The Dude: Changing lives

MICHAEL ODONGO, 29, is a programme officer at an Australian firm based in Nairobi. He spoke to ALLAN OLINGO about his profession

Tell us about your job…

The firm I work for is contracted by the Australian government to provide administrative and logistical management of Australian awards and scholarships in Africa. My work entails managing the programme’s applicant profiles and planning and organising the programme’s activities and events. I also provide administrative and logistical assistance to the initiative. I work closely with the various programme counterparts, regional agents/partners and other programme staff to coordinate the effective implementation of the initiative. I also liaise with the communications coordinator to carry out or assist in various communication and promotional tasks.

How did you get into this career?

The International Business Administration degree I attained at the United States International University (USIU) gave me the necessary skills with a global perspective. This, coupled with my passion for working in the development sector, gave me an upper hand in performing the tasks that my job entails.

What do you love about your job?

I feel proud when I see my work positively changing the lives of young Africans. This is quite fulfilling to me. This is what drives me and makes my waking up every morning worthwhile — knowing that other people appreciate what I do.

What are the challenges?

The challenges are numerous, but the most difficult is being the bearer of bad news to those who fail to benefit from what I do. It is very heartbreaking when you have to disappoint someone, but what to do? Work has to be done.

How do you overcome such difficulties?

I put myself in the position of the recipient and think of how I would break disappointing news to myself without messing up my self-esteem. I also understand that there is a reason why these policies are there and why they have to be met, so in giving someone a disappointing piece of news, I try to understand that it’s not me disappointing them, but I am just relaying information.

Do you think your degree is relevant to this career?

Yes, because my study was broad-based with an emphasis on managing every aspect of life as a business. This perspective and training has made my work easy.

What advice would you give to those who haven’t decided what career to pursue or those who would like to follow in your career path?

I would advise them to engage in what they love and be passionate about it. Do what you love and what brings fulfillment to you. This career choice is not easy and you have to be resilient, especially when undertaking the degree course I did. With a positive mind, hard work and passion, you will definitely go places.

What was your childhood dream?

I wanted to become a soldier. To be specific, I always admired Kenya Navy officers. I even went for the armed forces recruitment in my home district after I graduated from Maranda High School. It is only when I did not make it to the forces that I opted to pursue a degree.

Where do you see yourself in the next ten years?

I see myself working as a diplomat. To be specific, working as the Kenyan ambassador to the United Nations. I have a passion to bring communities and nations of the world together. To restore the dignity of African nations that perennially beg for food rations from the West when we can comfortably produce enough to feed the world.

What do you do for fun?

Let me just say that I am a party animal who also plays basketball as a way to unwind after hectic weekdays. I also love travelling and hanging out with friends.

Where else have you worked?

My first job was with a local non-governmental organisation called Computers for Schools. This was an eye-opener that helped me make a decision on what I wanted to do for a living. This organisation moulded me into what I am today. I am grateful to the founding director who gave me huge responsibilities despite my little experience.

Any words of encouragement and inspiration to students out there?

Life, and especially the transition between school and the job market, is not easy, but with a focused and open mind, you can make it. You have to be ready to learn and keep experimenting with new ways of doing things in order to be relevant. The bottom line is to trust in the Lord and He will open doors for you.