How I Got My First Job From A Matatu Conversation

The process of getting a job in Kenya is getting tougher day after day, and only the strong willed and those willing to take calculated risks are lucky to land jobs sooner.

It becomes even harder when almost all employers are hiring on the basis of experience; if you do not have it, too bad.

This is why when I encountered a job seeker that got her first job exactly 2 months after leaving campus and without any applications, we thought it necessary to share the story with you.

Edith has been working as an Admin Assistant for 5 months now, a position she got by following up on a conversation she had with a stranger in a matatu.

When she sparked up the random conversation, she was only in her last semester in campus. About 2 months after completion of her studies, that matatu conversation turned out to be her Career’s holy grail.

If you are a job seeker out there wondering why other people are getting jobs and you are not, Edith’s story may be the jump-start you have been waiting for. And if you are one of those stuck on the notion that jobs in Kenya are for those who know people, Edith has an outlook to life that might help you deal with that notion.

Here Is Edith’s Story in 6 Questions

1. What course did you study in school?

I studied Bsc Applied Statistics with IT (2nd Class Upper) and also CPA, section 6 ongoing.

2. So, where are you working now and for how long?

I have been an Admin Assistant in a small company called Light Up East Africa Foundation for about 5 months now.
The job is in Administration.

Most of the work I do involves cost analysis of the things intending to be bought and all expenses in the office, making bookings in hotels where the boss wants to visit, analysis of consumer feedback from our customers, estimated pricing for goods to be imported and so on.

But as I stated earlier, it is a small company. So whenever the receptionist is not around, I double up on receptionist duties.

3. So, how did you land the job? Did you have to make applications?

I am naturally very friendly, I guess. I sat together with a lady on Easy Coach while I was going back for my last semester in school.

Unlike many young people who will stick to their phones surfing on Facebook, listening to music and the like, I always prefer kicking up a conversation with whoever I sit next to, especially if it’s a long journey.

If they are pleasant, we often end up as friends.

Continue reading the article here