Navigating the professional landscape requires a blend of qualifications, practical experience, and personal insight. Ntombifuthi Nkabinde, a Psychometrist in Independent Practice, exemplifies this journey through her dedicated work in the field of psychometry. With three degrees in psychology and a passion for matching individuals to ideal jobs, Ntombifuthi offers a unique perspective on her career and industry, shedding light on the lesser-known yet crucial role of psychometry in human resource management and personal development.
Qualifications and Career Path
Educational Background
Ntombifuthi Nkabinde holds three degrees: a BA Honours (Psych) degree in Practical Psychometry, a BA Honours Psychology, and a BA Health Sciences and Social Services (Psychological Counselling).
- BA Honours (Psych) in Practical Psychometry – A specialized qualification that focuses on the practical application of psychological theories and techniques in measuring mental functions and behaviors.
- BA Honours in Psychology – A more general qualification that provides a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles, human behavior, and mental health.
- BA Health Sciences and Social Services (Psychological Counselling) – A degree that merges health sciences with psychological counselling, emphasizing the role of mental health within the broader context of human services.
These qualifications have equipped Ntombifuthi with a robust understanding of both theoretical and applied psychology, making her well-suited for her role as a psychometrist.
Choosing the Career Path
Interestingly, Ntombifuthi did not originally set out to become a psychometrist. “Initially, the goal was to be a Counselling Psychologist,” she explains. However, a chance encounter at a career fair led her to discover the field of psychometry, a discipline she had not previously considered. “Using my qualifications in the psychology field to learn intricate details about individuals and matching them to ideal jobs is always rewarding to me,” she reflects.
This unexpected shift in focus allowed Ntombifuthi to apply her skills in a practical and impactful way, helping organizations find the right candidates for specific roles through detailed psychological assessments.
Reflecting on Career Choices
When asked if she would pursue the same career if given the chance to start over, Ntombifuthi candidly admits she would not. “No, I wouldn’t pursue psychology,” she states, citing the significant challenges facing psychology graduates in South Africa. One of the primary issues is the limited availability of Masters programs. “Each university takes on about 12 Honours students, which leaves the rest of the graduates with no other option but to go into an industry they’re not passionate about,” she explains.
Furthermore, Ntombifuthi highlights the limited specialization options available within Masters programs in South Africa, noting the absence of fields such as Child Psychology. This lack of flexibility, combined with the difficulty of practicing psychology outside the country, has made her reconsider her initial career aspirations. “If I were to relocate to the USA, for example, I would have to start from undergraduate and work my way up all over again if I wanted to practice psychology,” she adds.
Career Advice
To her younger self and aspiring professionals, Ntombifuthi advises, “Do what makes you happy and follow your passions.” She emphasizes the importance of building a professional profile, networking, and continuously updating one’s CV.
Essential Skills
For those entering the field, Ntombifuthi highlights the importance of hard skills such as data analysis, research, and report writing. Soft skills like empathy, listening, and integrity are equally crucial.
Guidance for Aspiring Professionals
For those aspiring to enter the field of psychometry, Ntombifuthi offers practical advice on how to get started. “Update your CV and build a profile on professional platforms such as LinkedIn,” she advises. Regularly posting field-related content can help establish your expertise and connect you with others in the industry. Ntombifuthi also recommends attending industry networking seminars, such as those organized by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA), to stay informed and make valuable connections.
Job Responsibilities and Industry Insights
Day-to-Day Activities
Ntombifuthi’s role as a psychometrist is both dynamic and multifaceted. Her day-to-day responsibilities involve conducting assessments that are either for recruitment or development purposes. “On a day-to-day basis, I receive requests from HR to conduct assessments either for recruitment or development basis,” she explains. This process begins with reviewing the job specification to determine the most suitable assessments for the position.
Next, Ntombifuthi contacts the candidate to arrange the assessment, ensuring that all logistics are in place, including the preparation of the assessment venue and tools. Once the assessment is completed, she scores the raw reports and compiles detailed feedback for the hiring manager and HR. “Upon request, I would give individual assessment feedback to the candidate,” she adds, highlighting the importance of clear communication throughout the process.
Industry Surprises
One of the challenges Ntombifuthi faces in her field is the general lack of awareness about psychometry. “Through conversations, I have learned that most people don’t even know about this field of study,” she notes. This often leads to confusion and requires her to explain in detail what her job entails, especially when meeting new people.
Initial Job Surprises
Starting her current job introduced Ntombifuthi to the world of Medico-Legal assessments, an area she found unexpectedly complex. “It’s a whole different world with its own complexities,” she remarks, illustrating how diverse the field of psychometry can be. This experience broadened her understanding of the various applications of psychological assessments, extending beyond recruitment and development to legal contexts.
The Future of Psychometry
With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, many industries are facing significant changes. However, Ntombifuthi believes that psychometry will continue to thrive, even in an AI-driven future. “We currently use AI to generate raw reports, but you still need a professional to interpret, integrate, and make sense of the raw results,” she asserts. The sensitive nature of these results often requires a human touch, particularly when delivering potentially life-altering information to clients. “A robot cannot assess such human emotions effectively,” Ntombifuthi emphasizes, underscoring the enduring importance of empathy and understanding in her work.
Challenges and Rewards
Job Challenges
One of the most challenging aspects of Ntombifuthi’s job is the emotional toll of seeing suitable candidates not offered the job. “If it were up to me, everyone I assess would get the job; however, the final decision always rests with the hiring manager,” she laments. This can be particularly difficult when she believes strongly in a candidate’s potential, only to see them overlooked for reasons beyond her control.
Job Rewards
Despite the challenges, Ntombifuthi finds great satisfaction in her work, particularly when she sees candidates she has assessed succeed in their roles. “Seeing a candidate I assessed and recommended doing well in their job, thus proving my psychometric findings to be accurate, is the most rewarding thing about my job,” she says. This validation of her expertise not only affirms her abilities but also reinforces the positive impact her work can have on individuals’ careers.
Career Setbacks and Advantages
Reflecting on her career, Ntombifuthi acknowledges a significant setback that ultimately became an advantage. Not being selected for a Masters program initially felt like a major disappointment, but it led her to discover her passion for psychometric assessments. “I have since fallen in love with the world of Psychometric Assessments instead and receive great personal rewards from my work,” she reveals, demonstrating how setbacks can sometimes open doors to unexpected opportunities.
Goals for the Year
Looking ahead, Ntombifuthi has set her sights on an ambitious goal: to register her own company and start consulting. This move would allow her to expand her influence in the field and take on new challenges as an independent practitioner.
Personal and Financial Reflections
Childhood Dreams vs. Reality
Like many children, Ntombifuthi’s early aspirations were far removed from her eventual career. “My 10-year-old self would be shocked,” she admits, recalling her childhood dream of becoming a musician like Brenda Fassie or Yvonne Chaka Chaka. At that age, she had never heard of psychology or psychometry, making her current profession an unexpected outcome.
Life Without Financial Constraints
When asked what she would do if money were no object, Ntombifuthi’s answer reflects her love for exploration and creativity. “I would travel the world and write novels in between,” she says, envisioning a life of adventure and storytelling. This response underscores her multifaceted personality, combining her analytical skills with a deep appreciation for the arts.
Financial Lessons
Ntombifuthi believes strongly in the importance of financial education, particularly for young people. She distills her advice into four simple yet powerful lessons: “Save! Save! Save! And invest.” This emphasis on saving and investing highlights the significance of financial discipline, a habit that can provide security and opportunities throughout life.
Ntombifuthi Nkabinde
Psychometrist: Independent Practice
HPCSA Registration Number: PMT0094838
LinkedIn: Ntombifuthi Nkabinde
www.sassysoulsista.wordpress.com
About Author
