In Exploring Career Options A -Z: An Essential Guide for Students on Career Planning and Choice, Martin Kinoti outlines two key types of qualifications students need to secure future employment: academic and professional qualifications.
Academic qualifications: the foundation of education
Academic qualifications indicate that a student has achieved a certain education level. While learning, students acquire certain Basic Learning Competencies (BLCs), which lean on literacy, numeracy and life skills education.
Wielding academic qualifications means that a student has successfully completed a particular course of study marked by issuance of certificate. In The Career Decoder, Samuel Kanja notes that in Kenya, students aspiring to pursue university degrees must attain at least a C+ (plus) of 46 points in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or a 3.4 GPA in International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
After high school, students matriculate into universities or colleges to receive academic qualifications upon graduation, with the lowest being a certificate course, followed by a diploma. A higher diploma, often pursued in technical fields, is another level of qualification. Universities in Kenya offer both diploma and degree programmes, with a bachelor’s degree being the first significant qualification awarded after completing undergraduate studies. Upon earning a bachelor’s degree, students become graduates. Some students further their studies by enrolling for post-graduate programmes. Post-graduate qualifications include: Master’s degrees and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD/DPhil).
Professional qualifications: Gaining industry-relevant skillset
While academic qualifications lay the foundation for education, professional qualification qualifications focus on certifying a person’s competence, skills and knowledge in a specific area. Professional qualifications focus on certifications that demonstrate competence, knowledge and skills specific to a profession.
These qualifications are typically issued by professional associations, regulatory bodies or government authorities; enhancing employability. Professional organisations issue licenses to practitioners as they monitor their conduct.
Many professional qualifications require periodic renewal or re-certification to ensure that professionals remain committed to continuous personal and professional development. Some well-known professional organisations in Kenya include; Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK), which regulates architects; Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK), which regulates engineers; and Media Council of Kenya (MCK), which regulates media practitioners.
Complementing academic qualifications with professional qualifications
It is crucial for students to complement their academic qualifications with relevant professional qualifications. This comely combination gives job seekers a competitive edge in the job market.
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For example, a student pursuing a degree in accounting should consider acquiring professional certifications, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA-K) designation from the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examinations Board (KASNEB). Similarly, a student studying Computer Science may benefit from certifications in areas like Web Design or Programme Specialisation.
Finally, students should be proactive in making informed career choices by being strategic and understanding both academic and professional qualifications. This comprehensive approach can give them a competitive edge, opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities in the dynamic world of work.
By Victor Ochieng’
The writer guides students on how to make informed career choices. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
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