By PACS Team

On September 26, the PACS team, led by Patricia Gichuki (Senior PACS Officer, Career Services & Employer Relations Lead), hosted an engaging event to connect students with Ericsson's team for a masterclass titled "Industry Spotlight: The Power of Technology and Connection with Ericsson." Founded over 140 years ago, Ericsson has established itself as a leading global telecommunications company, operating in 180 countries with over 100,000 employees worldwide. Known for its pioneering innovations, Ericsson holds over 60,000 patents, including those for 5G, Bluetooth, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies.

The main speakers at the masterclass were Caroline Nyambura, Commercial Director; Timon Cheruiyot, Account Manager; and Rosemary Kimaku, Business Development Manager. Additionally, Judith Githui, Chief Technology Officer; Margaret Mutisya, Head of HR; Julie Munyui; Victoria Nawire; and Valerian Nyerere engaged the audience on various career topics.

The team provided valuable advice to students on starting their career paths and setting themselves up for success. They outlined various career opportunities within Ericsson. Caroline shared her journey of rising through the ranks to become a Commercial Director, highlighting the endless possibilities within a company that values innovation and adaptability.

Timon Cheruiyot delivered an inspiring talk about his transition from engineering to business sales, emphasizing the importance of a flexible mindset in career exploration and development. He also spoke about the significance of humility and faith.

Rosemary Kimaku encouraged students to be strategic in their career planning, stressing the importance of career and life skills, including financial awareness and planning. She urged the audience to uphold excellence in all their endeavors, reminding them that their next move is determined by their last move.

Margaret Mutisya, Head of HR, highlighted the benefits of joining Ericsson, noting their high retention rates, as evidenced by the long tenure of the team members present. She emphasized that nurturing talent and providing career growth opportunities ensures employees are well-supported in their career development.

Margaret encouraged students to apply for various open positions and graduate trainee programs. Since 2019, 70% of recruited trainees have been USIU-Africa students and alumni, with 80% transitioning to full-time employment. She mentioned that during the 2024 USIU-Africa Career Fair, the Ericsson team conducted on-campus interviews and successfully recruited two students for their trainee program. She urged students to network and attend such sessions, as they offer numerous opportunities for career advancement.

If you are interested in applying for a position at Ericsson, please visit [Ericsson Careers Website]. The USIU-Africa Placement & Career Services (PACS) Department regularly shares available graduate trainee program positions via CareerLink and email. For more information or support in developing high-quality applications, please reach out to the PACS team at careeroffice@usiu.ac.ke.