This article is not meant to discourage you but to give you some heads-up on what is ahead of you. It is written with a lot of love for my younger brothers and sisters. I prepared a few points below;
1. Lower your Expectations
"My uncle works at the Ministry of Planning, he promised me a job on graduating.", "My cousin works at the county so I got some link.", "A friend of my mum's friend who has a friend abroad asked for my C.V."
"Wee soma tu kwa bidii na hauna connections, utashangaa!"
Dear graduates, it is true, wenye tulisoma bila connections tumeshikwa na butwaa ya maisha. Again, we learned to lower our expectations on realizing that our C.Vs are lighting the jikos! Hard truth that we must swallow😖. Be hopeful but expect less!
Be aggressive! Seize that opportunity!
2. Don't be choosy
When I completed campus, I came out with the mentality of, "You know what guys, pure maths can't crack my head and I come out here to do some petty jobs like sales, ati I am selling blueband or something, the hell? I am gonna be some analyst or some economist at the World Bank or in some prestigious organisation.😞" Nilisikia wapi??! It is good to be ambitious and hopeful, but remember to include some reality in the mix if you live in Kenya. After hustling for the longest time I changed my thinking to "How can I use the knowledge and skills acquired in school to survive in life? Have I outdone myself in my current challenge before I wish for a better one? I ain't the best sales person yet! I can work on that in the process of waiting for the job of my dream." Appreciate your current challenge and be the best you can be. Can we tell the difference between you and any other Mpesa lady? Don't mind the pay, God doesn't waste an experience siz😊.
Sometimes back, I complained to my mentor that I kinda felt unappreciated at the work place back then and wished I had capital to begin my own hustle. This is what she said, "Kajuu, this is what I tell young people, employment is very important because the employer is paying to train you! They are paying you, to train you! Appreciate the opportunity and be a faithful steward."
3. Be flexible
The world is adjusting everyday, technology is evolving. Who ever thought a thing like Covid 19 would happen? Things changed and we kinda have to adopt to the new normal 😏. Employers prefer having employees who can survive in dynamic conditions and are ready to explore new challenges everyday. It doesn't hurt to try new things. Btw, never be afraid to speak up your mind, air out that idea, it may turn out to be a win for the organisation.
4. Have a strong personality
Some organisations will treat interns/new employees in a welcoming way while others may bully you, you got to have a strong personality to survive in such environment. Imagine working with a boss who always dismisses your ideas maybe because they don't like you or something, a strong personality will help you keep your head high regardless. Be humble but don't allow intimidations 😏.
Don't be limited by your title as an intern, look smart, wear confidence and have adequate knowledge in your area.
Please don't compare yourself with anyone. Everyone has got their own path. Stay in your lane.
5. Character will keep you soaring higher
The amazing thing about work ethic is that it brags for you even when you are not in the room!
"I am sorry", "Thank you", "Excuse", "kindly", "Please" These words will go a long way.
Communication skills are not only to be written in the C.V but to be practiced.
Communicate!! If you can't deliver on time, communicate. "I am sorry I will come in late" It shows you got respect for your boss rather than just appearing late and giving all manner of excuses however genuine they could be.
"IQ and good manners are qualities you have or don't have whether you got money or not" ~ unknown.
Uphold your values, honour them in your decisions, express them in your relationships and act consistently with them. Avoid office gossips. "Ishi na watu vizuri nanii, siku hizi damu sio nzito kuliko maji kama zamani😅." Invest in your network since your network is your net worth.
My former boss told me to always leave a place in a way that people will look forward to having me back!
6. Volunteer
An act of volunteering boosts someone's self confidence and gives a sense of pride and identity. It gives you a life satisfaction and builds your self esteem since you are doing good for others and the community. This provides a natural sense of accomplishment.
Some of the NGOs will give you an offer based on your volunteer experience.
We will all agree that it might be tricky to survive in Kenya as a full time volunteer unless you got a supportive family to provide your needs. If you are not working on weekends, do some volunteer work in that children home, volunteer in your church, mosque! We have so many projects in these avenues. Volunteering in Church has helped me increase my network and gain leadership skills as a youth leader.
There are so many advantages of volunteering.
7. Create your brand
I wish I got a better subheading on this. What do you do when not at work? Okay, let me put it this way, if you lost your job today, do you have a backup plan? When you get retired, what will you be doing? I mean, create your own initiative based on your skills, passion and knowledge. It may take time to grow but just keep on moving.
8. Love God
Last but not least, serve God more when you are young. Sometimes bills add up, you lose a relationship, lose a job, lose friendships and encounter all manner of losses. God will always have your back. Life isn't always good but always remember, "The pain that you have been feeling can't compare to the joy that is coming" Roman 8:18.
Also,if you have to drink, drink less and save more!
Congratulatory message 😊
I congratulate all the 2021 graduates, Mbae Mwendwa, Hon. Kibaya Dominic and Muthuri Mithiaru of Maseno University.
You are all made for greatness!! Congratulations on your graduation.
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