Kenya’s Most Marketable Degrees for a Successful Career
Students who aspire to pursue degree programs in Kenya must receive suitable guidance prior to enrolling in courses that will result in prolonged unemployment. This is due to the current state of the economy in the country.
There are approximately 800,000 graduates in the employment market annually from Kenya’s higher education institutions. Nevertheless, the number of opportunities is limited, and many graduates are faced with the challenge of securing appropriate employment. Typically, it takes them a considerable amount of time to secure employment.
Fortunately, upon completion of a number of university degree programs, you will be able to advance to the next level. These degree programs are highly competitive, in high demand, and offer substantial compensation. They are well worth pursuing.
The following is a compilation of Kenya’s Most Marketable Degrees for a Successful Career:
1. Surgery and Medicine
This is undoubtedly one of the most marketable courses in Kenya. It is a highly sought-after profession for graduates, despite the fact that it requires a rigorous learning process. Although opportunities in the government health sector may be scarce at some point, the course remains marketable. This is due to the fact that, as long as one possesses the necessary skills and certification, they may choose to establish their own clinic, pursue opportunities in private health institutions, or even venture beyond national borders.
One of the advantages of medicine and surgery is that certain individuals are assimilated prior to or during their academic careers.
2. Web Development and Software Engineering
Kenyans are increasingly interested in monetizing social media, which is expanding at an accelerated pace. Furthermore, numerous multinational corporations are recruiting personnel via the internet; freelance web developers, for example, are in high demand.
Software engineering may be an appropriate career choice for you if you possess a strong foundation in mathematics and believe you are capable of managing intricate programming.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to remain employed for the duration of a dynamic digital economy. Safaricom, IBM, and Google are among the mega-companies that offer software engineers salaries that range from Ksh.200,000 to ksh.500,000 per month.
It is recommended that individuals acquire pertinent certifications, such as Microsoft Certification Exams, to distinguish themselves in the competitive software engineering job market. These certifications can serve as evidence of their expertise in particular programming languages and technologies.
3. Pharmacy
In Kenya, pharmacy is a degree program that is both marketable and popular. Additionally, as an entrepreneur, you have the opportunity to maximize your potential.
You may choose to pursue self-employment by establishing a pharmacy or seek employment at organizations such as GSK, NACADA, private and public hospitals, or clinics located throughout Kenya.
4. Evaluation and Monitoring
Although this course is not well-known to many, it is a course that will ensure the success of any individual who pursues it.
The course is distinctive, and the number of professionals is lower than the number of employment opportunities, which renders it more marketable. Interviews are attended by a mere handful of individuals; applicants are restricted to a maximum of thirty.
5. Chartered Financial Analyst
Other degrees may not be necessary once one has obtained a Chartered Financial Analyst degree. Employers are aware that this course is challenging, and they are confident that you will be able to take on the available positions once you have completed the third level.
Undoubtedly, the unemployment rate for financial analysts remains at 10%, the lowest among other marketable courses in the nation.
Furthermore, in order to enroll in a CFA program, it is mandatory to complete an undergraduate course in areas such as statistics, Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Commerce, Law, or Actuarial Science.
6. Statistics
This course will provide you with employment opportunities immediately upon your graduation, provided that you believe you are proficient in mathematics and science.
Opportunities are plentiful. Upon obtaining your degree, you will have the option of pursuing employment or becoming a consultant.
Moreover, this course allows for career diversification. For example, while in college, you may choose to become a financial analyst, demographer, actuary expert, data analyst, or accountant.
Finding an undergraduate statistics major who is currently unemployed is a challenging task.
7. Actuarial Science
Professionals in this field simulate risks for audit firms, insurance organizations, and government institutions. Among others, they are employed by the RBA, IRA, CIC insurance, Alexander Forbes, Old Mutual, Kenya RE, and Nairobi Securities Exchange.
Actuarial science is a course that is highly marketable; however, in order to achieve the highest level of success, it is necessary to acquire professional certifications from the ICFA and SOA. The course is not taken by many Kenyans, which creates substantial opportunities for professionals.
8. Quantity Survey/Architecture
Graduation from the course typically occurs within seven years. However, the demand for architects and quantity surveyors is on the rise as a result of the growing urban and real estate development. It is feasible for graduates to secure employment in the least amount of time.
9. Piloting
Piloting is one of the most marketable disciplines to pursue in Kenya. Up to three years are required to complete the course. Nevertheless, the completion of the project will incur a cost exceeding five million Kenyan shillings. This illustrates that this exorbitant fee is exclusively accessible to the affluent.
If you are fortunate enough to enroll in this course, you will be prepared for employment and receive a commensurate salary.
10. Law
You will achieve success in your profession if you pursue a legal education today and accumulate substantial industry experience. Initially, you may encounter difficulties; however, you will generate millions of dollars once you acquire clients and provide exceptional service. Additionally, you will have the ability to establish your own law firm.
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11. Design and Creative Arts
The creative industry in Kenya has experienced substantial development in recent years, resulting in a heightened demand for professionals with artistic and design abilities.
A career in advertising agencies, media houses, film production companies, the fashion and textile industry, or as a freelancer can be achieved by pursuing a degree in digital marketing, film and television production, fine arts, or graphic design.
The creative arts sector also offers the opportunity to leave an enduring impact on the cultural fabric of the country, as well as for self-expression and innovation.
If you are seeking employment immediately upon graduation from university, it is advisable to pursue one of the above-marketable degree programs in Kenya, provided that you possess the necessary qualifications.
