Tell us a bit about yourself, and what you studied.

I would describe myself as a go-getter. I enjoy challenging myself to try new things that will continuously make me better in all aspects as an individual. I am currently studying MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation. I studied a Bachelor of Commerce- Business Administration and Finance at Strathmore University in Kenya. Until the beginning of my fourth year in undergraduate, I had no idea of what career I wanted to pursue until I got accepted as a cohort in the SAP Skills for Africa programme where I was certified as an Application Associate in Financial Accounting. The program was delivered in partnership between SAP Skills for Africa and Strathmore University. During the training, I became more interested in ERP systems and the transformative impact they have on business processes and decided to pursue a career that was at the intersection of technology and business.   

What first attracted you to WBS?

The MSc Management of Information Systems and Digital Innovation programme appealed to me because I was looking for a course that could equip me with technological skills with no prior IT knowledge. My choice for the course was greatly influenced by the course content that is relevant to the current trends in this digital age. In addition, the ranking of WBS assured me of the quality of experience I would gain by studying here.

What was the best thing about the programme? 

I enjoyed the Digital Business and Workplace Technologies project we had to complete as a group project in term one where we role-played as IBM Studio consultants and had to design an intranet for an airline company. We used software such as proto.io and Balsamiq and carried out the assignment using IBM’s enterprise design thinking framework which gave me the skills I need to justify my capabilities of pursuing a career as a business analyst.

I also liked the Qlik data hackathon arranged for the Data and Business Intelligence module. It was a good foundation to refresh and continue building on my data analysis skills. As a WBS student, we were also given one year free access to the Qlik Academic Program which I find very useful.

What inspired you most throughout your studies?

I was inspired by the content delivery that emphasised theoretical application of knowledge in group work assignments. It was interesting working with classmates from diverse backgrounds and learning how to work with different personalities.

I also made sure to engage in activities outside of my programme such as the Warwick Incubator pitching competition and the Warwick Marketing Insight series pitch competition where I came third. I attended skills development workshops such as the python workshop that was organised to give those of us from non-IT backgrounds an introduction to python programming. I also recently started the Warwick Skills Portfolio Award Moodle course and hope to get the award during summer. I find taking part in other stimulating activities outside of my course very beneficial in enriching my experience and giving me something to look forward besides deadlines.

What sort of support did you receive from the careers team? How has that helped you?

The WBS CareersPlus Team have helped me improve my CV and covering letting to the correct format and provided me with guidelines of how to make them specific to each role I apply for. Some of the tools they provided us were VMock and the video mock careers interview tool. These gave me confidence in applying to jobs in the UK as I got to understand what was required of me as an applicant given the recruitment process for non-multinational corporation firms in Kenya is different.

What are your tips for getting the most out of a masters for those starting in September?

Be ready to get challenged, but recognise it as an opportunity to grow. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, have an open mind, engage in as many extra-curricular activities as you can and don’t forget to spend time with friends.