Getting an internship in Kenya is not as easy as it may seem. The search for internships has become a daunting task, just like getting a job in the country. Students all over the country have been suffering a lot due to this problem. Many factors have contributed to the situation, including a limited number of internship opportunities, a high demand for internships, and a lack of adequate skills among students. This article seeks to explore the ways in which universities and colleges in Kenya can help curb the situation, what student leaders can do to help, and what students can do before and after school to increase their chances of getting an internship.
Factors Contributing to the Difficulty of Getting an Internship:
1. Limited Internship Opportunities: The number of
internship opportunities available in Kenya is limited. This is because many
organizations have not embraced the concept of offering internships to
students. The few that offer internships have limited slots, which makes it
hard for all students to secure an opportunity.
2. High Demand for Internships: The high demand for
internships in Kenya has also contributed to the difficulty of getting one. The
number of students seeking internships is higher than the number of available
opportunities, making it a competition.
3. Lack of Adequate Skills Among Students: Many students in Kenya lack the necessary skills required to secure an internship. Most of them lack practical experience, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge, which makes them unattractive to potential employers.
How Universities and Colleges Can Help:
1. Creating Partnership Programs: Universities and colleges
can partner with various organizations to create internship opportunities for
students. Such partnerships can help increase the number of internships
available, and also expose students to a wide range of industries.
2. Offering Professional Training: Universities and colleges
can offer professional training to students to equip them with the necessary
skills required to secure an internship. This can include practical training,
soft skills training, and industry-specific knowledge training.
3. Encouraging Entrepreneurship: Universities and colleges can encourage entrepreneurship among students by offering mentorship programs, funding for startups, and entrepreneurship training. This can help students create their own internship opportunities.
What Student Leaders Can Do to Help:
1. Networking: Student leaders can create networking events
to bring together students, alumni, and potential employers. This can help
create new opportunities for students and also expose them to different
industries.
2. Mentorship Programs: Student leaders can create
mentorship programs to help students navigate the internship application
process. This can include resume writing, interview skills, and networking
skills training.
3. Advocacy: Student leaders can advocate for more internship opportunities by engaging with potential employers and creating awareness about the importance of internships to students.
What Students Can Do Before and After School:
1. Build Practical Skills: Students can build practical
skills by engaging in extracurricular activities, volunteering, and taking part
in internships while still in school. This can help them gain practical
experience and increase their chances of getting an internship.
2. Create a Professional Profile: Students can create a
professional profile on LinkedIn, highlighting their skills, experience, and
achievements. This can make them more attractive to potential employers.
3. Apply for Multiple Internship Opportunities: Students should apply for multiple internship opportunities to increase their chances of securing one. They can also seek the help of their lecturers, alumni, and student leaders in finding available opportunities.
Conclusion:
Getting an internship in Kenya is a challenge that requires concerted efforts from universities, colleges, student leaders, and students themselves. By creating partnership programs, offering professional training, encouraging entrepreneurship, networking, mentorship, advocacy, building practical skills, creating a professional profile, and applying for multiple internship opportunities, the situation can be curbed.