On Friday, August 1, 2025, Strathmore University, through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, held its Annual Leavers’ Fair for the soon-to-be graduates in the school, dubbed the Industry Transition Program: Leveling up from Uni to the Real World. The Fair saw a panel session comprising of Catherine Mumo, an #ClassOf2020 alumnus and a Senior Sustainability Analyst, Impact Africa Consulting Limited, Evans Ijakaa #ClassOf2023, an alumnus and a Communication Officer at Strathmore Law School, Barnabas Odhiambo #ClassOf2020, an alumnus and Graduate Assistant at SHSS, , Sam Mue, #ClassOf2023, Global Youth and SDG leader, and Barbara Mwangi #ClassOf2020, Graduate Assistant at SHSS, where they discussed, among other things, questions about:

What Are Three Practical Steps to Take When Entering the Job Market?

1. Understand Your Value and Voice
   Start by recognizing that the world makes sense of itself through stories, and the Humanities teach us how to tell them. Your unique perspective and lived experiences matter. Personal branding is no longer optional. Know your story, own your voice, and learn how to communicate it with clarity and confidence.
2. Set Clear Goals and Position Yourself Strategically
   Define your goals early. It’s how you draw a roadmap for your career. Knowing what you want helps you know where to look. Apply widely, but with intention. Seek internships, volunteer roles, or part-time jobs that align with your interests. Connect with your university’s career office; they often have leads and advice tailored to your field.
3. Build Your Digital and Real-World Network
   Create a strong LinkedIn profile and keep it active. Take up leadership roles, join student clubs, or contribute to community initiatives. These experiences strengthen your CV. As Barnabas Odhiambo puts it, “If you don’t know where you want to go, go to LinkedIn.” Seeing other people’s journeys can help shape your own. Don’t be afraid to reach out. People are often more willing to help than you think. Attend webinars, conferences, and subscribe to newsletters from companies you admire.

What Is the Relevance of School Knowledge in the Real World?

The knowledge and skills gained in school are the foundation for how we understand, navigate, and contribute to the world around us. As Barnabas Odhiambo notes, schooling shapes your perspective and broadens your worldview. It trains your mind to think critically, research effectively, and adapt to complexity. When you enter the workforce, this foundation becomes vital, but you must also adopt and adapt. Barnabas shared how, during his internship, he was the only one with a background in International Studies. What set him apart wasn’t just his academic training, but his ability to learn on the job, apply research skills, and think independently. That’s how your education starts to pay off.

To keep the fire burning, stay curious. Be flexible. Refine your soft skills, including communication, empathy, and problem-solving. These are often what makes the difference. As Sam Mue powerfully put it: “Get out.” Go to networking events. Follow industry leaders. Immerse yourself in your field. Start conversations. Convince yourself that you belong in the space you aspire to.

What Internship or Volunteership Made a Turning Point in Your Career?

For Barbara Mwangi, the game-changer was her internship as a Research Operations Lead, where she conducted in-depth research on Maritime Security and the Blue Economy in Kenya. This experience sharpened her analytical and writing skills, assets that later helped her secure a job at Strathmore University.

For Sam Mue, it was his involvement in the African Climate Summit that marked a major shift. It was a learning experience that taught him two key lessons: hard work always pays off, and relationships matter. “Some people will open doors for you, some will close them, and others will help you walk through,” he reflects. Meanwhile, Evans Ijakaa found his breakthrough at Strathmore University’s Alumni Relations office during his very first internship. What started as a routine assignment evolved into something much more, thanks to a side project documenting life in the slums, which he approached with curiosity and creativity. A supportive colleague helped him polish his work, and that project became the springboard for his professional journey.

What is that one mistake?

This question brought moments of honesty and reflection from the panelists as they each shared a misstep that left a lasting impression. Barnabas Odhiambo spoke first. His regret? Not asking. He acknowledged that he let several opportunities slip through his fingers simply because he didn’t step up and ask for a chance. “Sometimes, doors don’t open because you never knocked,” he admitted.

For Evans Ijakaa, the mistake was a mindset, believing that things had to be perfect or not done at all. “It’s either 100% or nothing,” he used to think. That rigid approach, he learned, often leads to missed progress and unnecessary self-pressure. Catherine Mumo highlighted the importance of presentation. She shared that early in her career, she carried a “know-it-all” attitude when engaging with clients, something that backfired. “I had to learn the hard way that how you say something is just as important as what you say,” she explained. “Softness can be strength.”

After the moderator’s questions, the conversation opened to the audience. The first question from the floor was:

Where Can One Find Projects to Work On and Monetize Their Skills While Waiting for Formal Employment?c

How Do You Navigate Introducing New Ideas in the Workplace?

Bringing innovation into existing systems isn’t always straightforward. The panel advised patience and strategic communication. Understand your organization’s internal dynamics:

1. How does it receive new ideas?
2. When are decision-makers most receptive?
3. What channels work best—formal proposals, one-on-one conversations, or team brainstorming?

“Progress isn’t measured by how fast your idea is accepted,” one panelist noted, “but by how well you understand and work within the system.” Ultimately, success lies in finding spaces where your voice is not just heard but welcomed. With these reflections, the moderator turned to the final question of the day…

How Does One Stay Grounded Amid the Silent Pressures After Graduation?

How do you stay centered when the world goes quiet, but the expectations grow louder? This was perhaps one of the most relatable questions of the day. How to navigate the invisible weight of finding a job, figuring out your direction, or even facing societal expectations around marriage.

The panelists spoke with honesty and reassurance. Their advice? Acknowledge the pressure. It may be silent, but it’s real, and it doesn’t go away overnight. What matters is how you respond. They emphasized the importance of family as a grounding force. Your family may not have all the answers, but their presence can anchor you. Friendships, too. Those who walk with you, and do not judge your pace. And most importantly, self-motivation: the quiet belief that even if things are unclear today, you are still becoming.

One Sentence of Advice to Carry Forward

To close the session, the panelists were each asked to share one sentence of wisdom. Their words echoed with clarity and conviction:

• “Be comfortable with charting your path.” — Sam Mue
• “Stick to your values, do the right thing, and everything will fall into place.” — Barnabas Odhiambo
• “Life is dynamic. Yes, we say plan. But things can change.” — Catherine Mumo
• “It’s okay to start again.” — Barbara Mwangi

The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks and lively musical performances, leaving the audience not only informed but inspired.

Article written by: Yoweri Omollo