By Brenda Odhiambo

Last Friday, the Transitions Office in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa hosted an engaging mentorship session for 100 Scholars focused on navigating the job market, featuring industry experts who shared their personal journeys, insights, and advice. The panel featured experts from various institutions, including Mr. Daniel Ngugi, Head of Inclusion and Development at Next Step Foundation, Mr. Eugene Muchai, Community Manager at AMREF, Mr. Alan Were, Head of People, Diversity and Culture at Next Step Foundation and Mr. Denis Lucas, Operations Director at Home of Hope -Uganda.

The session kicked off with the experts sharing their personal journeys and experiences in the professional sphere. Each speaker provided a unique perspective on their career paths, highlighting the challenges they faced and the strategies they employed to overcome them.

"Success is not a straight line; it's a series of ups and downs. Embrace every experience, as it shapes your professional growth," said Alan Were, Head of People, Diversity and Culture at Next Step Foundation emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability.

"My career path wasn't always linear, but every experience has shaped me into the professional I am today. Don't be afraid to explore different opportunities and find your niche," he added.

A key segment of the session focused on the common pitfalls that recent graduates often encounter in the workplace. The experts discussed issues such as unrealistic expectations of the workplace, poor communication skills, and a lack of preparedness for job interviews.

"Many new graduates expect to land their dream job right out of university. You must be patient and open to learning, because it’s in learning that you get to build your work experience and get closer to opportunities that will bring you closer to your goals, said Mr. Eugene Muchai, Community Manager at AMREF.

“Transitioning from the academic world to the professional world can be daunting. Make use of the university’s career services to equip yourselves with the knowledge and insights on how you can prepare effectively for the job market and avoid these pitfalls, “said Mr. Daniel Ngugi, Head of Inclusion and Development at Next Step Foundation.

The session also examined at length the key attributes and competencies that employers prioritize when considering new hires and ongoing employees. The speakers highlighted the importance of soft skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities, alongside technical expertise.

"Employers look for candidates who can not only perform their job well but also contribute positively to the workplace culture. Demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and a proactive attitude can set you apart from other candidates," one of the industry experts noted.

The acquisition of professional certifications was another topic of discussion, with the speakers noting how relevant certifications could enhance a candidate's qualifications and make them more competitive in the job market.

"Pursuing certifications in your field shows a commitment to professional development and can significantly boost your credibility with potential employers," remarked Mr. Denis Lucas, Operations Director at Home of Hope -Uganda, encouraging attendees to invest in continuous learning.