Work out what you want to do, then how to get there.

Actuaries use advanced maths and statistics to measure risk - for example working out insurance premiums, pension funding or the cost of future medical claims.

Agricultural scientists research ways to grow more food with fewer resources - better crops, healthier animals, healthier soil - while farm managers run the day-to-day business of a farm.

Architects design buildings and spaces that are useful, safe and good-looking, from houses to schools and shopping centres. They turn a client's ideas into drawings that builders can follow.

Lawyers help people and businesses understand and use the law. Attorneys advise clients, draw up contracts and handle cases; advocates specialise in arguing cases in the higher courts.

Biokineticists use exercise as medicine. They design training programmes to help people recover from injury, manage chronic illness, or improve sports performance.

Biotechnologists use living cells, DNA and microbes to develop medicines, vaccines, better crops and diagnostic tests, mostly working in laboratories.

Chartered accountants are top-level finance professionals who check company finances, give tax and business advice, and often go on to run companies as finance directors or CEOs.

Chemical engineers design the large-scale processes that turn raw materials into fuel, medicines, food, plastics and clean water. They mix chemistry, maths and engineering.

Civil engineers design and build the things a town needs, like roads, bridges, dams, water pipes and big buildings. They make sure these structures are safe and last a long time.

Clinical psychologists assess and treat people with mental-health problems such as depression, anxiety, trauma and serious mental illness, mainly through talk therapy and psychological tests.

Cybersecurity specialists protect computer systems and data from hackers, viruses and scams, and respond when attacks happen.

Data scientists use maths, statistics and programming to find patterns in large amounts of data and help organisations make better decisions.

Dentists look after people's teeth, gums and mouths. They fix cavities, pull teeth, fit crowns and teach people how to prevent dental problems.

Diagnostic radiographers take X-rays, CT and MRI scans so doctors can see inside the body. They operate the machines and keep patients safe from radiation.

Mechanics service and repair vehicles: cars, trucks, buses, tractors and mining machines. Diesel mechanics specialise in big diesel engines used in transport and industry.

Dietitians use the science of food and nutrition to treat and prevent disease - for example planning diets for diabetics, malnourished children or hospital patients.

Economists study how people, businesses and governments use money and resources. They analyse data on things like prices, jobs and growth to give advice on policy and business decisions.

Electrical engineers work with electricity: power stations, the electricity grid, motors, electronics and control systems. They design systems that generate, move and use power safely.

Electricians install, test and repair electrical wiring and equipment in homes, factories, mines and offices, making sure everything is safe and up to code.

Paramedics respond to emergencies like car crashes, heart attacks and births, giving advanced life-saving treatment on the scene and on the way to hospital.

Technicians and technologists are hands-on engineering professionals who test, build, maintain and improve systems, often working alongside engineers. You study at a university of technology, with more practical work than a BEng.

Environmental scientists study air, water, soil and ecosystems to find and fix problems like pollution, climate change and habitat loss.

Financial analysts study companies, markets and the economy to decide where money should be invested. They work for banks, asset managers and big companies.

Foundation-phase teachers teach young children in Grade R to Grade 3 to read, write, count and get along with others. They build the base for everything children learn later.

Geologists study rocks, minerals and the Earth's structure to find resources like gold, coal and groundwater and to keep mines and buildings safe.

Graphic designers create the visuals you see every day: logos, posters, packaging, websites and social-media graphics. They use colour, images and type to get a message across.

Maths and science teachers help teenagers understand numbers, physics, chemistry and biology, and prepare them for matric exams and careers in science and engineering.

HR practitioners look after a company's people: hiring the right staff, training them, handling pay and benefits, and helping solve workplace problems fairly.

Industrial engineers find better ways to organise people, machines and materials so that factories, hospitals, banks and warehouses run faster and waste less.

IT support and network technicians set up computers and networks, fix technical problems and help people when their tech stops working.

Journalists find out what is happening and tell the public through news articles, radio, TV, podcasts and social media. They interview people, check facts and tell stories clearly.

Marketing managers plan how a company gets people to know, like and buy its products, using adverts, social media, pricing and market research.

Mechanical engineers design and improve machines, engines, pumps and factory equipment. They figure out how things move, heat up and wear out, and how to make them work better.

Doctors work out what is making people sick or injured and treat them, using tests, medicines and procedures. Many later specialise in areas like surgery, children's health or emergency medicine.

Mining engineers plan how to dig minerals like platinum, gold and coal out of the ground safely and profitably. They design mines and make sure workers stay safe underground.

Occupational therapists help people of all ages do everyday activities - like dressing, studying or working - after illness, injury, disability or mental-health problems.

Optometrists test people's eyesight, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and pick up eye diseases early so patients can be referred for treatment.

Pharmacists are medicine experts. They check prescriptions, make sure medicines are safe together, and advise patients and doctors on how to use them.

Physiotherapists help people move and function better after injury, surgery or illness, using exercise, hands-on treatment and education.

Professional (registered) nurses care for patients around the clock - giving medication, monitoring patients, running clinics and supporting families. Many specialise in areas like ICU, theatre or midwifery.

Quantity surveyors are the money experts of construction. They work out what a building or road will cost, manage the budget and make sure contractors are paid fairly.

Social workers help children, families and communities cope with problems like poverty, abuse, addiction and illness, and connect them with the support they need.

Software developers design, write and test the code behind apps, websites and computer systems.

Speech-language therapists help people who struggle to speak, understand language or swallow; audiologists test hearing and fit hearing aids. In South Africa many train in both.

Supply chain managers make sure products get from suppliers to factories, warehouses and shops on time and at the right cost. They plan buying, storage and transport.

Planners decide how land in cities and rural areas should be used: where houses, schools, parks, roads and businesses should go so communities can grow fairly and sustainably.

Vets diagnose and treat sick and injured animals - pets, farm animals and wildlife - and help protect people from diseases that spread from animals.