How to succeed after graduation
In December, we keep a lot of “hongeras” flying towards our colleagues, friends, relatives and students who have earned various awards, like PhDs, Masters and Bachelors degrees.
Graduation is a bittersweet milestone: it marks the end of sleepless nights and assignments and the beginning of what many call “the real world.” While the applause fades and caps are tossed in the air, a daunting question remains: What next?
In today’s competitive labour market, can a degree alone secure the future that many graduates dream of? The reality is stark. A degree, once seen as a golden ticket, no longer guarantees employment.
The job market is saturated with graduates, all vying for the same positions. Employers now seek more than academic qualifications; they want innovative thinkers, adaptable individuals, and practical experience—qualities that certificates alone cannot showcase.
As automation and artificial intelligence reshape industries, graduates must adapt to a new set of rules. A degree might open the door, but it’s the extra effort that gets you through it. To navigate this landscape, graduates need a clear strategy.
Firstly, the journey doesn’t end with graduation; it’s just the beginning of lifelong learning. Upskilling in fields like coding, project management, or digital marketing can give graduates an edge in a competitive market.
Internships and volunteering, though often unpaid, provide invaluable hands-on experience, acting as stepping stones to future opportunities.
Networking is equally vital. The saying “your network is your net worth” holds true in the professional world. Building relationships at industry events or on platforms like LinkedIn can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Sometimes, who you know matters as much as what you know. For those with an entrepreneurial mindset, starting a business can be a bold yet rewarding path. Lastly, resilience.
The post-graduation journey often comes with rejection and uncertainty, but every setback is an opportunity for redirection. Staying positive and persistent is essential to navigating the ups and downs of this phase.
The real world demands creativity, grit, and a proactive approach to turning dreams into reality.
Ms Murugi is a corporate communications intern at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat)
