There are not enough jobs - there is stiff competition. However, a few like Mirriam Waweru are lucky to find their purpose and a job they love.
Figuring out your career path can be both exciting and daunting, especially right after college. For many the path to the decision includes trying your hands in different fields, this was the case for Mirriam Waweru. Though she is happy with her role, her path to becoming successful in real estate was an unconventional one coming from a Business Administration, Marketing & Public Relations background.
Mirriam, a passionate baker, gives us a full accounting of how she came to be where she is today.
Kindly introduce yourself
My name is Mirriam Waweru, a specialist in Business Management and Marketing. My passion in life is God, then my family. I bake, I love experimenting on different flavours and learning from cooking channels. I love music, reading, nature, nature walks, movies, watching some sports (Rugby, Formula 1, Boxing) and hate politics.
Tell us a little about your career prior to joining the Real Estate industry.
My first job was at Nandos when it first came to the country at Union towers. However, I was doing my marketing diploma (LCCI) and those two couldn't work together. So, I quit my job after two months. I thought I could go back after my classes but the job market does not work like that. In the meantime I would bake cakes for weddings, cupcakes for shops and company orders to keep me going for 2 years. Then I joined my father's factory where we processed bacon, sausages, and packaged meat cuts for hotels. It was an experience.
All the while, there was this lady at Kiragu and Mwangi Ltd whom I would sit in for temporarily when she would go on leave. This went on for 7 years sitting in for her, either for a month or two each year. The assignment was at Nyayo Estate. This is how I got into real estate. I was later signed in to be part of K & M Ltd in 2011. I was an office assistant for 5 years, then I was made a caretaker and marketer for a mall at the same time. When the contract ended I found myself looking for a job.
Is property management what you expected it to be, what surprised you most about it?
I did not plan to be in the property industry, life steered towards that direction. I got to learn a lot about the business more so about people. I have learned to be patient and understanding. But you get screwed over when you become too understanding. I have become a better people person and learnt to be prepared for anything good or bad in the property market, how to balance my time and to have a positive attitude especially at work. Work in property can drain one emotionally and spiritually.
Your academic background is in Business Administration, Marketing & Public Relations. What marketing/ PR skills have you found most helpful in your role?
I would say adept in technology, both written and verbal communication, time management, planning, being resourceful, positive attitude and anticipating the need is very key!
When did you discover Fuzu and how has your experience been so far?
I discovered Fuzu in 2019 when I was looking for a job. I have had several interviews from Fuzu’s clients. Two of them I got jobs, but I finally got a place as a property manager where I am currently.
What has been the biggest challenge in growing your career?
We are taught that finding a job is the key to success. Sadly, there are not enough jobs. At times you may get that job, but it hardly satisfies your need to be successful mentally, emotionally,and financially. There is also a growing number of millennials who are qualified but lack the experience. There is stiff competition.
The other challenge is being pushed to a role I am not passionate about. Worse, I am not able to stay current with the trends. Before, I was doing normal office work but now I do statements, accounts which is not my field.
What was your motivation behind joining the Fuzu Exclusive community and how has the experience been so far?
Well, looking for a job plus I was on another platform that did not ever work. I had to try out another platform which was Fuzu. I receive my matching job preference and recommendations and quick feedback on positions I'm interested in whether they opened or closed.
I also get phone calls from Fuzu’s support team checking in and providing tips on how best you and I can improve. The membership fee is also reasonable!
If you could have lunch with a professional you look up to, who would it be and why?
I would choose Jimnah Mbaaru because I would like to get insights on how he started and what favoured him to be where he is now. Would he have chosen to be employed at the start of his career? What were his challenges during his tenure? What makes a good leader and what kind of people did he use to get advice from?
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