Industrial attachment is an integral component of undergraduate studies here in Strathmore, as it provides a peek into the world of work. Last Thursday evening, 2^nd   & 3^rd yr Bachelor of Business Science (BBS) students had an opportunity to hear of internship insights, challenges and lessons from their comrades, the 4^th yr students. 

 

First, was Linda Wamuthiani (BBS-FE), who was an intern at National Bank, Treasury department where she was involved in foreign exchange trading. She guided the audience through the process of trading currencies at a bank, eliciting great interest in this topic from the audience and she deeply impressed with the depth of her understanding of foreign exchange markets.

 

John Kigen (BBS Finance) worked at PineBridge Investments East Africa, a global asset management company and the biggest pension fund management firm in Kenya. His role was predominantly research work on trends in securities’ markets’ and he acknowledged how useful and relevant the practical aspect of technical knowledge acquired in BBS program was for this position. He also shared on the impression created by colleagues at the workplace, all of them CFA Charter holders.

 

Katrina Msafari and Solomon Maonga, both Financial Economics students, had been at Fusion Capital, a Private Equity firm, and their work involved analyzing potential businesses to assess the viability of capital injection by the firm. From their stories, it was evident they had gained vast knowledge and dynamism that is characteristic of private equity industry.

 

Jackline Muchiri (BBS-Actuarial Sci), shared her experiences at Mercantile Insurance, she gave commendable insights on securing internship opportunities, emphasizing that students practice patience, and also have the ability to deliver value offered to potential employers. She was tasked to deliver what she had said she could offer the company, and this made her work quite fulfilling. Lastly, she emphasized the essence of building strong networks at workplace and an inquisitive nature to ensure continuous learning.

 

Chairman of SUFFESA, Reuben Muhindi, was an intern at Transaction Advisory department, in  Ernst & Young (EY) Kenya. He emphasized greatly the virtue of patience in pursuit of internship opportunities and the need to be guided by one’s life priorities, especially in selection of a career. He advised students to be decisive, and cautioned them against the trap of getting comfortable while working for a big company, compromising one’s personal brand and values.

 

This informative session was organised SUFFESA, Strathmore University Finance & Financial Economics Students Association, and the wrap-up by the clubs patron; Mr. Ferdinand Othieno echoed the speakers’ insights drawing examples from his own internship experiences when he first worked KPMG. This marked the end of a great evening of learning and humor, moderated by Stephanie Kimani, the SUFFESA Organizing Secretary.

 

SUFFESA will soon be conducting financial literacy training in Kibera, a CSR undertaking, in partnership with several corporate organisations as its. In June, the club will host Mr. Eric Kimani, the founder of Palmhouse Dairies Ltd, he formerly served as CEO of Sameer Africa.

 

Michelle Mboha and Tito Tibi