By: Mwanamvua Abdallah
Today, 2nd July 2025, marked a pivotal day for students from Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan Secondary School – Girls’ Wing, who engaged in a robust and comprehensive career guidance program at the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM). This unique opportunity allowed students to interact with professionals from various TUM schools and institutes, gaining invaluable insights into course requirements and the numerous career opportunities that await them upon successful completion.
Dr. Mariam Maku, a Scientist and Assistant Registrar for Partnership, Research, and Innovation, captivated students with her academic journey. She underscored resilience as the driving force behind her success amidst challenges. "My journey has been marked by struggles, yet I always maintained a clear vision of my aspirations," Dr. Maku shared. "My deep passion for the sea led me to become an active participant in blue economy initiatives, which significantly expanded my network globally. Today, I speak on blue economy matters at international forums, a direct result of my early belief in what I could become. When you want to be someone, start thinking and acting like one." She further highlighted the evolving landscape of research, noting that young innovators from high schools are now encouraged and provided international platforms to showcase their blue economy innovations.
Ms. Mwanamvua Abdallah of the Corporate Communication Office advised students to strategically direct their focus toward their envisioned success, emphasizing that excellent academic grades are crucial for pursuing their desired careers.
Ms. Bibiye Mahmud from the Electrical and Electronic Engineering department powerfully challenged students to envision themselves as future engineers, dismantling the stereotype that the field is exclusively for men. "I aspired to be an engineer, and I achieved it, and so can you," she declared, emphasizing personal conviction. She lightheartedly added, "Never mind the dirty hands that come with engineering jobs. They usually come with money and a job that never ends," citing the perpetual global need for engineers. Ms. Mahmud concluded by reinforcing TUM's commitment to empowering students as job creators rather than job seekers.
Students also received detailed insights into specific programs and opportunities from faculty experts. Mr. Hafidh Kumba and Ms. Mariam Chai from the Institute of Marine and Seafaring Studies, along with Mr. Innocent Sunday from the Institute of Computing and Informatics, guided students through the programs, requirements, and vast opportunities within their respective fields.
The various speakers shared valuable insights on the significance of self-awareness in professional development. They emphasized the need to identify one’s strengths and skills, as well as the importance of leveraging these talents effectively in the workplace. Additionally, they highlighted that having a genuine passion for a chosen career path can greatly enhance motivation and drive, leading to greater satisfaction and success in one’s professional life.
To demystify the complex fields discussed during the assembly, Mr. Kelly from the Career Services Department led students on an immersive tour of the university's labs and workshops. This invaluable hands-on experience didn't just encourage exploration; it also stirred deep interest and ignited a genuine passion for these specific disciplines, providing a tangible link between classroom learning and real-world application.
