Have you ever seen a person with a master’s degree who is unemployed and seriously tarmacking? What about a jobless PhD holder or a doctorate graduate struggling to find a job?
For undergraduates, thousands are out there without jobs. The same goes for diploma and certificate holders.
On the other hand, there are certificate and diploma holders with jobs, raking in bigger salaries than undergraduate, master’s, and PhD holders.
Yet, it is common to hear someone say they need a second or third degree to be able to compete in the job market and secure well-paying jobs.
According to the 2019 population census in Kenya, at least 1.3 million (3.5 percent of the population) had university degrees as their highest level of education.
This number is steadily rising since it is estimated that Kenyan universities release about 50,000 graduates into the job market every year.
But is a master’s degree the key to success in Kenya’s job industry? Is it possible to get attractive pay without this elusive education qualification that almost every young Kenyan is chasing?
Bizna Kenya contacted HR specialist James Ogweno Odhiambo, who shared his insights on the topic. He argues that going back to school is not always a silver bullet for higher salaries and better jobs.
Is career advancement possible without a master’s degree in Kenya?
Odhiambo acknowledges that many professionals find themselves in situations where financial responsibilities create barriers to further education.
However, he advises that there are strategic steps to advance your career and enhance your earning potential, even without an advanced degree.
“Your decade of experience in journalism, for example, is a valuable asset. By cultivating a strong personal brand—perhaps through a personal blog, social media presence, or guest articles—you can showcase your expertise and unique voice, which often appeals to both employers and audiences,” Odhiambo says.
Take online courses
He encouraged professionals to seek professional certifications and online courses as alternatives to a master’s degree.
“Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or even Google’s journalism courses offer affordable, flexible programs that help you gain new competencies and credentials that could distinguish you from peers,” he adds.
Strategic networking also plays a significant role. Odhiambo suggests attending media-related workshops, seminars, or conferences in Kenya to stay updated on industry trends and build relationships. “Strong networks often lead to freelance work, collaborations, and even promotions,” he noted.
Identify in-house opportunities
For those already employed, identifying in-house opportunities for development can be a game-changer. “Explore internal training programs or skill enhancement workshops your organization might offer. Some companies provide employee support programs or partial sponsorships for career development,” he says.
Beyond technical skills, Odhiambo highlights the importance of enhancing soft skills and leadership abilities.
“Cultivate project management, negotiation, and strategic communication. These can increase your versatility and make you a preferred candidate for leadership roles,” he explains.
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Lastly, he points out that for people in the journalism profession, Kenya’s media landscape offers numerous opportunities for experienced professionals.
“Specialized freelance writing or consultancy roles are lucrative options where experience is highly valued. Freelance work also helps build a diverse portfolio, which can open doors to higher-paying positions,” Odhiambo concluded.
According to Odhiambo, career advancement is not strictly tied to formal education.
Experience, combined with targeted skill enhancement and strategic networking, can set you apart and lead to substantial professional growth.
