Strathmore University News, Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS) graduand Jeffrey Murerwa, a 22 year old, is set to leave Strathmore University with a 1st class honors. He attributes his great achievement to his hard work, great lecturers, supportive friends, and his ability to realize what works for him and striving for it. He describes his Strathmore journey and experience, and what it took to attain the highest grade.
Tell us a bit about your family background.
I am a second born in a family of two children; my sister studies in Australia. I attended Strathmore School where I attained an A in KCSE. While in Strathmore School, I participate in volleyball, rugby, choir and swimming, all of which I really enjoyed. I then joined Strathmore University to pursue a Bachelor of Business Science in Financial Economics (BSc. FE) degree.
How did you join Strathmore?
When I sat for KCSE, I was not sure what course I’d want to pursue in campus. Eventually, when I made up my mind and decided that I would pursue Financial Economics, I was admitted to another university. When I came to Strathmore University for the ACCA course, I was informed that the same course (BSc. FE) was among the courses that were offered. I was immediately drawn to it.
Why did you join Strathmore?
The quality of education offered at Strathmore is unmatched. The caliber of the lecturers and the quality of what they teach is on another level. Strathmore is among the best universities in the world.
What did it take to attain high grades?
I invested a lot in the group works which were part of the course work. This really boosted me in the main exam. I also made excellent friendships with my lecturers which enabled me to always reach out to them for consultations.
You were part of the 9th student council, how was the experience?
My tenure as the Male Academic Executive was challenging but I came out a much better person. I learnt how to effectively communicate with people because I interacted with students, lecturers and at least every member of the Strathmore community. The incumbency also boosted my confidence because I had to hold class campaigns and public speeches. Initially, speaking before a group of was a challenge and when I was elected, the idea was completely new to me.
I also made a great deal of friendships especially with my fellow Student Council members. We shared both happy and sad moments together in the office. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity.
Were you involved in any extra-curricular activities?
Yes. I was part of the Chorale for two years and I enjoyed various performances that we did. I also participated in the Annual Sports Day where I took part in swimming and rugby.
How has your Strathmore experience been?
It has been amazing. The exposure that Strathmore offers to students is an eye opening opportunity. For instance, I took part in the CFA Institute Research challenge in 2018.
Strathmore also offers its students a chance to visit different parts of the world. We visited Malaysia and Singapore last year. The visit to these countries exposed us to a new culture. We also visited some financial institutions and universities in order to broaden our perspective of the careers that were in line with our courses.
What has Strathmore taught you?
Strathmore has contributed a lot in ensuring that I gain the basic aspects of finance and economics and skills necessary for application in the practical world.
I have also learnt the importance of respect to others. My stay in here provided a platform for interactions with people from different backgrounds; this really taught me how to respect people despite their opinions, age, background or experience.
Strathmore has taught me how to dress professionally and be comfortable. Whenever I dress for interviews or work, I feel more confident.
What are your future plans after graduation?
I will start working at Boston Consulting Group, a management consulting firm as a junior associate. I am the first Kenyan consultant that the company has hired. I also look forward to pursuing a Master’s degree.
What advice would you give to those still undertaking their course work?
There is so much more to university life besides books. I realized that in a couple of interviews that I attended; they tend to focus more on an individual’s experience which may include leadership, character building activities, voluntary work, clubs and societies. The students should also balance bookwork and the extracurricular activities.
The students should also grab the available opportunities that Strathmore offers because they help one to grow into a better person. Besides improving one’s resume, these opportunities also open doors to networking.
What is your greatest achievement?
The CFA Institute Research Challenge was a huge milestone. I was in one of the teams that represented Strathmore, among 21 teams from East Africa, in the Regional and Global finals. We took three months to prepare for the challenge; it was during our internship therefore we had to meet till late. Strathmore had won two years before in a row and when we came in we made it to the semi-finals.
Congratulations to Jeffrey on his great achievement!