So, is applied biology marketable in Kenya?
Perhaps you have been admitted to the course by KUCCPS or you’re considering doing it and you’re unsure about its job prospects..
Well, if that is you, below is our answer to the question “is applied biology marketable in Kenya?”
Is applied biology marketable in Kenya? / Is applied biology marketable? / Is diploma in applied biology marketable?
Short answer: It depends…
So, what does that mean?
Well, you see, while the course does not have an avalanche of job openings (they are there but they are not as many as courses like let’s say Cyber security these days), you can still get a job after graduating if, for example, you are open minded.
One sure way to cut the waiting time is Networking with your potential employers.
Yeah, you can research about companies and organizations that hire graduates of applied biology in Kenya online and try to reach out to them.
And not just by email but also by attending forums bringing together these organizations (e.g. seminars/shows they attend) and introducing yourself.
Another thing that helps is making sure you have the best skills- there’s what you’re taught in class and there’s what employers may be demanding more.
So again find out what other skills the firms (the include educational institutions) who hire biologists need apart from what everyone else has and look for those skills.
For example, when I look at the few job posts I see when I Google “applied biology jobs in Kenya”, I notice that priority is given to those with Practical knowledge in relevant areas (Cell Biology, Microbiology parasitology, Biotechnology, etc.)
So get those skills even if it means looking for a volunteer position first/internship.
What job do graduates of applied biology get hired for in Kenya?
Just to give you an idea of where you can work with the course, here are a couple of job opportunities that applied biology graduates in Kenya get recruited for:
- Environmental scientist
- Medical laboratory technologist
- Crop and livestock production officer
- Quality control officer
- Research assistant – This is one of the most popular applied biology jobs at KEFRI
- Food technologist
- Consultant
- Trainer in TVET Colleges
- Biology lecturer in Universities (You might have to proceed to PhD level to get these jobs)
Helpful tips
Doing the following might boost your chances of landing a job in applied biology in Kenya:
- Stay up-to-date on the latest trends in applied biology– Being familiar with the innovations and trends in the field can make you more marketable when looking for employment.
- Volunteering– approach a local organization that is involved with applied biology matters and offer to work for free (to gain experience).
- Widen the scope of your job search– consider applying for teaching positions, lab technologist, and such less appealing positions as you wait for an ideal job. You’ll still be getting more experience and networking too.
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Is applied biology marketable in Kenya? – Recap
It is not possible to say with confidence that this is a very marketable course.
Indeed, my online survey yielded just a few job positions accepting graduates of applied biology in Kenya so the course does not appear to have very many relevant job openings.
Worse still, while you can find a way of employing yourself with the course- you can become a consultant biologist- I’m not sure there is enough market at the moment for the service you could offer.
So I cannot make any promises….nope!
Question: Does it mean that it is a useless course?
Not at all…it has its place and you can even apply for remote jobs from other countries – some foreign companies/organizations hire biologists to work remotely for them.
In short, just know that you need a good strategy to be able to secure the few jobs that come up every now and then if you want to take the course (or you’re already doing it).
But again there’s the element of luck– people often forget that if luck likes you, you can go very far in life.
Well, I don’t know if you’re luckier than others- Thing is, if you are, you might get a very good job before long (after completing the course).