Career Mentorship for First-Year Arts and Social Sciences Students, Building Market-Ready Graduates

The Office of Career Services held a Career Mentorship Session for first-year students from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences on Thursday 04, September 2025, in Taifa Hall, University of Nairobi main campus. The session drew enthusiastic participation from first year students who were ready to be guided in making informed career decisions early in their university journey and to equip them with practical skills for the world of work.

Opening the session, Dean of Students, Mr. Johnson Ireri Kinyua, underscored the importance of preparation and personal development. He highlighted four essential items every student should acquire by the end of their four-year course: a passport, a driving license, proficiency in at least one foreign language, and membership in a professional body.

The Dean of Students also encouraged students to join clubs, take part in student activities, and volunteer as by doing such, they will learn essential skills and equip them with necessary experiences, valuable knowledge, networks, and transferable skills that ease the transition from campus to the job market.

Ms. Naomi Nyaboga, Head of the Career Section, elaborated on the mandate of the Office of Career Services. She noted that the office has a role in informing students about different career pathways, building their skills and competencies, and connecting them with opportunities. She advised students to make use of their free time by acquiring new skills through platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Alison, edX, Duo lingo, and ALX. Diversifying one’s skill set enhances competitiveness and broadens opportunities in an ever-changing job market.

Mr. Joseph Muraya, CEO of Central Careers, talked on the importance of identifying one’s niche and investing consistently in it. He pointed out that the future of work is shifting towards data, communication, and problem solving. He explained that technical knowledge in fields such as economics and statistics, combined with the human element offered by journalism and communication, creates a strong foundation for leadership and influence in the workplace. He also encouraged students to remain positive, courageous and adaptive as the world keep changing.

The session also featured remarks from the Assistant Dean of Students Madam Mary Otieno who reminded the students that orderliness, discipline, and objectivity are crucial for success both in class and beyond. She encouraged them to consult offices regularly and to stay engaged with their peers to remain well informed and balanced during their time at the university.

The Campus representative for O3 Plus Madam Julia also touched on basic life skills and encouraged students to coexist peacefully, she encouraged them to embrace others and be each other’s keeper. She called for interventions and support for issues related to mental health, gender based violence and other campus life challenges.

The mentorship session reaffirmed the university’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded, market-ready graduates who will step into the world prepared not only with academic knowledge but also with practical skills, ethical grounding, and confidence.