Exploit all your talent

Nimrod Lucky Mwangangi

Nimrod Lucky Mwangangi, 23, is the enrolment management coordinator at Kenya College of Accountancy (KCA) University. SHEILA KIMANI finds out what this is about

Tell us about yourself?

I am a gentleman from a humble background who strives to be the best in everything I do in order to leave a mark in the world.

What does your job entail?

It involves coming up with recruitment strategies for student intakes and implementing them. I also identify events and projects we can take part in to ensure we make a difference in society and remain visible.

What do you love about your job?

It is rewarding when a student/client enjoys their experience and receives what they needed from the university.

How did you end up in that field?

When I joined Kenya College of Accountancy University to pursue a Bachelors degree in Commerce, I wasn’t sure whether to specialise in Marketing or Finance, but the exposure I had received made me settle for Marketing. So far, I have no regrets about my choice.

What is enrolment management?

They are activities designed to enable educational institutions positively influence student enrolments. They include marketing, admission policies, retention programmes, financial aid awarding and graduation rates.

Do you think all universities and colleges should have such a department?

Yes. Enrolment management smoothens administrative hassles, advises students on academics and other issues pertaining to the university. It ensures the different parts of the university work together to ensure a smooth progression of a student from entry to the time they graduate.

What is challenging about your job?

Clients have unique problems, all of which must be satisfied.  The department interacts with many other departments at the university and it is possible to step on some toes in the process. 

Is what you are doing close to your dream career?

No. I always wanted to be a lawyer and even got admitted to a law school, but I changed my mind and opted for marketing. Maybe I will still pursue Law at some point.

How would you encourage those hoping to join the field?

Currently, no product, service, concept or idea can succeed without marketing?behind it.?In an age of fierce competition, marketing is the rock on which differences between a company and its competitors are built.? How a company positions itself is what makes clients or customers buy what the business has to offer.?

What is a must-have for any marketer?

Passion, patience and a positive mind. Impressive grooming comes in handy, too.

What does one need to become an alumni?

A positive alumnus is key and can strengthen the university chapter by providing invaluable advise, creating professional contacts, helping in placement of continuing students and providing funding for special projects.

What process did you go through to score the job?

I went through rigorous interviews and I thank God I was successful.

What principles do you live by?

I love life as the whole world depends on me. I treat life not as a rehearsal, but the main show. I try to always be original. You don’t have to die a wannabe when you can be the main actor.

What are your future plans?

Self-employment. I do photography and co-own a company with a friend. I am also developing an affordable housing project for low and middle-income earners that is soon rolling out.

Any misconceptions about your job?

Yes. People view enrolment management or marketing as money-spending departments. But for there to be tangible results, money has to be spent in clearly spelt initiatives that can be evaluated. Once you hit your targets, you realise it was worth the spending.

Are you in a relationship and what do you look for in a woman?

No. I look for a kind, decent and intelligent person with a sense of humour.

What do you do for fun?

I’m part of a theatre group (Festive of Creative Arts) and we often do plays. If you don’t find me in the theatre, I will probably be playing basketball or doing photography.

Any parting words?

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I hope I won’t have any unexploited talent.