The internet giant Google, offers a course known as Google AdWords certification that trains on the proficiency in the use of AdWords to candidates. As a professional accreditation, it is a marker that elucidates that the individual or group is recognized by Google and its partners. This lucrative accolade can propel a budding entrepreneur towards the goals set. The Google Partner Badge enables the candidate’s agency to operate in the country and transcend international boundaries to tap into the growing digital world market.

Last year, a team of students from Strathmore University consisting of Kennedy Maingi, Charlene Maina, Christine Kamathi Daniel Kimotho, James Otieno, and Michelle Muriungi represented @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University which runs the Digital advertising course in the Google AdWords competition. This team was focused and had strong will power; the competition was stiff as it had amongst its contestants top technology savvy colleges in Kenya but they managed to take home the number one position in Kenya. The team then progressed to secure the 9th position overall in the Middle East and Africa. Their actions have placed @iLabAfrica, Strathmore University on the map as far as Google is concerned. The team’s ability to overcome was also felt at the EMEA where it was an underdog in the completion; the team managed to secure the 14th position overall, a relative victory considering the epic size of the event.

The Team 

 

The team enjoyed working together to solve problems and also to come up with new ideas. This strong camaraderie highly attributed to the success they had in the completion as other teams sometimes failed to act in one accord. The team was properly organized, and the delegation function was well handled enabling the team members to each carry out their roles independently but keeping team play in mind. The delegation process was based on the strengths of individuals that was key because it enabled the strengths of one person to supplement the weaknesses of the other team player.

The biggest challenge they had was the lack of funds necessary to ensure the team was at par with the competition especially in the Middle East completion. The competition instilled a deluge of skills to the individual such as communication skills, teamwork, and how to work under pressure. All in all the campaign was fruitful the team members had fun and good experience.

What next for the Team Members??

 

Charlene Maina:

GOMC has enriched my career goals and highlighted the career path that should be undertaken to achieve said goals.

Daniel Kimotho;

I feel that through the startups launched, digital marketing, which now has become familiar will open a broad client based globally.

Kennedy Maingi;

Pressure felt in the project has molded my capabilities and increased my drive to go on even when the road is tough. This creates a good balance in my marketing background, and I am contemplating walking down the entrepreneurial path and creating an agency based in Kenya targeting the growing economies found here in Africa such as EAC and COMESA.

James Otieno

The success in the completion is one of my highest achievements. I am ecstatic about the victory and am hopeful in growing my Curriculum Vitae in this line of career and also doing startups that will eventually create employment for Kenyans.

Michelle Muriungi;

The challenge has provided a niche for me in my degree (Bachelor of Business Information Technology). I enjoy digital marketing a lot, thinking of possibly becoming a freelancer agent.

Christine Kamathi;

It has opened up my mind. I knew about it earlier through AISEC. Did the digital advertising course. I thank God for where we have come. It’s a very broad area and it’s good to specialize in something.

Well done team!

Story by @iLabAfrica wordpress