NextStep University College
Our Career-First Philosophy
At NextStep, we believe higher education should be a direct pathway to career success, not just academic achievement. We design every program with employment outcomes in mind.
Industry-Ready Curriculum
Our programs are co-designed with industry leaders to ensure relevance and immediate workplace value.
- •Industry Advisory Boards for every program
- •Real-world projects from partner companies
- •Latest industry tools and software included
- •Professional certification preparation built-in
of courses include industry projects
Applied Learning Focus
We prioritize hands-on skills and practical application over theoretical knowledge alone.
- •Project-based curriculum (70% practical work)
- •Simulation labs and industry-standard environments
- •Case studies from real business challenges
- •Portfolio development throughout studies
Outcome:
Graduates with proven work samples, not just transcripts
Comprehensive Career Support
Career development starts on day one and continues well beyond graduation.
- •Dedicated Career Success Coach for each student
- •Industry mentorship program (400+ mentors)
- •Internship placement guarantee (for qualifying programs)
- •Alumni career progression tracking and support
employment within 6 months of graduation
Career-Focused Programs
Choose from industry-integrated programs designed for real-world career success
Business & Technology
Health & Innovation
Creative Industries & Media
Engineering & Sustainable Solutions
All Programs Include:
Flexible program durations
Required work experience
Industry certifications
Industry Partnerships & Work Integration
Learning through real-world collaboration with 120+ industry partners
Tier 1
Strategic Education Partners
- • Curriculum co-design
- • Guest lecturing
- • Priority internship placement
- • Direct recruitment pipeline
Tier 2
Industry Collaborators
National & international firms
- •Project sponsorship
- •Equipment donations
- •Site visits & job shadowing
- •Case competitions
Tier 3
Community & Startup Partners
Local startups, NGOs, government agencies
- •Community projects
- •Social innovation challenges
- •Entrepreneurship opportunities
- •Student startup incubation
Work-Integrated Learning Journey
Year 1: Industry Exposure
Company visits, professional skills workshops, industry speaker series
Goal: Understanding career options
Deliverable:
Professional development plan
Year 2: Applied Projects
Industry-sponsored class projects, part-time internships
Goal: Applying classroom learning
Deliverable:
Project portfolio with industry feedback
Year 3: Professional Immersion
Full-semester internship, industry mentorship, professional certification
Goal: Building professional competence
Deliverable:
Performance evaluation from industry supervisor
Year 4: Career Launch
Capstone project with industry partner, job search preparation, recruitment events
Goal: Securing employment
Deliverable:
Employment offer or business plan
Industry Facilities on Campus
Corporate Innovation Labs
Partner company spaces
Simulation Centers
Real-world work environments
Assessment Centers
Skills evaluation & development
Recruitment Hub
Company recruitment activities
Faculty & Industry Experts
Learn from professionals who are actively shaping their industries
Dr. Sarah Mengistu
15+ years Experience
ACADEMIC ROLE
Professor of Business Technology
INDUSTRY ROLE
Former Director of Digital Transformation, Safaricom
The classroom should feel like the boardroom. Real stakes, real decisions.
SPECIALIZATIONS
“Dr. Sarah's class projects were actual challenges from her former company.”
Mr. James Omondi
12+ years Experience
ACADEMIC ROLE
Senior Lecturer in Data Science
INDUSTRY ROLE
Current Chief Data Scientist, Kenya Airways (part-time)
Data science isn't theoretical—it's the engine of modern business decisions.
SPECIALIZATIONS
“NextStep students arrive internship-ready because James teaches what we actually use.”
Prof. Elena Rodriguez
20+ years Experience
ACADEMIC ROLE
Dean of Health Innovation
INDUSTRY ROLE
Medical Device Consultant for WHO Africa
Healthcare innovation happens at the intersection of medicine, technology, and business.
SPECIALIZATIONS
“Graduates leading digital health initiatives in 7 African countries”
Our Unique Teaching Team
Hold Current Industry Positions
Have 10+ Years Industry Experience
Are Entrepreneurs or Business Founders
Hold Current Industry Certifications
Industry-Academic Time Balance
Industry Contacts per Faculty Member
Career Success Ecosystem
A comprehensive journey from career discovery to lifelong professional growth
Phase 1
Career Discovery
Months 1-3
Activities:
- •Comprehensive skills, interests, values evaluation
- •Meetings with 3+ industry professionals
- •Personalized 4-year career development plan
- •LinkedIn optimization & professional branding
SUCCESS METRIC
Clear career direction identified
Phase 2
Skills Development
Months 4-18
Activities:
- •Industry-standard tools and software certification
- •Professional skills workshops
- •3-5 real company projects for portfolio
- •Assigned industry mentor in chosen field
SUCCESS METRIC
Portfolio with 5+ completed industry projects
Phase 3
Work Experience
Months 19-30
Activities:
- •Guaranteed internship placement
- •50+ industry contacts developed
- •2-3 professional certifications completed
- •Regular career coaching sessions
SUCCESS METRIC
Positive internship evaluation and job referrals
Phase 4
Career Launch
Months 31-48
Activities:
- •Personalized job search strategy
- •Mock interviews with industry professionals
- •Salary negotiation training
- •Offer evaluation guidance
SUCCESS METRIC
Employment secured before or within 3 months of graduation
Phase 5
Career Growth
Post-Graduation
Activities:
- •Lifelong access to career coaching
- •Alumni discounts on additional certifications
- •Regular alumni-industry networking events
- •Support for promotions and career changes
SUCCESS METRIC
Career satisfaction and progression tracking
Career Support Resources
Career Success Center
Dedicated facility with interview rooms, assessment tools, and career coaching spaces
Online Career Platform
Job portal, networking tools, skill assessments, and industry connections
Industry Recruitment Events
8 major recruitment fairs annually connecting students with top employers
Alumni Mentorship Network
400+ alumni mentors available to guide current students and recent graduates
Career Guarantee Program
Available for select programs (terms apply)
Campus & Industry Facilities
State-of-the-art facilities designed for industry-integrated learning
Innovation & Entrepreneurship Hub
Facilities:
Startup incubator spaces, pitch rooms, investor meeting areas
Programs:
Entrepreneurship certificate, startup weekends, investor pitch competitions
Available 24/7 for student ventures
Corporate Collaboration Center
Facilities:
Partner company project rooms, industry simulation labs, client meeting spaces
Programs:
Company-sponsored projects, industry workshops, client presentations
Dedicated spaces for 12 partner companies
Professional Development Complex
Facilities:
Interview simulation rooms, professional assessment center, career library
Programs:
Mock interviews, assessment center preparation, professional skills workshops
Used by companies for actual recruitment activities
Technology & Simulation Labs
Facilities:
Industry-standard software labs, equipment simulation centers, VR training rooms
Programs:
Software certification training, equipment operation, virtual reality simulations
Same equipment/software used by partner companies
Global Connections Center
Facilities:
International video conference rooms, global project collaboration spaces
Programs:
Virtual international internships, global team projects, language support
Connections with international offices of partner companies
Industry-Connected Location
NextStep University College
9.004983° N, 38.767922° E
Addis Ababa Technology Corridor
Walk to Technology Park
Drive to Business District
To Public Transport Hub
Secure Parking Spaces
Partner Companies Walking Distance
Access to Industry Network
Student Success & Outcomes
Real results from real graduates building successful careers
Employment Outcomes
Employed within 3 months
Employed within 6 months
Started own business
Earnings Impact
Average starting salary
Above national average
Average at 5 years
Industry Distribution
Program-Specific Success Metrics (2023 Graduates)
Top: Safaricom, KPMG, Microsoft
100% certification pass rate
Serving 500k+ patients
Promoted within 2 years
Avg salary increase (0-3 years)
Alumni satisfaction rating
Working internationally
Student Success Stories
From Student to Tech Leader
BSc Business Technology
Class of 2021
Current Position:
Product Manager, FinTech division
“My NextStep internship turned into a career. The network I built in college is still my professional network.”
Career Changer Success
Diploma in Data Analytics
Class of 2022
Former teacher, no tech experience, Age 32
Outcome:
Data Analyst at Ethiopian Airlines within 3 months of graduation
“NextStep made a complete career change possible in 18 months.”
Entrepreneurial Launch
BA Creative Entrepreneurship
Class of 2020
Venture:
Digital marketing agency for African e-commerce businesses
Started with class project, now 8 employees, $200k revenue
“The entrepreneurship program gave me the tools and confidence to build a real business.”
Admissions & Pathways
Multiple entry points designed to meet you where you are
Direct Entry
High School Graduates
REQUIREMENTS:
- •Ethiopian School Leaving Certificate or equivalent
- •Minimum GPA: 2.5 (varies by program)
- •Mathematics and English proficiency
- •Personal statement and interview
DURATION:
Standard 4-year bachelor's programs
SUPPORT:
Foundation courses available for gaps
Transfer Students
From Other Institutions
REQUIREMENTS:
- •From universities, colleges, polytechnics
- •Up to 50% of credits may transfer
- •Portfolio review and skills assessment
- •Interview required
DURATION:
2-3 year completion depending on credits
SUPPORT:
Credit evaluation and gap analysis
Working Professionals
2+ Years Experience
REQUIREMENTS:
- •Minimum 2+ years work experience
- •High school certificate or equivalent
- •Prior learning assessment available
- •Industry reference letter
DURATION:
Evening, weekend, hybrid options
SUPPORT:
Flexible schedules and credit for experience
International Students
Global Applicants
REQUIREMENTS:
- •Equivalent qualifications from home country
- •English proficiency (IELTS 6.0+)
- •Valid passport and student visa
- •Financial documentation
DURATION:
All programs available in English
SUPPORT:
Visa assistance, accommodation, cultural orientation
Certificate to Degree
Stackable Credentials
REQUIREMENTS:
- •Start with professional certificate programs
- •Stack certificates toward diplomas/degrees
- •Prior learning recognition
- •No formal prerequisites to start
DURATION:
Start anytime, progress at your pace
SUPPORT:
Certificates provide immediate career value
Application Process
Online Application
Complete application form
Submit Documents
Transcripts & certificates
Career Assessment
Skills & interests evaluation
Interview
Meet with admissions team
Enrollment
Accept offer & register
Intake Periods & Important Dates
Spring Intake
Application Deadline: Nov 15
Summer Intake
Application Deadline: Mar 15
Fall Intake (Main)
Application Deadline: Jul 15
Early application recommended for scholarship consideration
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Join 94% of graduates who secured employment within 6 months