Education & Skills Development
33
INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA LINKAGES OR LEAKAGES ? TIME TO RESURFACE THE
LONG-STANDING DEBATE
DR EHUD GACHUGU
A conversation with Dennis , a graphic design and an advertising expert , along with other testimonials from graduates , got me wondering if we are experiencing Industry- Academia linkages or leakages . Like other graduates , Dennis was very optimistic when he joined one of the leading universities in Kenya to study graphic design and advertising . The orientation in the first year inspired him more , and he could easily see a bright future ahead . The theoretical work offered in school was excellent ; however , he feels that there are limited opportunities for practicing what is taught in school . He emphasizes that the three months ’ industrial attachment does not guarantee that one is ready for the job market . He adds that at times , the tasks one takes during the attachment are not fulfilling as they may not be in line with the student ’ s career . He asserts that he has obtained most of his graphic design and advertising skills from YouTube and constantly advances them for a competitive advantage in the continuously changing job market . After graduation , he applied for formal employment with no success since most organizations avoid hiring fresh graduates . The situation is saddening and mirrors many other graduates floundering with joblessness due to lack of work experience and opportunity to transition after their education and
EdSource Quarterly | Oct-Dec l 2021