Corporate Kenya has become very competitive. The search for talent starts at the University level with exceptional students securing internships and jobs before they graduate. One of the ‘big four’ auditing firms in the region is now engaging students on social media to nurture a rapport and create communication lines with students.
An interview with two of Deloitte’s partners; Doreen Mbogho (Financial Advisory Partner who is also in charge of talent) and Anne Muraya (Audit Partner) gives more insight into this trend as they talk about their recruitment programme.
What led to the choice of social media campaign as opposed to conventional methods?
ANNE: Social media presents a unique platform to engage fresh graduates as they are already active on social sites such as Twitter. This presents Deloitte with unlimited visibility and access as compared to traditional campaign channels like newspaper advertisements.
DOREEN: In addition, social media is very cost-effective and provides a wider reach via informal referrals. We still value face-to-face interaction though, that is why we are having the campus open day.
By approximation, how much do you intend to save by using social media?
DOREEN: Social media campaigns involve the use of freely available advertising space on sites that experience high traffic from our target group. Hence we spend less on conventional advertising space like newsprint. It (social media) also enables prospective candidates to share campaign content with their expansive networks. This creates a wider reach for us.
What does Deloitte’s recruitment programme entail?
ANNE: Normally, there are four stages in the Annual Graduate Recruitment process: Online Aptitude Test, Assessment Centre, Panel Interview, and finally an Interview with the Partners.
How many graduates is Deloitte planning to take?
DOREEN: We plan to hire many fresh graduates across various service lines of audit, tax, consulting, enterprise risk, and financial advisory. Our primary focus is Audit. The people we recruit will take up the position of Audit Associate based in our Nairobi and Mombasa offices. They will be taken through formal job training as they carry out audits as part of a larger team.
ANNE: To learn more about Deloitte and the various positions available join us at the Deloitte Campus Day which will be at Kenyatta University on Friday 22nd March from 10a.m. to 2p.m.
Is there any preference in the courses undertaken?
DOREEN: One of the minimum qualifications is a Bachelor’s Degree in any field. We encourage applications from all fields as this diversifies our teams.