The Office of Career Services in partnership with My Jobs in Kenya on Wednesday May 27, 2020 held a Career Webinar for students from 3.00 – 5.00pm. The Webinar focused on the future of jobs, interview tips, CV writing tips, personal branding and career mentorship. Over 300 students attended this session.
The panelists for this session included:
- Nancy Mokua – CEO, My Jobs in Kenya
- Terryann Chebet – General Manager, Metropol TV
- Susan Karambu – Country Manager, Tally Solutions Kenya Ltd.
- Angela Karamba – Legal Counsel, Safaricom, PLC
- Oscar Onguto – Director, Lexicon + Ion
On CV writing, students received tips from Nancy Mokua, CEO My Jobs in Kenya. She indicated that a CV must be neat with visible headings, should be kept short, have personal details, personal statement, education background, skills, work history, hobbies, referees and should avoid irrelevant information. In addition, use a professional font, add your social media handles and do no lie because the lies will catch up with you. A CV should be accompanied by a cover letter and be tailored for each job. Signing up with job searching companies like LinkedIn, Brighter Monday, Fuzu and My Jobs in Kenya to receive tailored notification of jobs related to your background.
Angela Karamba the Legal Counsel, Safaricom, PLC focused on alternative/emerging jobs. She indicated that with the advent of technology, there are new emergent careers. Some of the jobs she highlighted are Photography, Online Tutoring, Online Music Teachers, Social Media Manager, Videographers, Article Writing, Movie Makers and Urban Planning. Angela further indicated that with the Covid pandemic, many online jobs have emerged and now the future of work is online. Students were advised that for them to develop in their careers, it is important to set goals, have emotional intelligence, possess leadership and soft skills. This therefore means that students should learn s many skills as possible and always be ready to upskill for them to spread their net wide to secure an opportunity.
Oscar Onguto, Director, Lexicon + Ion highlighted what employers look for in potential employees. He indicated that the interviewer would like to understand the career path the interviewee would like to follow through the interview questions asked and see whether they can fit in their company and what value they will bring. Oscar also focused on how to manage income for retirement. Students were encouraged to begin saving for their retirement immediately they secure employment. Some tips given include, budget for every income, manage debt well and live within your means. On developing one’s career, Oscar emphasized on venturing into opportunities that are aligned without your passion, be the best you can be, have a brand identity and be different from the rest and consistent in everything you do.
Terryann Chebet, General Manager, Metropol TV focused on personal branding and networking. She emphasized that for one to develop in their career, there is need to create a good network for career opportunities. She indicated that networking comes with all jobs in this day and age and your network is your worth. Social media is now playing a big role in networking. In her remarks, Terryann encouraged students to have Twitter and LinkeIn accounts. Students were encouraged to use their formal names on social media, follow people in their career sphere and add value to conversations that they relate with. For one to add value to conversations, research and wide reading is a must. Being as social as one can be is also important but, remember to be professional. Of great importance is to look through your social media posts and remove any posts you would not want an employer to see. Remember, the internet never forgets. Social media can be used positively to enable you build your visibility online, who knows, it could be your key to that dream job. Terryann wound up her session by advising the students to ensure their character, skill, attitude, and digital footprints to speak well for you. In summary, build networks, a great digital portfolio, great character, global trends and share the knowledge you earn on a blog, become a thought leader.
Susan Karambu, Country Manager, Tally Solutions Kenya Ltd. Gave the students tips for virtual interviews. The tips included going to a silent room without disruptions, have your documents with you, have great internet connection, listen carefully, respond without deviating from the point, acknowledge questions then answer, do not eat during the interview, speak with confidence, speak honestly and finally be presentable. Some of these tips also apply for physical interviews. Oscar added a few nuggets on interviews and encouraged students to talk openly and negotiate during interviews and share any good ideas they might have for the company.
In conclusion, students were reminded that learning never ends, integrity is key, believe in yourself and always learn a new skill, keep upskilling.
This was indeed a very educative webinar session and students appreciated the choice of panelists who gave a wide array of knowledge and advice on career development. The Office of Career Services values the partnership with My Jobs in Kenya and all the panelists that played an immense role to make the webinar a success