Moving from the confines of the university to the professional world is a big step filled with challenges and opportunities. Let's explore the stories of five people who made this transition successfully, despite the difficulties, by staying determined and focused on their goals.
Meet Innocent Dioniz (’17), affectionately known as Tocho, who graduated from the State University of Zanzibar in 2020. Wasting no time post-graduation, he volunteered at the Beyond St Jude's (BSJ) office, swiftly securing a position as an assistant for the BSJ Higher Education Program. Later, his focus and determination helped him transition to the administrative side of Beyond St Jude's Scholarship Program (BSJSP), where he now thrives as an Officer. His journey underscores the power of dedication and hard work.
"When volunteering, you need to gain enough knowledge, learn as many things as possible, and become an invaluable asset in the office," Innocent asserts, emphasizing the pivotal role of volunteering as a steppingstone into the profession.
Here's Irene Otema (’17), a standout graduate from St. Augustine. Her journey might not have started with a stint in volunteering like some of her peers, but friend, did she make waves! Straight out of university, she dove headfirst into the job market, landing herself a gig as a tour consultant and safari specialist at Shades of Green Safaris. You might think she had it easy, but no, she had her fair share of challenges along the way.
From fumbling through salary negotiations and being nervous during interviews, Irene faced it all. Did she let those hurdles slow her down? Not a chance! Irene refused to be deterred, channeling her determination into continuous learning and CV refinement. "I made sure my cover letters and CV were always updated," she says.
Allen Charles' (’18) journey as an entrepreneur is quite the tale. After graduating from Muhimbili University, Allen took a leap of faith into the vibrant world of entrepreneurship right in the heart of Dar es Salaam. There, amidst the hustle and bustle of city life, he planted the seeds of his clothing brand, Panther. Transitioning from a role as a tracking officer to becoming a personal driver for a prominent businessman in the city, Allen has expanded his horizons. Today, in addition to his role as a personal driver, Allen also thrives as an entrepreneur, selling art products to people in and outside Tanzania. His story is a lesson on seizing opportunities, creating one's path, and building meaningful connections in pursuit of one's dreams.
Caius Ireneus (’17) who graduated from Mweka Wildlife College 2021, shares his entrepreneurial drive. His journey began early, selling secondhand clothes in Arusha during high school. This early business experience shaped his path through university, helping him earn money for important stationery and pocket money as a student. By his second year, Caius recognized the need for a plan post-graduation. Currently, he is still at Singida and Njombe, working hard to accumulate enough funds so that he can return to town and start his own business. His story showcases the importance of hard work, planning ahead, and staying determined in the face of challenges.
There's one thread that shines oh-so-brightly: Regan Mahoo's (’17) journey, a fresh-faced graduate from the University of Dar es Salaam who is ready to take on the world. Regan landed a gig as a maintenance engineer in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam just a month after tossing that graduation cap into the air. But here's the kicker: it wasn't all smooth sailing He faced his fair share of hurdles along the way but didn't allow those hurdles to stop him. Regan started working without any salary for the first three months. This was just to help him get enough experience. Working without pay was tough. It was hard for him to gain trust and experience from the people he worked with because most people don't trust fresh graduates. With a sprinkle of networking, a dash of perseverance, and a whole lot of faith, Regan turned those obstacles into stepping stones to where he is now.
In conclusion, the collective journeys of Innocent, Irene, Allen, Caius, and Regan are proof that resilience, determination, and unwavering perseverance in the face of challenges pay off. As you navigate the transition from university to the world of work, may you draw strength and inspiration from their remarkable narratives and forge your path toward a future filled with promise and possibility.
If you need help with job applications, writing your CV, or want to practice for a job interview, just contact the alumni office we are here to assist you. Reach out and contact our Alumni office at alumni@schoolofstjude.co.tz or 0766-200-609
