Steve has just graduated from Daystar University in Kenya. As most ambitious young people, Steve hopes that his degree will help him build his career in marketing and eventually start a marketing agency of his own.

"It's so exciting. A graduate of my university, Wilkins Odinga Fadhili, the CEO of Fashion Torch Africa, has already secured funding of Sh16.5 million. I hope that I will be able to follow his steps, but meanwhile, I have to secure a stable income, enhance my skills and build my network. It is not easy as it takes some graduates years to secure a well paid job. Marketing entry jobs are not well  paid, but I need to develop my skills and build a network. I wish I was able to secure a second job or a source of additional income."

Each year thousands of students in Kenya and Nigeria are graduating from the Universities. Career development and income increase are on the ‘To Do List’’ of all of them, but unfortunately, these goals are not easy to achieve.

The recent graduates, who just start on their career path, in Africa, face challenges finding a job. The unemployment rate is especially high among young people - up to 50%. Graduates face high competition on the labor market, combined with corruption and inability to apply the skills they have acquired at the University.

Due to the fact that the cost of life goes up, but the ability to cover the bills goes down, a lot of young people are looking for new ways to secure extra income.

What could they do to improve their financial situation?

Let’s have a look at the following situation: you are a recent graduate, your marks are great and you are confident in your skills, but you struggle to get a job. You live in a rural area, you have no useful connections, your skills are not in demand on the market and, at the same time, there are bills to be paid now.

Should you move to the capital or even to another country in a search of a job? Not necessarily. Remote work can be the right solution. You can work full-time or part-time, even while you study, and develop your skills.

Wanjiru, a Java Developer says:

"It is so easy. At first, I was reluctant to try as remote work was a completely new concept and I wasn’t sure if it will work, will I be paid, will there be a project for me…Then, I gave it a try and in three days, I received an invite for an interview and started working. The payment is received straight from Transformify into my prepaid card, the platform offers a payment guarantee and everything is arranged for. No need of endless CV submissions, all you need to do is to keep your profile up to date."

Remote work and e-learning could enhance the opportunities for graduates in Africa to develop their skills, work in an international remote team spread around the world and secure decent income. Relocation and immigration pose risks and should be the last option. Home feels always best!