The ZETECH College 2012 Annual Career Fair was marked with pomp and colour, with an array of keynote speakers gracing the event which recorded an attendance of over 1,800 current and prospective students.
The annual event which was held at the August 7th Memorial Park from 10th to 12th April, 2012 goes down in the annals of history as yet another successful one; this time being held outside Pioneer Campus for the first time.
Themed ‘Linking Careers to the World’, keynote speakers radiated positivity at the three day event inspiring the students who turned out in droves. Keynote speakers including San Valencia CEO, Mr Phineas Kimathi; NOPE Institute Executive Director, Mr Philip Waweru; GreenBell Communications Ltd Managing Director, Rose Maghas and Co-operative Bank of Kenya Brand Manager, Francis Ngambi talked about the highs and lows of their careers in addition to challenging the students to develop positive attitudes demanded by any career.
Students had the opportunity to interact with potential employers and submit their resumes, optimistic for internship positions or even employment opportunities.
Speaking to Information Technology and Engineering students, GreenBell Communications Ltd Managing Director Ms Rose Maghas urged students to change their attitudes as it determines how a person’s work ethic is. She further called on them to be ready to offer their services whenever called upon.
“As a student looking for work or internship you have to be ready to work even without remuneration. This will help you get the necessary experience which may end landing you a job if you have the right attitude,” she said.
Co-operative Bank’s Brand Manager Mr Francis Ngambi, while demystifying the topic ‘The Opportunities in Africa - Are we Ready?’ challenged students not to think of Kenya as the only country they can earn a living from.
San Valencia’s (the country’s top corporate catering company) CEO Mr Phineas Kimathi, a rally driver turned cook, focused on the qualities and attitudes of prospective professionals who undoubtedly make it in the Hospitality Industry. He further challenged students to identify what they want to be and focus their energy towards achieving their dreams. He was however keen to remind the students that success does not come overnight.
“A lot of young people want to be like Phineas Kimathi, but it has taken Phineas a long time to be who he is. You need to develop gradually,” Mr Kimathi cautioned after detailing his rise from being a waiter to a CEO.
National Organization of Peer Educators (NOPE) Managing Director, Mr Philip Waweru, tactfully delivered his talk on the topic ‘Social Entrepreneurship - Breaking the Dependency Culture.’ Addressing students from the Schools of Community Development and Media Arts & Design he urged them to use their talents and skills to help improve the workplace and society at large.
ZETECH College Principal, Prof. Edwin Wamukoya said he was overwhelmed by the massive number of people who turned up making the event a success. He further attributed the event’s influence as a stamp of authority as the College gears to become a University by the year 2013.
“This event has had tremendous response from the public and I am happy that people now know ZETECH as the leading College in the provision of quality tertiary education. The Career Fair was also an indication of our determination to become a University by next year,” he said.
The success of the event was also evident among the students. David Ouma, a student undertaking a course in the School of Community Development expressed his sentiments saying the Management should organize more of such events to help inspire students. Haron Otieno from the School of Media, Arts and Design said the event was an eye opener to him as he seeks to improve himself.
“This event has been an eye opener for me because I have benefited a lot from the speakers we have had, in terms of how to position myself for the job market,” he remarked.
The College awarded Kshs. 10,000 to the Engineering Department for having the best display stand during the Career Fair, with the School of Community Development being the runners up.