Event report
Overview of the Job Market in Kenya - Alumni Day
Informative Panel Discussion on the Kenyan Job Market.
We kicked off today's Job Fair with an informative panel discussion, Overview of the Job Market in Kenya - A Conversation with the Experts, moderated by our Executive Director Laure Paugam. Our hosts at Alliance Française Nairobi started us off with a brief introduction by Denis Charles Courdent.
Panelists included Mary chemas-Jumba, HR Manager at Africa Global Logistics Kenya, Anne Kariuki, HR Lead at Brookside Dairy and Beatrice Ndaisi Kimuyu, Industry-University Partnership Coordinator at The University of Nairobi
Here are some of the key takeaways:
1. Skills Employers Want:
Companies look for experience in specific disciplines, digital skills, agility, and strong ethical practices.
2. Soft skills are crucial:
Can you communicate effectively and engage with stakeholders? Alongside technical knowledge, employers value talent with good communication skills, emotional intelligence, teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.
3. Bridging the Gap:
Universities forming partnerships with the Private Sectors for internships and volunteer opportunities is essential. They are also updating their curricula and encouraging a startup mindset to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
4. Social media, especially LinkedIn, is a great tool for showcasing your professional brand. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight what you bring to the table.
5. Talent Retention:
Companies are focusing on training fresh graduates, providing career development opportunities, and fostering a positive work environment.
Recognition and rewarding talent is key to retaining young professionals.
A huge thank you to our panelists and to Laure Paugam for moderating the discussion exceptionally. Our attendees made this an insightful event with their engagement!
