By Cynthia Achola

Last Friday, the Transitions Office in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at USIU-Africa in collaboration with the Alumni Relations Office hosted an alumni mentorship session for 95 Scholars featuring six USIU-Africa alumni from Stanbic Bank, accompanied by three graduate trainees and a colleague from SCANAD Marketing Ltd, who included: Catherine Njoroge- Senior Manager, External Affairs, Reputation, and Communications, Michael Gichaga- Manager, Ecosystem, Products, Jean Opiyo- Manager, Applications Development, Adelaide Mbagaya- Specialist, Trade Finance, Trade & Africa China Banking, Grace Wambunya- Officer, Product Control, CIB Finance, and Prudence Sembua- Officer, Tax, Indirect Tax.

In attendance from USIU-Africa were representatives from the Transitions Office, Wycliffe Ochieng and Dolly Mwiti, and the Head of Admissions, Dr. George Lumbasi, with Winnie Tewendi representing the Alumni Relations Office.

The theme of the session was ‘Leadership and Career Development Dynamics in the 21st Century,’ with Catherine Ngina Njoroge, Senior Manager, External Affairs, Reputation, and Communications at Stanbic Bank, serving as the keynote speaker. The session, which was moderated by Ritah Mbabazi, a Mastercard Foundation Scholar in her third year of the BSc. Finance program, aimed to discuss essential leadership qualities needed in the workplace, how to navigate challenges and seize opportunities, strategies for successful job searching and networking, and steps to become effective leaders and develop careers.

In her comments about the book titled ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Leaders as written by Stephen R. Covey’, Catherine emphasized the crucial leadership qualities needed for success in today's workplace. "In addition to that, developing strong communication and collaboration skills is essential," she noted, highlighting the importance of teamwork in a dynamic environment. She also addressed challenges and opportunities in the workplace, and shared insights with the Scholars on how to navigate them effectively. She also offered practical tips on how to stand out in the job market, while other alumni shared personal experiences of overcoming obstacles and achieving career goals.

"A key takeaway for me was the emphasis on continuous learning and adaptability," said Ritah Mbabazi. The session provided valuable insights into the ever-changing job market and the skills employers seek, and these insights will no doubt prove to be critical as we work towards joining the job market,” she added.

The session closed with a vote of thanks from Silas Ooko, a fourth-year Mastercard Foundation Scholar in BA. Film Production and Directing program, who expressed his thanks on behalf of the Scholars, expressing their appreciation for the mentorship and guidance offered by the Stanbic Bank alumni.