Strathmore University prides itself for having a premier Career Development Service (CDS) office that has in the past contributed and continues to contribute, towards Strathmore graduates being the most preferred by employers. Through organizing career fairs, career counseling workshops and professional development classes, students are introduced to an array of options on career options as they prepare to join the industry.

 

Graduate Sylvia Wanjiru Wainana, who majored in Marketing with a minor in Business Administration from the School of Management and Commerce, is one of the many beneficiaries of the CDS office with a story to tell.

How did you find out about Careers Development Office?

I learnt about the careers department in third year, when Lucy Muli – Manager CDS, interrupted an ongoing class to share her frustration of how students are not utilizing the resources available at Strathmore to further their career progression. She explained the department’s role, highlighting on the numerous partnerships they have secured with various organizations to secure Strathmore students positions in companies, yet we were not taking advantage of these opportunities.

 

I later sent my CV to test their response rate, and amazingly they responded fast.

What opportunities were presented after you sent your CV?

They looked at my CV and returned it for amending, sending a different template to use so as to make the CV more appealing. After the CV review I felt hopeful.

 

After the review, the department continued to send emails inviting me for events organized to enhance my skills and relevance in the job market. At first I was motivated by the goodies that were offered after every session but with time I realized the forums were quite helpful. I was able to develop tremendously.

 

I also attended counseling sessions in small groups where we would request for an unclear topic in the career industry to be elaborated and they would gladly do it. Some of the topics we handled were on individual rights, sexual harassment, and wages and contracts. These topics, though very vital to every individual, are not taught in class yet inform a lot of our decision making when joining the job market.

After these many sessions was securing a job an easy option?

Through the department, I attended countless interviews, and though initially it would be frustrating to attend and fail, I got to realize in life there are no failures. So I would pick myself together and ensure that every encounter was a learning lesson and a networking opportunity.

 

Soon after finishing my course work in fourth year, the department would always forward my CV to relevant organizations without getting tired. A few weeks later I was able to land myself an internship opportunity, with a renowned organization, Telkom Kenya, through the department and before graduation.

 

I can attest to the fact that this office is out to secure everyone’s welfare. Let’s make good use of the resources we have at Strathmore. We are a lucky students.

 

Thank you Careers department for helping me kick start my career.

 

 

 

To contact the Careers office;

Visit 3rd floor, Student center, Business hours Monday – Friday 8:30 – 12:30, 2:00 -5:30pm

Or email Careerservices@strathmore.edu