I joined Strathmore University in June 2012 where I was enrolled for a Diploma in Business Information Technology and later joined the Exempt option to pursue a Bachelor of Business Information Technology degree and later graduated in June 2016.

My passion for IT begun way back in High school and the opportunity to study at Strathmore was a dream comes true as I learnt how to provide business solutions using IT. This for me was the unique nature and I excitedly pursued the course.

As we all have heard of the cliché ‘Life after school is hard’, it could be true to some point. However, as fresh graduates start off in their careers, there are some who, either by sheer luck or networks get jobs immediately while others do the ‘tarmacking’ for a while. As for me, I did the ‘tarmacking’ and it was worth it in the end.

I sent my CV to various organizations but there was no breakthrough. I felt disappointed as I could see some of my friends working with various companies while I sat at home, jobless! After a long unrewarding struggle, I secured a one month IT internship in an IT firm through my networks.

I had previously contacted the Strathmore Careers Development Services Office (CDS) which I had learnt about through one of their Brand Ambassadors in school. I requested them to review my CV and possibly recommend me for internship or employment, when opportunity arose. They first helped me amend my CV, which they later forwarded to Deloitte for an internship opportunity. Deloitte invited me for interviews which were in two phases, an aptitude test and oral interview which I successfully passed. I reported the following week as a Business Analyst intern- Enterprise Risk Services (ERS). The Enterprise Risk Services falls under the Risk Advisory department

Working in ERS taught me how to deal with clients, relate with colleagues, undertake work assignments and practice ethics in order to work well. The values gained from Strathmore made it easy for me to adapt to the culture and ethos at Deloitte.

Over and above the work demand, high expectations, pressure and tight deadlines at my place of work, I decided to put my best foot forward and deliver with excellence. This meant a lot of discipline, determination, focus and resilience from my end. By the end of my internship, I received a confirmation letter to a permanent employment as a Business Analyst in the Risk Advisory department.

I am grateful that I took advantage of the resources available around me, through the Careers Office, who helped me kick start my career. As for students and fellow alumni, it is never too late to accomplish what you want in life. Use the open doors around you as our low lying fruits….In our case, the CDS office is a great resource for all our career related issues.

My parting shot to students would be, they should explore opportunities available keenly and focus on the long term. They should be themselves, driving through their careers with passion and determination. That is the best gift they could give themselves.

 

Veronica, Njoki – Business Analyst, Deloitte (Risk Advisory department)

(Since November 2016)

*CDS has a Placement Service – Your qualifications are matched to a client’s job requirement request and your CV forwarded to the client who then shortlists and calls candidates for interviewing.