I had two ladies, Grace and Kelly, came into my reception seeking work in the tourism sector. It is not news that Kenya was put on the watch list and many organizations suffered and are still suffering from the reduced travel. Two were waitresses (from a lodge in the Mara) as they did not consider that the industry will take a while to recover, while discussing what they enjoyed one chose to go into sales and the other said she enjoyed accounting and thought that she can pursue that.
Kelly: What type of experience and schooling would I need to get a job in accounting?
Angela: The good thing is that you have already studied a bit of business in your hospitality course. I’m sure you can register with KASNEB and take day classes while you work as a waitress as you begin the chartered accountant professional certification CPA. There are several institutions that have “crash courses” that begin about 3 weeks before the final exams begin but it is important that you have read well by yourself. After you complete CPA Section III part 6, then you can work for sometime and register as a CPA (K.)
Kelly: With no work experience in the accounting industry, how did you market yourself to employers? Will my hospitality skills help?
Angela: I would advise you to stay in the waitressing job until you finish your first exams. You may begin to look for work in that are once you have a basic understanding of how accounting works. You may let your employers know you are studying CPA and ask if they have any duties that you could perform in your current workplace. Once you have more experience you may choose to be an intern. But there really is no way to compensate for my lack of experience but you can gain these skills by volunteering in various organizations to provide these services. This will also help you build a network of people that will support you as your career grows. You already know how to deal with different people which will help once you start working in an office. This skill is also important when seeking employment.
Kelly: Seriously, knowing how to serve food and drinks to people is going to help me?
Angela: Understanding people’s needs and having good interpersonal skills can determine how successful you are at performing your job. Anybody can learn the text book/technical requirements of a job those are basic. But there are some skills that you develop like communicating with people of all ages, critical thinking allowing you to make decisions as well as the ability to connect with different individuals which will set you apart and help you get ahead.
Kelly: What do I do with my CV now, considering your lack of experience?
Angela: Highlight what you did in your previous jobs with regard to duties that are also found in the business and office fields. The good thing about a CV is that it enables you to list experience as soon as you begin working in that area.
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