a South African living abroad!

1.Currently where in the world are you: Durban, SA (on holiday- residing in Dubai).

2.How many countries have you visited? Over 12.

3.Any hectic travel experiences? Turkey- being accosted (almost) by some young teenagers (FirstStep says: Charming!).

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Ultimate Careers; Published: 02 May 2007; Last Updated: 18 February 2016

Voting results: The First Ever Vote on FirstStep.co.za

Of the following options: Which is the coolest career!
Being a Superhero, Being a Pro-Sportsman, Being an Astronaut or Being the President

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Gap Year Adventures; Published: 19 April 2007; Last Updated: 29 February 2016

By Neville Beard
An increasingly popular choice for school leavers
Who doesn’t enjoy the concept of a break, a holiday, a gap from the daily routine of modern life? The question is really how long of a gap are you able to take?

If you are leaving (or have recently left) school you have an incredible opportunity to take a year, or part of a year, off (hence the term “Gap Year”). Many people think that they cannot afford to take time out now, but the reality is that it becomes more difficult later in life. Think about it – you’re probably not married, you also don’t yet have kids, and your monthly expenses are mainly personal in nature. You have youth and health on your side! All of these factors change as you get older, reducing your ability to take a gap. Whether you are going to study further or start working, it is not critical that you begin immediately, or even next year! Assuming that you are one of the few who are positive about what you want to do with your life, this still holds true. A year may seem like a long time, but it really is only about 1% of your entire life.

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Original Careers; Published: 25 April 2007; Last Updated: 02 December 2015

Neal Thomas Markham

“Electronic Engineering was extremely normal, Mechanical Engineering was too mechanical, I was looking for the best of both worlds…”

At the age of 24 this lad has what it takes to write a book on what seems to be an already accomplished life. Neal Thomas Markham read for a BSc Engineering in Mechatronics degree at the University of Cape Town, the degree was a combination of mechanical and electronic engineering, in other words Robotics (No, this is not Science Fiction, you can actually study this!!) After completing his studies Neal entered Barloworld Equipment (http://www.barloworld-equipment.com/) at the beginning of 2005 where he is now the General Construction Product Manager and AccuGrade Product Specialist! Umm, not entirely sure what that all means, well here’s the low down:

Details: Written by OriginalSteps; Category: Original Careers; Published: 17 April 2007; Last Updated: 30 November 2015

Paul Kelly

First things first, what do you think of the all new FirstStep?

Very cool front page, things are a lot more ordered, its easier to navigate

What new developments have happened since we last spoke? (Check out our first interview with Paul below)
Our team Fidentia Rangers managed to avoid relegation last season. I’ve moved down to Cape Town with them and we are currently second on the log this season.