Hundreds of youth gathered at TUM's open day today, eager to explore the opportunities that lie ahead. The Directorate of Career Services warmly welcomed them, emphasizing the empowering theme "The Future Depends on What You Do Today," which encouraged attendees to take charge of their futures and make informed decisions. This important event targeted the recently graduated 2024 KCSE candidates, offering them career guidance and counseling. Attendees had the opportunity to consult with experts from various TUM Schools and Institutes and participate in a campus tour.
The event was officially opened by the Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic, Research, and Extension, Prof. Peter Gichangi. He introduced the different Schools and Institutes at TUM, highlighting the diverse courses available. He emphasized that all courses hold equal importance and value, countering the stereotype that some courses are more complex or significant than others. Just as every body part is crucial for an individual’s well-being, every course contributes to a well-rounded community—illustrating that we need engineers just as much as we need psychologists. Prof. Gichangi also encouraged students not to feel limited by their grades. He reassured them that even with a D+, individuals can progressively work towards a PhD, noting that TUM supports a pathway allowing students to advance from artisan level to PhD.
"When asked which university is the most prestigious, everyone may have their own opinion. However, I want to stress that no university is more prestigious than you as an individual. Many successful leaders have emerged from lesser-known universities. This highlights that while the university you choose is important, it does not overshadow your personal role in shaping your future. How you lead your life determines your achievements," he stated.
Professor Gichangi also cautioned prospective students against applying for KUCCPS and HELB through unauthorized cyber services, as many individuals have been incorrectly placed due to reliance on these services.
Dr. Madiha Salim, the Director of Career Services, emphasized the importance of career counseling, noting that many people waste time and resources without it. She stressed that students should select their courses based on their qualifications, interests, passions, personality, job availability, and potential salary.
School Deans, Heads of Departments, Directors, and their representatives from the Registry (Academic Affairs), Applied and Health Sciences, Business Studies, Engineering and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Computing and Informatics, Maritime and Seafaring, and TVET also addressed the attendees. They emphasized the importance of exploring various courses and career paths carefully, rather than blindly following others or succumbing to peer pressure. Additionally, ladies were particularly encouraged to pursue STEM courses without hesitation, despite concerns about male dominance in the field. The attendees learned about the different levels available at TUM,b which allow for progression from the lowest to the highest qualifications.
Representatives from KUCCPS, Ms. Nawwar Hammad, and Ms. Margaret Randu from HELB provided presentations on the KUCCPS and loan application processes. They discussed the importance of transferable skills, common mistakes to avoid during applications, and the significance of flexibility when selecting courses. They reiterated Prof. Gichangi's advice that students should handle their applications themselves, rather than relying on cyber services. They encouraged students to seek credible information from the official websites, https://www.hef.co.ke/ and https://kuccps.net/ or visit their desks at Huduma Centres.
Afterward, attendees engaged in one-on-one discussions with various department heads and representatives for additional guidance, followed by a campus tour.
The event was highly successful and insightful, offering students guidance on making informed career choices. They were urged to be cautious about whom to listen to regarding career paths, to consider more than just salary when selecting courses, to avoid family and peer pressure, and to explore various career options before making a decision.
