Titus Sum, a 4^th Year Bachelor of Commerce  student at Strathmore University, has been selected to join the 2015 Barclays Africa Graduate Programme. Titus who is also a CPA graduate from Strathmore University, is excited as he embarks on an 18 month journey to secure a bright future in his career.

 

To get his final confirmation to join the programme, Titus, the youngest person to apply, had to undertake a series of interviews. To start off, Titus did an online application where he wrote a 500 word essay about why he wants to join the program. Once the application was successful, he received an email from South Africa stating that he will now proceed to the next step which was a phone interview. The interview was successful and with that, he was allowed to undertake an aptitude test which he had to complete in two hours. After about two weeks, Titus was invited for the final round of interviews which involved a face to face interview with a panel. The panel asked questions based on Barclays bank’s values. “They were looking for a well-spoken individual who is articulate and honest. They asked questions based on values they hold as a company. They were also impressed when I showed them my CPA certificate from Strathmore.” His drive for the program at his young age enabled him to stand out from the rest of the interviewees. His passion and zeal for the program was also recognized during the interview.

 

Titus is the last born among his three siblings. He joined Strathmore in January 2011 to study CPA courses because of his passion for accounting and finance. In June of the same year, Titus decided to enroll into a BCom class in an effort to expand his knowledge of the business field. Up until he finished his CPA, Titus concentrated on both courses concurrently. “I enjoyed doing the two courses concurrently because they complement each other. Balancing them commanded a lot of self-discipline and dedication,” he said.

 

While studying at Strathmore Titus learnt a lot about ethics, an attribute he is always grateful for.  He is also thankful for the motivation and insights shared by his mentor Dr. Jim McFie as well as industry leaders who took time to give career talks to students in school.

His advice to his peers, “be aggressive in the job applications. There are many opportunities out there, all you need to do is search for your niche market and go for it. It is also good to have a mentor because they will guide you and give you great insights you will need for the future,” Titus said.  

 

During his spare time, Titus loves to read current affairs and play a game of chess. His vision is to lead a division in either corporate or investment banking in the next five to ten years.

 

We wish Titus the best in his endeavors.