University students and graduates have been asked to improve their competence technology-wise and take up online jobs to beat unemployment as there are numerous opportunities in the digital space that they can exploit to earn a living.
Speaking during Zetech University’s Career Week at Ruiru Campus, Vice Chancellor (VC) Prof. Njenga Munene said that students must be tech-savvy, innovative and entrepreneurial so as to fit in the current competitive global job market.
Prof. Munene said that the varsity is keen on ICT training so as to impart requisite knowledge and skills to students to enable them acquire a competitive edge in the job market.
“We are also working closely with the Ministry of ICT through the Ajira Digital Programme to ensure that students benefit and take online work as alternative employment,” he said.
The VC noted that students are being trained on digital marketing, transcription, virtual assistance, data entry and management, and online writing in the programme.
“Our students also undergo a compulsory entrepreneurship course so that they can integrate it with their ICT training. We are already establishing an entrepreneurship ecosystem incubation hub which will help us incubate their business ideas and later graduate them to industrial hubs,” he said.
Prof. Munene at the same time urged students to apply soft skills in their area of specialization and create a network to boost their chances of succeeding.
“Soft skills go beyond technical skills. We must endeavor to be techno-preneurial individuals because there’s a wide application of technology in almost all disciplines,” he said
While noting that he University puts more emphasis on research and innovation, the Don urged students to be innovative so as to be drivers of industrial development in the country.
The VC called on students applying to join universities to do their research and make an informed decision to select the right institutions that will augur well with their career goals and provide quality training.
“The government made changes in the students’ placement programme and those in private institutions will only get Government help through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). Those joining Universities should also look at the cost of the programmes they are undertaking,” he said.
Students led by Charity Njeri and Robert Okello hailed the Career Day saying that it has given many students great insight on the career paths they should follow after joining University.
“I have realized that higher learning institutions play a pivotal role in shaping one’s career path including providing linkages with the corporate world. Such an event is key in guiding one’s decision before joining University,” Njeri said.
By Kamau Njoroge
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