“Finding a job in the media today is tough. If you are not from Daystar or an International university, you can as well forget it. Just take a look at the media personalities today and tell me if I am wrong,” a Mass Communications graduate says.
WHILE THIS might have some truth in it, it is not entirely true. Earlier in February, it was rumoured that Nation Media Group was giving preference to Dayster graduates. Whether it is true or not, what is clear is that job seekers journalism are now more frustrated than ever.
The Kenyan job market is meant for people who know what they want, people who can believe in their profession and beat all odds to become the chosen few. If you have qualifications in journalism and media but are still blaming Daystar or Nation MD Linus Kaikai for being jobless, you are headed for d********n.
Here we clear some myths for those who are confused:
1. Not all media personalities are from Daystar: The Daystar advert shows you only a section of people who have emerged from that university, but not all. Trevor Ombija from NTV is a Nairobi University graduate, while Citizen TV’s Terryanne Chebet is a graduate of USIU. These two have worked at CCTV and are doing well for themselves, so stop blaming an institution for your lack of job.
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2. With skills and confidence, you can work anywhere you want: Another problem with job seekers today is that they want to get the good jobs at the snap of their fingers. That is never going to happen. It won’t matter if you keep sending your applications to all media houses on a monthly basis. Take a job with a smaller company and learn a skill at a time on your way up. And rembember confidence is key, you might be having a conversation with your next boss.
3. There are Daystar graduates who are jobless: Just because it looks and sounds good does not mean it is great. Among the jobless are some from the same private university and other best universties have their fair share.
The job market in Kenya is tough, yes, but it should not be dictated to you by anyone. If you are not sure whether your degree will bear fruit, do your research and consult a recruitment expert on available jobs for your profession.
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Selipha is a Communication Officer at Corporate Staffing Services, a leading Recruitment firm that offers free CV Placement & Career Advice. If you have any career queries, contact : [email protected]
Website: www.corporatestaffing.co.ke
