Building a Career Abroad
France offers great opportunities for skilled workers, students, and entrepreneurs but navigating the job market as a Kenyan can feel like a maze. Whether you’ve just finished your studies, moved for work, or are looking to build a new life, this guide will walk you through how to start and grow your career in France.
🇫🇷 1. Understanding the French Job Market
France values qualifications, professional experience, and yes French language skills. The job market is competitive, but there’s increasing demand for:
- Engineers and IT professionals
- Healthcare workers
- Researchers and PhD holders
- Skilled trades (electricians, technicians)
- English-speaking roles in multinational companies
🔍 Tip: LinkedIn is widely used in France keep your profile updated and bilingual (English/French).
📄 2. Work Permits and Legal Requirements
Before starting any job, you need the right residence and work permit.
For students:
- You can work up to 964 hours per year (~20 hours/week) on a student visa.
After graduation:
- Apply for an APS (Autorisation Provisoire de Séjour) or “Recherche d’emploi” permit to look for work or start a business.
For professionals:
- Your employer must sponsor a work permit or you may apply for a Talent Passport if you’re highly qualified.
💡 Bonus: France has special visas for entrepreneurs and researchers explore your options!
🧾 3. Building a Strong CV and Cover Letter
French employers expect:
- A one-page CV in French (unless otherwise stated)
- A customized cover letter showing motivation for the role
Format tips:
- Include a professional photo (common in France)
- List education and experience in reverse chronological order
- Keep it clean, formal, and to the point
🔧 Tools to help: Canva (CV templates), Europass, or CVDesignR.
🗣️ 4. Language Barrier: Do You Need to Speak French?
For most jobs, yes, French is essential. However, some companies especially in tech, academia, or tourism hire English speakers.
Where French isn’t mandatory:
- International organizations (OECD, UNESCO)
- Startups with global teams
- English teaching jobs (TAPIF, language schools)
- Research/PhD programs
🎓 Tip: Enroll in French language classes and aim for at least B1-B2 level proficiency.
💰 5. Finding a Job: Where to Look
Top platforms to find jobs in France:
- Pôle Emploi (national job agency)
- Indeed France
- Welcome to the Jungle
- Apec.fr (for graduates/professionals)
- LinkedIn Jobs
Kenyan-specific tip: Check embassy boards or African expat Facebook groups many share job opportunities and networking events.
🤝 6. Networking and Career Support
Networking is key in France. Build your professional circle by:
- Attending job fairs or career events
- Joining LinkedIn groups or industry meetups
- Connecting with Kenyan professionals in France through community networks or alumni groups
🗣️ Tip: Don’t be shy most professionals are happy to share advice or help.
📈 7. Career Growth and Development
Once you land a job, focus on:
- Learning workplace culture (hierarchies can be formal in France)
- Asking about training opportunities or internal mobility
- Exploring French labor laws and your employee rights
🏢 Bonus: Many companies offer continuing education (formation professionnelle), which you can use to upskill.
📊 8. Starting Your Own Business in France
Entrepreneurial? France encourages small business creation!
Options for Kenyans include:
- Starting a food business (catering, pop-ups, Kenyan cuisine)
- Freelancing (especially in design, tech, writing, language services)
- Opening a shop or importing goods
You’ll need to register as a:
- Auto-entrepreneur (freelancer/self-employed)
- Société (SARL/SAS) for larger businesses
🧾 Check autoentrepreneur.urssaf.fr for steps to register.
✅ Final Thoughts
Starting a career in France as a Kenyan may come with hurdles—language, bureaucracy, cultural differences—but it’s possible and rewarding. Many Kenyans have carved successful paths here, from students turned engineers to entrepreneurs making Kenyan tea famous in Paris.
With the right tools, mindset, and support, you can do it too.