This is unlike anything you have read on this blog before, it is a uniquely personal experience shared by a select group of people. In a way, you can say this is “Kadhalika”.

In January this year, hunched over my computer, I submitted a bunch of documents that contained every detail of my professional life. My growing resume outlining the little experience I had gathered over the last few years in tech. Documents I hoped would give an accurate reflection of the techie I was and give me a chance to prove it.

A few months and two interviews later, I was selected for the Technology Academy 8. An initiative by Women In Technology at Safaricom to give young tech talent across the region an opportunity to learn and gain professional experience at Safaricom. A dream for many a young techie. Qualifying for the program felt amazing.

When you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too

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The induction started very early in the morning. It being a Friday, I could not help noticing the casual outfits the staff were rocking. None of the new interns had the clearance to go in without a host so we all waited at the reception, green, looking at the staff walk in trying to make out what role each one had. Some were outwardly stylish, others reserved, most were relaxed but they all had one thing in common, they all had this look that seemed to say: I have work to do. As more of us arrived, you could tell we were visibly excited about what was to come. What is better than not knowing what to expect?

We were received at 8 am by Sharon Omondi, she works Cyber Security and is a former intern of the Technology Academy as well. A fact that made us even more excited about the program. We sat at the Arabuko Sokoke meeting room, which was oddly larger than the Mara meeting room. Sharon introduced us to the upbeat Rosemary Kamweti, a Database Admin and coordinator of the Tech Academy 8. Fun fact, she was also a former intern in the program, yes, you can feel our optimism rising right?

At 9 am, the Women In Technology lead and lead facilitator of the Technology Academy, Agnes Limo arrived. Her energy filled the room. She is charismatic and happy. Yes, happy, in the way that makes you want to listen when she speaks. Agnes introduced herself with her story at Safaricom, a thirteen-year journey starting in Customer Care at the call centre despite her background in engineering and working her way to head Home Solutions. If you are using Home Fiber, you have her to thank for it.

Agnes, Sharon and Rosemary’s stories were some of the first stokes in a fire that would start our professional careers. We each introduced ourselves to the Academy, our names, blah blah blah and a spirit animal. Oh, you want to know mine? Ask me nicely(wink) in the comments below.

Thibaud Rerolle, the Chief Technology Officer had a session with us, the Tech Academy 8. His calm demeanour and a surprisingly good sense of humour made his session a highlight of the day. Boasting more than 25 years of experience in the telecommunications industry, he is the visionary a top Safaricom’s industry-leading culture of innovation. Well, he is doing a good job, isn’t he?

It was a day of discovery, we were introduced to the different departments in the Technology Division at Safaricom. Each sent a speaker or two to tell us what they do and what they plan on doing in the future. Sneak peeks of the various doors we had in front of us. Each promising a different future and a unique experience.

In the midst of these interesting introductions, the paradox of choice was clearly a hurdle we had to overcome. In a few hours, we were to decide which department to work in. All the choices seemed so good and the opportunity for growth was equally appealing from all sides.

Later that evening, as the offices fell quiet and the sun set, we sat in Arabuko in growing anticipation. By this time friendships had blossomed and the conversation was fluid, long past the crankiness of first interactions. Looking around the room you would see interns anxious to know where they will be placed. Uncertain of what the next three months had in store, we left looking forward to day one, Monday.

It is now a week into the internship and I can’t wait to keep learning and growing.

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