A Career Peer Advisor (CPA) assists students working at their computers during the practical sessions at University of Embu's Computer Lab 4. This one-on-one support model where 40 CPAs guided a minimum of 20 students each was central to the programme's success, helping all 775 enrolled students complete their onboarding onto the Career Services Tracking Portal.

Dr. Marilyn Ronoh, Coordinator of the Office of Career Services, addresses a packed Computer Lab 4 during one of the four Level 1 cohort sessions. Her presentations covered institutional career services, labour-market trends, IBM SkillsBuild opportunities, and the Career Services Tracking Portal laying a solid foundation for students' professional development journey.

Dr. Ronoh and CPAs work the room as students focus on their screens during the Level 1 practical session. The consistent session format opening remarks, comprehensive presentation, and extended lab work ensured every cohort received the same high-quality learning experience across all four weeks of training held between February and March 2026.

Dr. Marilyn Ronoh assists a student navigating the Career Services Tracking Portal, as dozens of other students work independently across the lab. The scene reflects the programme's commitment to real-time, personalised support a key factor behind the recording of more than 1,500 high-quality document uploads across all cohorts.

A wide shot captures the scale of the Level 1 sessions, with Computer Lab 4 filled to capacity. The four cohorts ranged from 181 to 207 students per session, totalling 775 students trained 100% of the planned cohort. ICT support staff and CPAs are seen moving through the rows, ensuring no student was left behind.

Dr. Ronoh shares a cheerful moment with a student as the broader lab buzzes with activity. The positive atmosphere visible here mirrors student feedback collected after the sessions participants consistently praised the hands-on format, the clarity on professional standards, and the warm, accessible facilitation style.

Several students stand and raise their phones to scan a QR code displayed on the projector screen, which linked to the shared Google Drive folder containing Level 1 templates — CV formats, professional email structures, elevator pitch frameworks, and skills gap analysis forms. The QR code distribution method ensured quick and uniform access for all participants.

Level 1 — practical, self-directed work on CVs, personality assessments, and professional emails, guided by CPAs and supported by reliable internet connectivity.

Dr. Ronoh gestures energetically while facilitating a lively interactive segment, as students raise their phones to capture a QR code from the projector. Such moments of active participation were a hallmark of the sessions, reflecting the 99.1% of students who expressed willingness to be contacted for future career development programmes.

Dr. Ronoh with the careers office team moves around seated students to offer guidance. This team-based facilitation model ensured comprehensive coverage of the lab, with every student able to access immediate support during the hands-on portions of the session.

Students across the room scan a QR code on the projector screen, accessing learning resources and templates distributed via Google Drive and joining whatsapp groups. The programme leveraged a blend of live instruction, QR-linked digital resources, and WhatsApp community groups to maintain engagement well beyond each two-and-a-half-hour session.

Dr. Ronoh addresses the class while students on the right work on computers displaying the Career Services Tracking Portal interface. By the end of all four cohort sessions, every one of the 775 students had been successfully onboarded onto the portal a landmark achievement for the University of Embu's Office of Career Services.

Students seated face-to-face across the lab tables concentrate on their tasks, with notebooks and registration papers spread beside their keyboards. The computer lab setting reserved Monday through Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for daily CPA-led mentorship gave participants the consistent, structured environment needed to close significant pre-training gaps in career readiness identified by the baseline survey.

The Office of Career Services, through our Career Peer Advisors, is here to help every student build a professional CV and a complete LinkedIn profile. This prepares you for upcoming job opportunities and ensures you're ready for the launch of our new Skills Assessment and Skills Development Software, which will require an updated career profile.

The University of Embu is co-hosting The Education Collaborative’s 2025 June Convening alongside Ashesi University (Ghana) and Covenant University (Nigeria) from Tuesday, 17th June 2025 to Friday 20th June 2025. This Convening is bringing together over 200 higher education leaders, faculty, development partners, and policymakers to explore innovative practices that are transforming student experiences, improving graduate outcomes, and driving outsized impact across Africa’s higher education landscape.

To wrap up the semester, a university-wide career talk was held on 13th June 2025, featuring Ms. Zuhura Odhiambo, Chairperson of the Marketing Society of Kenya (MSK). Ms. Odhiambo inspired students from all academic backgrounds to embrace personal branding, digital marketing skills, and industry networking as essential tools for career success. Her session focused on preparing for the job market, standing out in competitive fields, and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn for professional growth. Though smaller in attendance, the talk offered personalized insights and left a lasting impression on those present.

On 27th March 2025, students pursuing Communication and Media were addressed by Mr. Jackson Karanja, the Regional Coordinator for the Media Council of Kenya (Meru Office). Mr. Karanja shared his experience working in media regulation and highlighted the importance of responsible journalism, ethical reporting, and digital media literacy. He guided students on how to build strong portfolios, seek internships, and understand media law. The session also explored opportunities in public relations, corporate communication, and media advocacy, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the evolving media landscape.

On 12th March 2025, second-year Criminology students in the School of Humanities were privileged to attend a specialized career talk led by Hon. Muthoni Njagi, a Principal Magistrate. Drawing from her experience in the judiciary, Hon. Njagi discussed career opportunities within the legal and criminal justice systems. She emphasized the need for integrity, discipline, and a strong understanding of the law in roles such as probation officers, legal clerks, and magistrates. The session provided a real-world perspective on justice system careers and inspired students to pursue legal studies and public service with a clear sense of purpose.

Mr. Patrick Muthini from the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) delivered a detailed career talk to students of the Water and Agricultural Resource Management program on 8th November 2024. He addressed the importance of environmental conservation, agroforestry, and sustainable natural resource management in today's climate-challenged world. Mr. Muthini encouraged students to consider careers in environmental research, land management, and policy advocacy. The talk was eye-opening, reinforcing the role of science and innovation in addressing food security and ecological resilience.

The highlight of the academic year was the University of Embu's Career Week, held from 4th to 5th February 2025. The event brought together a diverse panel of top professionals and industry leaders, with Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Higher Education, serving as the chief guest. Other distinguished speakers included Ms. Sellah Bogonko (CEO, Jacob’s Ladder), Engineer Meshack Kidenda, Ms. Millicent Onyoni (CEO, Lexo Energy), Dr. Vincent Ogutu (Vice Chancellor, Strathmore University), and several experts from education, government, and private sectors. The event featured panel discussions, mentorship sessions, and interactive Q&A forums focused on employability, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. With over 2,200 attendees, the Career Week served as a vital platform for students to learn, network, and be inspired by seasoned professionals.

On 18th October 2024, the Economics Department hosted Dr. Charles Weda from the Central Bank of Kenya for a compelling career talk. Dr. Weda outlined various opportunities in public finance, economic planning, and monetary policy. He shared his experiences working with the central bank and explained how economists play a critical role in shaping national and regional financial stability. His talk also covered emerging trends in digital finance and economic data analysis, inspiring students to explore careers in government and policy institutions.

The Department of Business Studies organized a career talk on 15th November 2024, with Mr. Timothy Ndikwe, Finance Director at Oserian Development Co. Ltd, as the guest speaker. Mr. Ndikwe discussed practical aspects of working in the finance and corporate sectors, emphasizing the value of ethics, accountability, and strategic thinking. He provided insights on financial planning, investment analysis, and organizational leadership, encouraging students to embrace professionalism and integrity in the workplace. The session was particularly valuable to students aspiring to join the private sector.

As part of its continuous improvement efforts, the Office of Career Services undertook a benchmarking visit to Daystar University on 26th–27th September 2024. The visit aimed to learn best practices in delivering career services, employer engagement, and digital platforms. Staff and students explored Daystar’s Digital Career Hub, mentorship structures, and alumni engagement models. The experience provided new perspectives that will inform the strengthening of student-focused programs and the development of a more robust career support ecosystem at the University of Embu.

The Physical Sciences Department welcomed Mr. Robert Koigi, a facilitator from KEPHIS, for a career talk on 25th October 2024. Mr. Koigi introduced students to careers in regulatory science, research, and laboratory-based roles. He outlined the responsibilities of KEPHIS in quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and agricultural health. He also emphasized the importance of scientific integrity, attention to detail, and regulatory compliance in building a successful career in this field. The session offered valuable insights into career paths that blend science with policy and public service.

The School of Humanities held a well-attended career talk on 7th November 2024, where Ms. Sarah Mwangi, a prominent journalist, served as the keynote speaker. Ms. Mwangi shared her professional journey in media and communication, offering students practical advice on building a career in journalism, storytelling, and public relations. She discussed the importance of ethics, credibility, and adaptability in the media landscape and encouraged students to use their voices to positively impact society. The session was both motivational and informative, drawing over 170 participants.

On 8th October 2024, students from the Department of Mathematics and Statistics had the opportunity to engage with Prof. Thomas Achia, a respected academic in the field. Prof. Achia highlighted the broad career paths available in mathematics and statistics, such as data science, actuarial science, research, and academia. He emphasized the rising demand for data-driven decision-making in sectors like healthcare, banking, and public policy, urging students to build strong analytical and computational skills. The session sparked new interest in emerging fields like biostatistics and data analytics.

A two-day interactive career workshop was organized by the Career Services Advisory Committee and student career counselors. Held from 16th to 17th October 2024, the sessions were led by Ms. Colleta Macharia, CEO of Cogent Afrique. Ms. Macharia focused on developing students’ soft skills, including communication, professional grooming, confidence building, and personal branding. The workshop provided hands-on experience and practical exercises, equipping participants with the tools needed to prepare effectively for job interviews, presentations, and professional networking.