Why Do Banks Hire Graduates With Non Related Degrees? Frustrated Job Seeker Asks

By Jane Okoth,

“I am a graduate at the Kenya School of Monetary Studies with a diploma in banking and finance. However, my journey in job searching has not been fruitful as I have been denied most of the chances.Since I did a course in the banking sector, I have been approaching a number of banks to see if I can be offered any opportunities but all in vain.

What baffles me is that the banking industry is only keen on employing graduates who have done non related courses to the banking industry. Does that mean that my whole career is doomed since my course is not considered at all?” writes Leah Marete in an email.

The professional sector and in this case the banking industry has come under attack as most graduates have accused it of denying them jobs.

Most of the graduates who have been offered the opportunity to work in a bank do not necessarily have to pursue courses in the industry.

Some even argue the banks have gone too far by employing high school graduates instead on focusing on those experienced in the field.

What is the drive towards this analogy or is it an unfair criticism?

Magdalene Mwihaki, a Communications Officer at a government institution argues that most banks are seeking to take advantage of graduates because they are just fresh from school.

“This is because the standards of some banking colleges are still high so employers are shying away from them,” she explains.

She also adds that “I tend to think that they go for easy prey which explains why they also hire former high school students.”

“This not only happens in the banking sector but also in other professions,” says Simon Mbugua, a Sales Representative at a middle sized company.

“It seems that Kenyans are wasting money studying a certain course while the employment sector discriminates them,” he says.

But Habib Bwire, a Social Worker at an N.G.O operating in Kisumu opines that the banking industry is huge and requires a lot of knowledge and experience.

“It could be that some of the colleges offering courses in banking are not standard and up to the level required by bankers,” he argues.

“The only valid reason I know for an employee rejecting your resume is if you lack the necessary skills and qualifications needed for the job,” he adds.

He concludes by saying that “Again when it comes to being considered for a job, it is ones responsibility to present his or her credentials to the potential employer.”

“Where you school or your learning institution does not matter, but what you can offer to the employer is what counts,” says Mariam Otieno, a former Graduate Trainee at a local bank in the country.

“The fact that you studied a course in the banking sector does not guarantee you a job in the industry if you cannot perform,” she affirms.

Simon also adds that “This is an unfair move because someone somewhere in a university or college is busy working hard to be in a position that has already been claimed by a high school leaver.”

Mariam concludes that “We cannot blame the banks for having to employ some Graduates because it is their hard work that offered them those opportunities.”

What is your contribution to this debate?

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