Bachelor of Commerce is one of the best courses to pursue in the university. However, you may end up scoring second class lower, which limits your chances of getting a job. But you should not be discouraged, there is a way you can maneuver the job industry and become employable.
The moment you get your certificate and realize that you scored second lower, know that there are areas you won’t compete equally with those who scored first class or second class upper division. Most jobs for fresh graduates, like management trainee require at least Second Class Upper. For you to become marketable, here is what to do:
Pursue marketable professional courses
Majority of employers value professional courses more than a degree. If you identify a marketable one and pursue it, you will be marketable. Example of professional courses to pursue:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Fraud Examiner(CFE)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Investment and Financial Analysts (CIFA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
CFA is the most marketable among the professional courses listed above, followed by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). If you possess any of these courses, you will easily secure employment in Kenya.
Look for internship
Start by gaining experience as an intern. If you successfully accumulate experience spanning over 2 years, you will easily get a job in a reputable organization. And with over 2 years of experience you are eligible to pursue masters in Finance or MBA and later PhD. After PhD, you will become a lecturer.
Look for employment in small companies
Don’t look for employment in big companies which are very competitive, small companies will be ideal for you.
Send blind applications
Send blind applications to insurance companies, banks, small audit firms and industries. Insurance companies might employ you as a financial advisor. You will grow within the organization over time. Banks will employ you as direct sales representative. You can also get a temporary job. While doing all this work, ensure that you perform well in your duties.
Start a side hustle
As you look for employment, don’t sit and wait to be employed, start a side hustle. There are any small businesses you can start in Kenya even with as little as Ksh 5,000.
Nowadays, many graduates are making money online. Start a YouTube channel, a blog or become a social media influencer.
This side hustle might eventually become your main hustle.
