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Selecting the most suitable diploma program from among the least favourable options can be a challenging endeavour, particularly in Kenya, where the job market is highly competitive.
When you are choosing a career path, your first consideration should be the state of the economy and trends in employment.
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Although it is important to go by your passion, in Kenya the economic climate demands that you pursue a marketable diploma to land you a job within the shortest time possible.
It is also important to consider your own interests and skills, as well as your goals for the future.
In this article, we will explore diploma courses in Kenya that face limited marketability, primarily as a result of factors like the absence of industries demanding the skills of their graduates, a diminished demand for these professionals, and the intense competition within the job market.
If you are considering pursuing one of these courses, it is important to do your research and make sure that you understand the job market and the availability of opportunities.
Diploma in Social Work
Low absorption plagues this diploma. Due to insufficient follow-up on social concerns like sexual health and child safety, social workers are underutilized.
Social professionals are scarce since many social organizations are underdeveloped.
Many NGOs need these expertise, but public health, community nursing, HIV, and other health-related degrees are preferred.
Diploma in Information Technology (IT)
Chances are a diploma in Information Technology will just give you the basics compared to the advancements in technology today.
You also do not need a blanket knowledge in IT, but specifics that are in line with technological trends.
Instead of this diploma, choose a specific field of IT that you are interested in such as software engineering, web development, cloud computing and so on.
Then look for professional courses to pursue in this area. They may actually take a shorter period, which leaves you more time to advance and get internships.
Diploma in Accountancy
A diploma course in accountancy has declined in demand due to the existence of strong professional courses such as certified public accountants (CPA) or ACCA.
Most employers actually expect financial or accounting professionals to hold a bachelors or diploma in a business course plus CPA to be considered.
The professional courses are also considered to be more practical in the workplace as they also plug the graduates to professional bodies directly.
Diploma in Procurement and Supply
It was one of the top diploma courses because it focused on supply chain.
However, everyone opted to get a procurement diploma or degree, flooding the employment market with unemployed procurement specialists.
Avoid this long graduating line.
Further, the professional courses such as Certified Procurement and Supply Professional -K (CPSP-K) from CIPS have made the diploma less marketable.
Diploma in Mass Communication/Journalism
You saw that meme that comedians are the new journalists in Kenya while journalists are jobless?
Well, I will not add anything to that.
Instead of a diploma in journalism, choose specific areas such as editing, film production, or video programmes production in either sound or video.
With online tutorials, a lot of people have been able to learn the basics of producing content.
You can instead consider other related courses such as public relations, marketing, and internal relations, and then enrich yourself with digital media skills such as social media management and content generation.
Diploma in Human Resources Management
Just like accountancy and procurement, professional courses in HR have diluted the demand for a diploma in HR.
Further, most HR professionals tend to be pulled from the degree holders who are willing to take low paying jobs for entry levels.
Most organizations only need a few HR specialists who double as administrators, therefore employment market absorption is limited.
Diploma in Business Administration
With the flooding of the market with business courses, it is advisable to avoid taking up general business administration at a diploma level.
Niche down to an area of business that you want and only take a diploma if there are no professional courses in the field.
Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering
The last time I checked there was no university offering degree courses in this field.
If you are interested in advancing your career in the future, especially locally, you may need to avoid it.
Otherwise, if it is your passion, study while scouting for scholarships and opportunities abroad.
Diploma in Entrepreneurship
Unless you come across an open-minded CEO, chances are this diploma will not get you hired.
However, it is a good course if you want to get into that entrepreneurial mind-set for your own sake.
Personally, I feel that you will get more practical entrepreneurship knowledge from short courses.
Diploma in Community Development
The field of community development just like social work is not well developed for this market.
To enrich it, consider taking a diploma in project management, environmental issues, or public health that require community workers.
The community development diploma is perceived to be vague as well.
There is also a preference for degree holders in sociology over diplomas in community development.
Diploma in Leadership
Leadership certifications are best for experts.
Unless you’re an experienced leader looking to improve, it’s an unclear course.
At entry level, the HR will feel misplaced hiring you unless you have experience in a certain profession.
Diploma in Business Management
In a market saturated with business management bachelors, you can’t afford a vague diploma.
The competition is too stiff and at the entry level degree holders are willing to accept the same income as diploma holders at the entry level due to competition.
Diploma in Biochemistry Technology
Despite this being a valuable and good course, there is low absorption in the market.
If you are seeking to advance, most universities are still developing infrastructure for the degree and so your chances for advancement are limited.
Diploma in Secretarial Studies
HR experts have reiterated that secretarial studies are becoming obsolete because of the popularity of business courses.
The modern secretary is expected to carry out other functions such as Pas, petty cash management, records keeping, administration, and asset register.
There is also a trend where the preferred secretary needs to have knowledge in the sector and therefore a diploma in that field will be more preferred.
Diploma in Music
Music training in this market is mostly theoretical and therefore may be limited in driving you to your music potential.
Instead of a diploma in music, consider taking professional training with voice coaches, pianists, or specific instrument professionals.
You should also consider taking up music training with established artists or music labels.
Conclusion
There is no such thing as a valueless diploma course.
Nevertheless, when choosing a diploma program to kick-start your career, it’s crucial to opt for one that is in demand, practical, offers promising job opportunities, and provides a respectable income.
Hence, the inclusion of certain diplomas on this list stems from their obsolescence, limited job market demand, weak career prospects, or lack of relevance.
Many experts advise against pursuing diploma courses in business and social sciences due to fierce competition from those with degrees.
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