Do Employers CARE If a College Gets Converted into a University? HR Responds

By Elizabeth Benu

“I cleared the Mombasa Technical University which was earlier Mombasa Polytechnic College. I have a feeling that this will give me an upper hand in the job market. It is either bad luck or coincidence because most of my friends in colleges have not been able to secure good positions in companies as compared to those who went to universities. I wish to get a clear understanding of whether it makes a difference when a college is converted into a university,” writes Hassan Ali in an email.

Nancy Kang’ethe a Human Resource officer at the Africa Population Health Research Center (APHRC) says that a college being converted to a university makes no difference

She further explains this by saying, “This does not affect the quality of education as long as you have what the hiring manager is looking for.”

“Most companies are only interested in whether the university is accredited by the governing body. When shortlisting and we come across a candidate with the required skills set but from a university that is not acknowledged all we do is a reference on the institution just to be sure.” she adds.

If you are wondering whether attending a college that was converted to a university makes you more marketable, Ms. Kang’ethe says that it all depends with the qualifications required for the job

“If the job requires a minimum degree but you took a diploma in a college then you will not get picked. Same way if a position insists they are only interested with Diploma holders,” she adds.

In her opinion, does she think employers prefer “universities” over “colleges”? I probe

“Yes. This is because hiring managers think the universities offer higher level training or courses than colleges.”

She expounds on her point saying, “If we are looking for a candidate to fill a Field Work Data Collector position, any academic qualification can land you the job.”

Most times strikes are associated with universities. Hardly will you find a college going on strike. In regards to this I ask Ms. Kang’ethe whether the conversion to university changes an employer’s perception towards the candidate.

“The strike issue is never considered or discussed when it comes to picking a candidate. For example the University of Nairobi is known for its numerous strikes but it does not make them less marketable. What matters is the experience and track record of an individual candidate,” she responds.

For the job seekers who feel that they will have an advantage just because you are in a university, Ms. Kang’ethe disproves the thought saying it is your skill set that matters.

What advice does she have for candidates with the perception that an institution level is what counts?

“Remember what counts is the performance and how you market yourself to the employer. If you are good enough you will be picked regardless,” she concludes.

Let’s be candid did you attend a college/ technical institute which was later converted into university and has that changed the way employers ‘look’ at you?

Dont Miss any Job Or Article Subscribe to Career Point Kenya by Email FOR FREE CLICK HERE