Learn, read books, network and be at the front line in advancing your career. Tabitha Areba is a Communication and Marketing professional, currently working as a Communication and Marketing Manager at Kenya Utalii College. She calls on women in pursuit of entrepreneurship excellence to identify their passion and a niche, master the niche, look for business opportunities and ensure that customers are well satisfied with their services to consequently attract referrals
How did you start off your career, and who inspired you? My journey had a very interesting beginning. I had a passion for nursing but missed the opportunity because I did not meet the requirements. I was just one point away from my dream career, as per the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education grading. The selection criteria in Kenya is such that they give you what you qualify for, not what you aspire to do. That is how I ended up as a communication professional. But I love every bit of it. I still wonder what life would have been like if I was a nurse
As a female leader, what has been the biggest barrier to growth in your career? Lack of consistency and shifting goals every now and then. I have always had a plan and a well articulated career path, but sometimes I step back and let the job market and other life circumstances determine the implementation of my career plan. Employment has a way of confining professionals to comfort, and goals shift based on work load, institutional culture and sometimes family
Do women in your profession have a hard time getting jobs or promotions during the Covid-19 era? Covid-19 has brought in a new dynamic, in a number of professions both locally and internationally. Institutions are struggling, the economy has taken a beating too. Some companies have closed down, and those that were planning to open shop may not do so due to the harsh environment. Media houses are scaling down, digitizing operations are as well scaling down on manpower. Getting jobs in this era has become very hard. Aspiring for a promotion is being overly ambitious.
How can women achieve an equal future in a Covid-19 World? Women should always move with the trend. Learn, read books, network and be at the frontline in advancing your career.
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Any career opportunities for women post Covid-19? Those in the communication and marketing profession should explore opportunities in the digital space. There are lots of businesses thriving online, and this includes consultancies on assisting businesses to achieve maximum results on their digital platforms, blogging, photography and videography the list is endless. This requires women to identify a niche, master the niche, look for business opportunities and ensure that customers are well satisfied with your service. That way, your business will automatically boom as a result of referrals.
Career advice to young women entering your profession during the Covid-19 world? Perform to world class levels and you will be the most sought after career lady in your space.
One recommendation for HR leaders to help promote women in the Covid-19 era at the workplace? Introduce flex work schedules. HR leaders should develop policies that promote maximum productivity, while at the same time ensuring that women grow professionally and get time to take care of other family needs. We are operating in a new normal, where working from home has become a part of the labour market. HR leaders should prepare their workforce for such arrangements; but ensure that corporations do not lose out on all deliverables.