The DOT internship was my first real work experience. I had just left university with the hope of proceeding on to do my masters and job hunting was the last thing on my mind. Unfortunately, due to various reasons, I was unable to proceed on to do my masters. I was now in a situation in which I had not envisioned myself. I had no plan B. As far as I was concerned it was masters or die. I now had to think fast since sitting pretty at home is not exactly the definition of success. It is at this stage that the DOT internship came about. I applied and went through all the stages successfully to be part of a 20 strong intern team. In hindsight, my not enrolling for a masters course immediately may have been a blessing in disguise. I can honestly attest to picking up quite a few life skills that I might have missed out on had I gone back to school at that time. Don’t get me wrong, I will still do my masters but the timing I had planned for may have been off.

Back to DOT. The internship being my first 'Job', I was not sure what to expect. All I knew was that I was in for 6 months of computer related tutoring to the less fortunate. It was a challenge I was happy to take as I would be working with computers (one of my favourite pastimes) plus also building up my confidence by lecturing others. One month turned to two, two to six and six to nine. I had stayed longer than I had anticipated. My journey was fruitful and full of learning experiences. Among the many things I picked up during my time with DOT that I can highlight were:-

1. A greater sense of confidence

2. Patience as a virtue

3. Long lasting friendships and relationships

4. Career networks

5. Budgeting skills and living within one’s means

  
I joined Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) which is one of the biggest banks in Kenya as a graduate clerk immediately after leaving DOT. Less than six months down the line, I am a team leader in the card relations department working with a team of 10 people. True to the DOT way, I run a business on the side called Level Fourteen Services. We specialise in computer services from repair to maintenance. By virtue of having an eight to five type of job, I’m learning to be more hands off and delegate more but it is difficult for a company you are still building from the ground up. The company also has another arm of selling movies which is what I started with and has grown to be my main forte.

All in all, my time at DOT was well spent and turned out to be very crucial in my development as a person. My words of advice to any prospective intern, 1) it is not always just about the money, experience is key, and 2) go in with an  open mind as there is a lot to gain.

Vincent Wakaba
Team Leader, Card Relations
KCB Card Centre