Over 700 students and parents turned up at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) on 21st January for a Career Open Day organized by the Directorate of Career Services, headed by Dr Juliana Asser.
The Open Day, officially opened by the Acting VC, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Research and Extension (DVC ARE), Prof. Peter Gichangi, aimed to guide prospective students in making informed and realistic career choices as they transition from secondary education to higher learning. .
In his keynote address, Prof. Gichangi emphasized the importance of making informed decisions at this critical stage, noting that the period after KCSE is both exciting and challenging for many learners. He encouraged students to ask questions, seek clarity, and engage openly with career officers and academic staff in order to understand the academic and career pathways available to them.
“As the office responsible for Academics, Research, and Extension, we are committed to ensuring that all our programmes meet the highest standards of quality and relevance. Our teaching is supported by applied research and extension activities that connect the University with communities and industry. When you study at TUM, you are not learning in isolation; you are part of an ecosystem that values application, creativity, innovation, and impact,” he said.
Dr Asser emphasized that career choices should be guided by a combination of qualifications, passion, talents, job availability, salary expectations, and long-term personal fulfillment. She cautioned students against making career decisions based solely on peer influence or parental pressure, noting that such choices often lead to dissatisfaction and regret. Addressing parents in attendance, she urged them to support their children’s interests rather than imposing preferred career paths.
Drawing a powerful analogy, Dr Asser described a career as being “like a spouse,” underscoring that it is a lifelong commitment that requires careful thought, research, and self-evaluation. She highlighted the consequences of choosing the wrong career and stressed the importance of conducting thorough research before making final decisions.
Participants were introduced to the diverse academic offerings at TUM, including the School of Pure and Applied Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Engineering and Technology, School of Business, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute of Maritime and Seafaring Studies, Institute of Computing and Informatics and TVET Institute. Deans and Directors from the respective Schools and Institutes engaged the audience, outlining available programmes, career prospects, and the importance of self-assessment when selecting career pathways.
The speeches emphasized that informed career decisions should be based not only on academic performance, but also on individual passion, personality, values, and even religious considerations.
In line with TUM’s mission, attendees were challenged to aspire to become job creators rather than job seekers. They were also informed that success does not follow a single academic route. Speakers highlighted that students can begin their journey at artisan or certificate level and progressively advance to diploma, degree, and even PhD programmes, all within TUM.
Ms Nawwar Hammad, Regional Officer for the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), provided an informative session on the role of KUCCPS, subject requirements, and cluster weights. She advised students to remain open-minded during course selection and cautioned against insisting on a single course or university, as this may limit placement opportunities.
Ms Hammad emphasized the interdependence of different disciplines, noting that Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics cannot function without the Humanities, just as the Humanities and Arts rely on STEM fields. She encouraged young people to develop complementary skills such as public speaking, leadership, and computer literacy, which often make a significant difference during recruitment. She also highlighted the value of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), describing it as practical, industry-driven, and deserving of greater recognition. She affirmed that there is a place for every learner, including those who attain grade E.
Ms Margaret Randu from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) addressed participants on higher education financing, outlining eligibility criteria, available scholarships, loan options, and the application process.
Both Ms Nawwar Hammad and Ms Margaret Randu also cautioned students against relying on unofficial WhatsApp groups or social media channels, which may misguide learners or solicit money. They urged participants to follow official KUCCPS and HELB platforms and seek assistance directly from authorized officials.
An inspiring highlight of the Open Day was a testimony by TUM alumnus Derrick, who shared his personal academic and career journey. He described such forums as potential turning points in a young person’s life, emphasizing the power of conscious and informed decision-making.
“Your grade, your background, has no authority over your future. The decision that you make after you get your grade is what makes the difference,” he said.
The Career Open Day reaffirmed TUM’s commitment to nurturing informed, skilled, and purpose-driven graduates by providing guidance that empowers young people to make confident decisions about their futures.
Following the plenary sessions, students engaged in one-on-one interactive sessions at various departmental desks, where they received personalized guidance on course requirements, career prospects, and progression pathways. Participants also took part in guided campus tours, offering them an opportunity to familiarize themselves with TUM’s facilities, learning environment, and student life.
Through the Career Open Day, the Technical University of Mombasa reaffirmed its role as a student-centred institution committed to guiding learners beyond grades and into purposeful, informed, and sustainable career pathways. By bringing together academic leaders, industry partners, career professionals, and alumni, TUM continues to empower young people to make confident decisions that align with their abilities, values, and aspirations.
