For Moises Chill Olasiman, business was never just a subject in a classroom, it was something he experienced firsthand. Long before enrolling in Strathmore University’s Diploma in Business Management, he found himself helping his mother run her business, unknowingly laying the foundation for a future in commerce. “Helping my mother with her business opened my eyes to the dynamic world of commerce,” he recalls. “When I was looking through Strathmore’s programmes, the Diploma in Business Management immediately stood out to me. The more I researched the curriculum, the more passionate I became about understanding how businesses run.” That passion has continued to grow. Today, Moises is pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Strathmore University, carrying forward the knowledge and experiences gained during his diploma journey.

When asked to describe his time at Strathmore, he doesn’t hesitate: “Chaotic, friendly, inclusive.” Three simple words that capture the demanding yet rewarding experience of university life. While lectures and assignments shaped his academic growth, it was the people who made the journey unforgettable. Moises fondly remembers the study sessions where classmates came together to prepare for examinations, encouraging one another through challenging semesters. “My most memorable experiences were the collaborative study sessions with my classmates. Sitting down together to help each other prepare for exams not only strengthened our academic understanding but also built a true sense of camaraderie.”

Outside the classroom, some of his favorite memories were created in the simplest moments. “One memory I’ll always treasure is the very first time my friends and I bonded over food and laughs at Kilimanjaro Café. It was the moment a group of classmates truly turned into lifelong friends,” he recalls. Like many university students, Moises quickly learned that balancing academics required more than intelligence; it demanded discipline. “Time management was definitely a lesson I had to learn the hard way. You often start the semester thinking you have plenty of time, but then CAT 1 hits, and suddenly all your group projects and individual assignments are due in that exact same week,” he says. Learning to prioritize his work and plan ahead became one of the defining lessons of his diploma experience.

One of the highlights of the programme was working on major business presentation projects, which bridged the gap between theory and practice. “It brought the theoretical side of business management to life, taught me how to collaborate effectively under pressure, and gave me hands-on experience in strategic decision making.” Those experiences also changed the way he views the business world, allowing him to appreciate how finance, operations and marketing work together to build successful ventures. Looking ahead, Moises hopes to establish a successful career in commerce before one day launching a company of his own. “Beyond financial success, I hope to create a business that generates employment opportunities and positively supports the local community, much like my mother’s work inspired me.”

For students beginning their own journey, his advice is grounded in experience. “Truly appreciate the time you have with the people around you, and stay on top of your coursework from day one. Tasks pile up much faster than you expect, so proactive planning will save you a lot of stress down the road.” As he reflects on this milestone, gratitude remains at the heart of his story. “As I graduate from Strathmore, I am most grateful for the lifelong connections I have made, the constant support of my peers, and the invaluable lessons that have shaped who I am today.” He also extends heartfelt gratitude to his parents, family, girlfriend, high school friends and the peers he met at Strathmore, whose unwavering encouragement helped him get here.

As Moises graduates from Strathmore University’s Diploma in Business Management programme, he leaves not only with academic knowledge but also with lifelong friendships, valuable lessons, and a clear vision for the future. With his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for commerce, his journey is only just beginning.

Article written by: Zena Ali