The Office of Career Services in partnership with Post Bank, the Peer Mentors Association and the University Health Services Counseling Department organized the Career guidance and mentorship session at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary (CAVS) on Monday 16th September 2019.

The Office of Career services was represented by Johnson Kinyua, the Director, Career Services who advised the students on the goals of the Career Office. Emphasis was made on working online while still in Campus and the students were offered many viable options of job portals. The Director also highlighted the accomplishments of the Office of Career services, some of which include sending students to Israel, China and France on different skills development programs and also partnerships with companies such as Huawei, Google and Ajira to create more opportunities for the University of Nairobi students in digital skills. The Director also emphasized on the importance of partnering with the Career Services office as a ‘Student Career Ambassador’ to embody the identity, demeanor, values and appearance of the Career service office.

Mr. Humphrey Andanyi from The Peer Mentors Association of Kenya (PMAK) encouraged students to settle in the University as people who want to succeed in life. Discipline was one of the main topics in the very informative talk. Since University offers freedom to the students, the one must take it upon themselves to behave and dress appropriately. He also touched on the changing of courses once one gets to campus, students were advised to decide on one course and stick to it. Mr. Andanyi advised the first year students to set goals and targets and ensure they are able to fulfill them. Lastly, he concluded on the importance of networking to explore career opportunities early enough.

The Post Bank representative, Ms. Mercy Mukami began by giving the banks mandate which is to encourage all people to save. She proceeded to explain that a lot of people are tarmacking, and if they start saving early, by the time the students are done with their respective courses, they will be able to open a business with their savings. Ms. Mukami highlighted the 21^st century soft skills employers are looking for which include effective communication, teamwork and time management. Finally, she emphasized on volunteering to get experience and showing your skills to potential employers as a very important avenue to land one a job. Emphasis was also given on giving back to the community and finding solutions to community problems.

The University Health Services was represented by Dr. Catherine Musyoka who advised the students that using of drugs and alcohol can affect a young person’s general health, physical growth and emotional and social development. She clearly outlined the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on the body and mind, and may result also in risky behavior like unprotected sex, which can lead to unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. She concluded by advising all students to be smart, avoid bad company and to avoid all drugs and alcohol and be informed on the subject.

UoN students developed a mobile application to tackle issues on youth sexuality in campus. They worked in conjunction with UNESCO seeking to provide the youth with information and real time help on wide ranging issues including HIV and AIDS, career advice, finance, alcohol, drug abuse and mental health. The Rada team walked the students through the mobile application, showing the students how the application works and all the solutions.

The Office of Career Services is proud to have hosted this career week across the three colleges namely CAVS, CEES and CAE and believes the information imparted in the First year students will go a long way in making a change in their Career and Social life choices.