Insights for Life Beyond University: Lessons from Ivy Wanjiru Mugo's Talk on Financial Literacy, Networking, and Personal Branding
By Martha Murage and Wendy Oluoch
On Thursday, October 29, 2024, the Senior Experience (SENEX) class had the pleasure of hosting Ivy Wanjiru Mugo, famously known as "Just Ivy Africa," as a guest class speaker. Ivy, an award-winning marketer, content creator, digital entrepreneur and alumnus of USIU-Africa (BA. Journalism, #ClassOf2010), has used her platform to educate and inspire individuals across Africa on topics like financial literacy, digital marketing, and personal branding. Ivy shared insights from her own experiences, giving us practical guidance on life after university, networking, financial management, and work-life balance. Her talk was filled with real-life lessons that resonated with students as they prepared to transition into the professional world.
Life After University: Debunking Misconceptions
Ivy opened the session by addressing some common misconceptions about life after university, including the belief that “you’ll do what you learned in school.” Ivy reminded the students that many people end up in careers outside their degree field and that flexibility is essential.
"While what we learn in school is important, there is need to be open to exploring diverse sectors and adapting our skills", she emphasized.
Another myth she tackled was the idea of specialization. And while acknowledging that building expertise is useful, it’s also vital to be versatile and willing to take on roles in different areas. She encouraged students to diversify their skills, which could lead to unexpected and valuable opportunities in the workplace.
To wrap up, Ivy spoke about job-hopping, or “hop-skipping,” in which she cautioned that rather than switching jobs every six months, she recommended being consistent, staying with a company for a reasonable period, and building a reputation for reliability. She stressed the importance of being a team player and supporting colleagues, as these attributes contribute to long-term career success.
Personal Branding and Networking Tips
On the topic of personal branding, Ivy shared a powerful insight:
“Your personal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room.”
Ivy advised the students to cultivate a strong personal brand based on good principles and values, rather than putting on a show.
On networking she stressed the importance of authenticity reiterating that the quality of relationships are determined by who we are at our core, and we naturally attract people who align with our values. She encouraged students to be genuine, look good, feel good, and articulate themselves well.
“Your networks are relationships. Show that you care for them. Ask, ‘What can I do for you?’ People will remember how you make them feel.”
Ivy’s approach to networking highlighted that meaningful connections stem from a genuine interest in others and a willingness to support them.
Money Mistakes Young People Make
Ivy shared valuable lessons on financial management, particularly for young people entering the workforce. She encouraged the students to negotiate salaries confidently, from a "point of abundance," by researching the value of the skills they posses. Knowing your worth and negotiating accordingly can set the stage for long-term financial growth.
One key piece of advice Ivy gave was to automate investments and let money grow undisturbed, advising the students to “pay yourself” by investing in the future and establishing financial discipline early on. She emphasized that one does not need a large sum to start investing; some options are accessible with as little as 100 Kenyan shillings.
Ivy also warned about red flags when investing, such as poor reputations, lawsuits, and integrity issues. By conducting due diligence, young people can avoid costly financial mistakes and make informed decisions about where to put their money.
The Myth of Work-Life Balance
In concluding her talk, Ivy addressed the issue of work-life balance, a concept she views as somewhat misleading. She explained that balance is rarely achievable in a perfect way. Instead, one area of life, such as work or social life, will often take priority over another at different times. Ivy encouraged the students to focus on what’s important and be willing to let certain aspects of our lives take a backseat when necessary. By prioritizing what truly matters, we can achieve a fulfilling life without the pressure of achieving “perfect balance.”
Finally she encouraged students to focus on adding value as individuals, striving for excellence in everything and most critical to invest in themselves.
On behalf of the USIU-Africa, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Just Ivy for her time, wisdom, and energy. Ivy’s real-world advice and inspiring approach have given valuable perspectives as students prepare for life beyond university.