Short Courses You Need To Pursue In 2016

By Selipha Kihagi

If you recently graduated with a degree, your next move is either to get a job or start on additional short courses. For most people, I bet the former is most common as everyone looks forward to the day they start earning and living life. But even when you get that job, to survive and advance in the job market you will need to learn an added course. This is because employers are looking for that extra detail about you when hiring.

When it comes to an additional course, we are not talking masters but those short courses that add value to your career and qualifications for a particular job. They are very crucial and are sometimes the reason most people do not get jobs.

So, which are these short courses to pursue?

1. Professional Certifications

These ones are dependent on a job seeker’s profession as well as the area of specialization, and are very necessary when it comes to finding jobs among top employers such as multinationals, the government and NGOs. Carry out research on the various common professional courses that are available in your area of study and begin on it.

Accounting professionals, for example, will need to pursue CPA or ACCA if they want a job fast. Then there is the required certifications to demonstrate knowledge of various Accounting packages, including, Quickbooks,

HR professions on the other hand should pursue a professional Diploma in Human Resource Management, while Procurement Professionals will need to take up CIPS courses if they are to get good jobs and salary alike. Then there is CIM for Marketers, with IT professionals having a range to choose from; Cisco CCNA and CCNP, Microsoft MCSA, MCSE or MTA for entry levels, Oracle, Linux, CompTIA, etc. PR professionals can take up Event Management courses and Project Management professionals can do well with an M&E certification.

Professional certifications are becoming more and more of a requirement as the job market progresses so find one that appeals to your profession and take it up. Companies are now hiring with preference to professional courses instead of a Masters or MBA,” says Melody Mwendwa, a CV Writing Expert and Interview Coach at Corporate Staffing Services

2. A Foreign Language

If you are thinking of taking up a job in the NGO sector, knowledge in a foreign language will surely put you at an advantage over other job seekers. Most NGOs operate in a multicultural environment and require frequent travel; this then makes it necessary for professionals in the sector to have knowledge of other languages. 

It can be French, Spanish, German or even the Somali language. Most NGOs are looking for these qualities. The same applies for multinationals with operations across different countries. Think of where you want your career to be in the next years and if a foreign language may be required, start on it now.

3. Driving 

It might appear not so important to you if you are not looking to become a driver but most companies today are adding possession of a Driving License to the list of requirements in various jobs. For example, sales jobs may require you to move around and this will require you to drive.

Other positions provide a car as part of the employment package and may use the Driving expertise as a selecting factor when you are suitably qualified in equal measure to other candidates. So, do not ask what you should be doing, take up a driving class.

4. Computer packages

This is for every fresh graduate out there. If you did not take up these after high school, it is high time you do so now because computer knowledge is required for every job out there. No one will want to hire a graduate who does not have knowledge on how to use a computer or send an email. Use this time to take up the package course, even if you have to do it one by one.

Short courses are becoming very important in the selection process for open jobs in Kenya, so take up one in your area of specialization and you will not be sorry. You can also take up those on skills such as leadership, management and development. These will put you at a better advantage.

Got any career queries pertaining short courses ? Let us know in the comments below

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29 Comments

  1. Hi
    I have done CPA as well as degree and I wish to upgrade my studies but not Masters. Kindly advice on the best course to undertake.

    Warm Regards
    Jacinta

  2. I hold a degree in sociology… which course can I do to advance my marketability

  3. I scored an A- in kcse, wanted to take hrm but was offered education. Am planning to quit and take a diploma in hrm in uon , will I make it in the job market? Please advice.

  4. i have a diploma in Logistics management and am a senior driver, a title that if changed can get me more better jobs in logistics.
    do i lie when applying that am a logistics assistant

  5. Am cpa finalist and currently taking bcom finance option 3rd year. am working and earning an average of 80k to 90k gross. am deployed in logistics department and i want to join finance department and earn over 150k. which other short course can i take.

  6. Hi Beryl,

    You will not shoot from 30K to 100K by just pursuing an added course. Relevant experience will be needed to get a position with that said amount.Look out for positions that pay 100K and look at the requirements, then work to get those requirements.

  7. I have a degree in busssiness information technolog I currenty earn 30k I need 100k hich course should I do

  8. I did a course of Agricultural Economics, what are some of the best short courses i can indulge with..

  9. I have a Degree in Community Development, advice pliz on any short courses available to advance me careerwise.

  10. Commenti am a form four leaver am in need to get a job to get some income and go for a course because currently our home background is not able to vacate the money for ongoing studies am in need with please if any inform by 0718739603

  11. Hi, just graduated with first degree in Sociology with IT, which short courses do l purseu. Thank you.

  12. Hi George,

    With your current job and salary, your case may not be more about which courses to pursue. However, you can check out requirements for the jobs you would like to apply for and identify a course or particular skill that stands out. Then plan to pursue it.

  13. I have a bachelor’s degree in Economics, professional qualification of cpa 3, computer packages, accounting softwares sage and quickbooks, research analysis knowledge of Spss and vocational training of several internships
    And with all that I have bin trying to secure a job but to no avail…! !
    simply because employers are demanding minimum work experience of upto three years…surely where do u get all that experience while they deny you a chance to?? or do I stay only doing internships for three or so years??

  14. i hold a degree in pr,advertising,marketing snd mexia communication.which is the best school for event management short course?

  15. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree (Physics major, Maths minor). I’m not yet employed and I guess I need an additional course to secure a place in the job market. Please advise on the most suitable professional course

  16. Hello, thanks for the information… I hold a degree in Diplomacy and International Studies which are the professional courses that can be of help to my career growth? Please help

  17. I took bachelor of health services management and I have been looking to take up a short course problem is I dont know which one to take ..please advice

  18. well I did microbiology and biotechnology as an undergraduate but now practicing as an analytical chemist.I want to take a short course but I don’t know which to start with between monitoring and evaluation and quality assurance…please advice

  19. What recommendation would you suggest for someone who did banking and finance beside CPA, ACCA and certified schools one can study with,Thanks for good work.

  20. Hi Francisca,

    Not ACCNA but ACCA or in full (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) . It’s an international course for professional Accountants and is available in various institutions across the country, including KCA, Strathmore and others.Just do your research and select one.

  21. Where can I get a good college for a leadership, management and development course for my evening classses around Kasarani/ Ruaraka area ?

  22. Hello,
    I hold Degree IT, Diploma Electrical and electronics, ITIL, N+,CISM(410/800) and currently preparing for prince2. My current salary in range Ksh. 89,000 – 93,000. I need to earn a salary ksh.100,000 plus which courses will Thanks

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