A number of universities in Kenya offer Bachelor of Economics and Finance. What students don’t know is whether it’ a marketable course or not. Yes, the course is marketable but it depends on how you position yourself in the job market. The first thing to do is to make sure that you score good grades in college. Aim at first class or Second class upper division.
With a first class you will easily get a job as a graduate trainee. Graduate/Management Trainee jobs require first class, they employ top cream from local universities.
Another thing you will do while in the University is to pursue a professional course related to economics and finance. These courses will make you visible in the job market and boost your chances of getting a job in Kenya. Example of such courses include:
- ACCA(Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
- CFE(Certified Fraud Examiner)
- CPA(Certified Public Accountant)
- CIFA(Certified Investment and Financial Analysts)
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
If you successfully pursue any of these courses, your chances of getting a job are high.
Another route to take is to enroll for MSc Finance immediately after graduation, then PhD in a related field and become a lecturer. There are many colleges and universities that will give you a job as a full time or part time lecturer.
You can also opt to be an entrepreneur or work online. Look for remote jobs online from sites like Remotasks.
With all those options above, you won’t be jobless in Kenya. But if you joke around and get a second lower or Pass in the university and avoid pursuing a professional course, you will find yourself jobless for a long time.
If you can’t get a job locally, look for one in Gulf, Germany, UK,USA or Canada. There are a number of recruiting agencies online for those jobs