Career Kickstart KE

The #SkillupAfrica2024 Expo and Conference kicked off with an impactful first day, coinciding with World Youth Skills Day on July 15th. This year's theme, "Youth Skills for Peace and Development," aligned with the UN's recognition of the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship. Engaging discussions covered crucial topics including skills development, peace and security, youth employment advancement, skills migration, and the future of work. Industry professionals from various sectors shared valuable insights. The keynote address by Chief Guest Shadrack M. Mwadime, EBS, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Labour and Skills Development, highlighted Africa's potential. He emphasized the continent's young, growing population as a source of opportunities in industrialization, market expansion, and a vibrant dynamic labor force. Mwadime also addressed the challenge of youth unemployment, citing Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data showing that those aged 20-29 face the highest unemployment rate at over 24%, with the 20-24 age group experiencing the longest periods of unemployment. In response, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection has committed to: ▪ Promoting decent work ▪ Developing skills ▪ Creating sustainable jobs These efforts aim to reduce skills mismatches by aligning skill supply with demand, fostering a workforce that is employable, productive, enterprising, innovative, adaptable, and competitive. Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/ebGvTW4a UCSPAK Secretariat Caroline Njuki International Labour Organization Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) Kenya Joyce Njogu, MCIM @NationMediaGroup @COTU @NationalYouthCouncil @FKE

I don’t know how many time we have to stress this and no matter how times we say it, it still remains relevant – looking for a job is a job!! There’s this big misconception among young graduates that finding a job is just sending out a few resumes and waiting. But it’s really about persistence and planning. Many think they just send out their resume, wait, and boom! Job offer. But it’s not that easy. Soon enough, they realize quickly that the hunt is a marathon, not a sprint. Here’s what we recommend to better facilitate the job search process: 1. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻: just like you would plan out your day, plan your job search. Make a list of places you want to apply. Set goals, like sending out five applications a day. 2. 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: keep sharpening your skills. Think of it like levelling-up in a game. The more skills you have, the better your odds. Take online courses or attend workshops. Every little bit helps. 3. 𝗚𝗼 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹: don’t limit yourself to local opportunities. The internet makes it possible to apply anywhere. Think big – think global! 4. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁: it’s easy to get discouraged, especially when the stats look bleak. But remember, it’s all about perspective. Every application and interview is practice. Finding a job takes time. It takes work. But, there’s hope. Stay persistent, keep planning, and don’t give up!

Soft Skills for Tech Career Success in a Global Workplace In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, mastering the latest programming languages or AI algorithms is just one piece of the career success puzzle. While technical skills open doors in the tech industry, it's often the soft skills that propel your career forward, especially in a global context. As part of our mandate for developing local talent for global markets, we had the opportunity to run our Career Readiness Workshop for GOMYCODE Kenya students to complement their technical expertise. These interpersonal and self-management abilities are crucial for thriving in job searches, interviews, and diverse workplace environments. We uncovered: ▪️Self-Awareness: The Foundation of Career Success. ▪️Professional Branding: Standing Out in a Digital World. ▪️Job Search Strategies: Navigating Global Opportunities. ▪️Interview Mastery: Bridging Cultural Gaps. ▪️Workplace Etiquette: Thriving in Multicultural Environments. ▪️Adaptability and Resilience: Key to Long-term Success. In conclusion, whilst investing in your technical education, don't overlook the importance of developing these crucial interpersonal and cultural skills. They're not just nice-to-haves; they're essential for navigating the complexities of modern tech careers and thriving in diverse, global teams. Teams are becoming more diverse and projects more global, the ability to work effectively across cultures is invaluable. This includes understanding different communication styles, decision-making processes, and work values across cultures. Remember, in today's interconnected tech world, your ability to connect, communicate, and collaborate across cultures could be your most valuable skill. Invest in your holistic professional development – your future global tech career will thank you! GOMYCODE #CareerDevelopment #TechSkills #GlobalWorkforce #CulturalIntelligence #SoftSkills

Happy International Youth Day! Dear Future Leader, Today is your day to shine! As we celebrate the power and potential of youth, take a moment to reflect on your unique journey: ▪ What are your proudest accomplishments so far? ▪ Which challenges have shaped you the most? ▪ How can you use your strengths to make a positive impact? Remember, every step you take today is a building block for tomorrow's success. Embrace the process of growth and learning. Your voice matters in shaping our world's future. "The youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow." - Nelson Mandela Your dreams are valid, and your potential is limitless. Whether it's through volunteering, activism, or innovation, you have the power to create change. We celebrate you as you discover your ability to transform our world! Watch: https://lnkd.in/dxiRtt95 on the journey to self discovery with The President's Award-Kenya. May your day be filled with self-reflection, hope, and steadfast determination to shape your future. Be Bold. Be Fearless. Be You. Salute to the changemakers of tomorrow! #InternationalYouthDay #YouthEmpowerment #FutureLeaders

Feeling like a fraud as you transition into the world of work? That’s imposter syndrome talking. It can make you doubt your skills and achievements, but remember, no one expects you to be an expert. What’s your experience with imposter syndrome? Share with us in the comments! And if you’re navigating the job market as a student, graduate, or early professional, we’re here to help! Join our job search community where we tackle conversations like these and guide you through your transition. Let’s support each other on this journey!

We had the privilege of attending the CTA (Cleaning the Airwaves) Class in Session Masterclass (CiS) featuring the Alex Gachehe, Internal Audit Executive at Meta on 'Emerging Tech'. The session was a powerful reminder of how crucial networking and mentorship are in developing our future leaders. Our key takeaways: ▪ Connections Matter: leadership doesn't happen in isolation. Building a strong network opens doors to opportunities and insights that can shape a leader's journey. ▪ Mentorship is a Game-Changer: experienced leaders have a wealth of knowledge to share. By connecting with mentors, emerging leaders can gain invaluable guidance and avoid common pitfalls. ▪ Learning by Shadowing: there's no substitute for seeing leadership in action. Shadowing experienced professionals provides a firsthand look at decision-making processes and leadership styles. ▪ Coaching for Growth: personalized coaching can help identify strengths, address weaknesses, and accelerate leadership development. Developing future leaders is a collaborative effort. By fostering connections, encouraging mentorship, facilitating shadowing opportunities, and providing coaching, we can empower the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential. We're currently looking for mentors for our aspiring young leaders within our graduate community. If this is something that interests you, please get in touch with us! #LeadershipDevelopment #Mentorship #Networking #CTAClassInSession #FutureLeaders

Last week, we had the privilege of attending the Leadership Summit for student leaders at Catholic University of East Africa (CUEA). The experience was truly eye-opening, offering valuable insights into nurturing the next generation of African leaders. Discussions ranged from leadership principles to agility and crisis management, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities ahead. Our key takeaways and recommendations: 1. Self-awareness is paramount ▪ Future leaders must learn to lead themselves first ▪ Personal accountability is the foundation of effective leadership 2. Mentorship is crucial ▪ Connecting with industry leaders provides invaluable insights ▪ Professionals can offer guidance based on real-world experience 3. Continuous upskilling is non-negotiable ▪ Bridge the gap between confidence and competence ▪ Stay relevant by constantly learning and adapting 4. Leadership transcends politics ▪ True leadership goes far beyond mere politicking ▪ Focus on creating lasting impact rather than short-term gains To all aspiring young leaders: embrace these principles, seek mentorship, and never stop learning. The future of Africa depends on your ability to lead with integrity, wisdom, and purpose. What are your thoughts on developing future leaders? Let's discuss in the comments! Nzioka Waita , MGH I Choose Life - Africa The Catholic University of Eastern Africa #AfricanLeadership #FutureLeaders #StudentLeadership

Dear CS, Facing a career change? Well, look at the bright side: it's a chance to discover new ways to use those "unique" skills! Embrace the uncertainty with the same gusto you once reserved for creative deal closure, accounting, and negotiations. Reflect on your experiences. What skills have you acquired that you can apply elsewhere? There's bound to be a market for that unique skill set. Stay open, stay curious, and remember, every door closed is a window to a whole new hustle in consulting, lobbying, or perhaps even writing a tell-all book. Best wishes, P.S. we have now opened our Job Search Community membership to Cabinet Secretaries. #CareerChange #ReinventYourself #BouncingBack

We are excited to participate in this year’s Skill Up Africa Expo & Conference 2024 at the KICC, where we turn impossibilities into possibilities and transform your skills into opportunities. Our commitment to empowering emerging African talent for global markets has always been our driving force, and we are thrilled to join fellow employability champions who are contributing to this mission. We will also be exhibiting at the event, so please feel free to stop by our booth. We would be glad to meet you! #skillupAfrica2024 #radayetu #radayaskillup #risewithskills #careerkickstart

The recent X-space engagement with the President of Kenya marked a pivotal moment for the country and the world at large. This event not only shed light on various issues but also underscored the emergence of a new force in society and the workplace: Generation Z (Gen Z). The future of work is being shaped by Gen Z's bold vision and commitment to their values. Unlike previous generations who often accepted the status quo, Gen Z is fearless, bold, and organised. They approach work with a fresh perspective, prioritising: • Empathy in professional relationships • Authentic connections at work • Alignment between personal and company values • Work-life integration • Mental health support • Diversity and inclusion As Africa experiences unprecedented youth population growth, the question becomes: How do we engage and prepare Gen Z to become an unstoppable workforce? To harness Gen Z's potential, organisations must consider: • Foster an empathetic, inclusive culture • Provide meaningful work aligned with their values • Offer flexible work arrangements • Invest in mental health resources • Practice transparent leadership • Provide continuous learning opportunities • Embrace digital innovation • Value their input on organisational decisions By adapting to Gen Z's characteristics and expectations, organisations can create environments where this generation thrives. Those that recognise and embrace this inevitable shift will be best positioned to benefit from this dynamic generation's talents and position them at the forefront of the evolving workplace landscape.