josphat Maina

What is the most useful piece of career advice you got as a student, and who gave it to you?

The most useful piece of career advice I received as a student was from my imaginary mentor, Professor Whizbang, who once said, "Always treat your email signature like your virtual handshake - make it professional, memorable, and free of dancing emojis." At first, I thought it was a bit old-school, considering the flashy emails I'd seen from some folks, but Professor Whizbang emphasized the importance of creating a lasting impression in the professional world. So, I ditched the animated gifs of dancing cats and crafted a sleek email signature with my name, position, and contact information. Believe it or not, that simple advice helped me stand out in the digital jungle of job applications and networking emails. Potential employers and colleagues took me more seriously, and I landed some great opportunities thanks to that virtual handshake. So, thank you, Professor Whizbang, for teaching me the art of the dignified email signature!

When did you get your first Big Break? How did you get it? How did it go?

My first big break came when I was selected to participate in a significant project that matched my abilities perfectly. It was a combination of being in the right place at the right time and having the right set of skills. I had been contributing to various smaller tasks, always making sure to add value and demonstrate my capability for hard work and creative problem-solving. The opportunity presented itself when a team required someone with my specific expertise for a complex and challenging project. My name came up thanks to a recommendation from a colleague who had noticed my dedication and efforts. The project went exceptionally well. I was able to apply my skills effectively, and the team achieved our goals successfully. It was a learning curve, no doubt, but the experience I gained was invaluable, and it paved the way for more significant and challenging opportunities in the future. It was a true testament to the importance of preparation meeting opportunity.

How did you pick your career? Did you know all along?

Choosing a career can be a serendipitous journey, often filled with unexpected turns. For me, it wasn't a matter of always knowing but rather a process of discovery, reflection, and seizing opportunities. Initially drawn to fields that piqued my curiosity, I followed a path of continuous learning, which led to a deeper understanding of my strengths and passions. The key was to remain open to new experiences and to actively seek out chances to grow and challenge myself. Along the way, mentors and pivotal experiences provided insights that helped to refine my career direction. It was a blend of introspection about what I enjoyed and what I was good at, and the practical consideration of where those skills were in demand. The decision was solidified through trial and error—taking on various roles, learning what felt right, and, just as importantly, what didn't resonate with me. It was this iterative process that ultimately guided me to the career I have today.