hen starting out in the career world, the experience can be terrifying and intimidating at the same time. With little or no experience at all, you set out to traverse the unknown. And later learn that the workplace can be nerve-wracking. However, to have a successful career, there are always a couple of things that need to be put into consideration. Career’s Lydia Atieno spoke to a cross section of people who shared lessons they have learnt from their varying career journeys. David Kwizera, an entrepreneur and owner of Citybuddiz-a tourism company says he has come to realise that success comes at a cost. He says there are a few things that are paramount to one’s success; some of these include patience and determination. “Every day comes with new challenges and complications, patience and determination is the only armour that can help one to face all the obstacles. Challenges will always be there at various aspects of one’s career, and the key to overcoming them is not to quit, but to stay determined to find solutions,” he says. Besides, Kwizera points out that passion is also important as is the only thing that allows one to enjoy what he/she does. When one is passionate about something, they are capable of being firm on their purpose to face every obstacle that presents itself in one’s path to success. “When one approach fails, passion pushes you to look for other options instead of giving up.” The entrepreneur also believes that having a clear understanding of the market is key if one wants to have a successful career, adding that it is always important to ask for help from others to validate the vision. “Building a team that inspires you is important. Having people that push you with their support makes it hard to be held back by any failure one may encounter in his/her career.” Finance personnel Solange Uwera says on the onset of her career, she used to believe that taking up all tasks was the only way to be the best at what you are doing. She also believed that it was one way of impressing your bosses and supervisors. However, with time, she got to understand that all this was wastage of time and energy. “At the moment, I have learned to take up only what I can manage. As too much work can cause stress levels and in the long run, affect your productivity in general,” she says. Ange Nkurunziza, a nurse says doing what she loves most is the way to go. “When I was in high school, I was fortunate enough to find mentors who helped me in choosing what I was good at and most importantly, enjoy. This is the reason why I ended up doing medicine. I believe finding a career that you truly enjoy can be difficult, however, if you aren’t happy in your role, this will undoubtedly have an adverse effect on your personal life,” she says. Besides, Nkurunziza adds that another hard lesson she has learned so far is to not go for a career for money. She clarifies that although money is essential, it shouldn’t be the sole driver to choose or remain in a role. In her sports management career, Diane Tumutoneshe says she is now aware that there is need to professionalise not only athletes but also sports organisations based on modern management models. “The complexity of the functions and activities we have to carry out requires sports organisations to be able to rely on properly trained professionals. Because it is no longer possible to manage a club or sports organisation based on goodwill alone, it is essential to have the means to act effectively,” she says. Vagne Muneza, a physical education teacher and football referee says he has learned a lot in his sports career. For instance, he says one of the most important lessons he has gained is working together as a team, which he says has helped him achieve more in life.
