Sylvia Jebet, a Jomo Kenyatta University and Technology (JKUAT) graduate, maximized on an opportunity during the Covid-19 pandemic and propelled her career in the digital technology industry.
When covid -19 pandemic hit the country in 2020, learning institutions and most companies were shut down as prevention measures adopted to curb the spread of the virus affected normal business.
Just like many students, Sylvia Jebet Kipkemoi now a graduate of BSc Telecommunication & Information Engineering from JKUAT, was stuck in the village with nothing or very little to do.
At the university, she was a member of an engineering club where she was in-charge of the club’s publicity. This saw them form a WhatsApp group to facilitate the club’s communication during the period.
“We relied a lot on keeping in touch through printed stuffs like fliers while in college, which was now restricted by the pandemic, so I began scouting for other means of communication during the lock-down,” she recounted.
Photo/Courtesy
Sylvia recounted that it is in that group that one of the members shared a link on the Huawei Seeds for the future program.
JKUAT Student Triumphs Amidst Covid Pandemic
Fascinated about the idea of advanced training and international exposure, she applied for the program.
Also Read: Boniface Mwangi: Inspiring Story of Former House Boy & Hawker Leading Finance Bill Protests
Sylvia Jebet recounted how the selection process tested her technical knowledge, problem -solving skills and passion for technology. She then went through an interview process and was lucky to be one of the students picked for the program in 2020.
“I applied, even though I was skeptical since I was competing against senior students, some of whom were in their final (fifth) year. Being chosen as a participant felt like a significant milestone in my academic and career journey,” she states.
The shortlisted candidates went through a virtual programme-from trainings to assessments to graduation due to the Covid prevention measures. They studied and undertook projects virtually including a tour of Huawei University.
In 2024, Sylvia alongside three other students from Kenya got the opportunity to participate in a one-week immersion into digital technology skills during the MWC Shanghai 2024 in China.
“The Huawei Seeds for the Future programme was a transformative experience, packed with learning and growth opportunities. Visiting Huawei’s headquarters in China was an eye-opener. I witnessed the latest innovations and interacted with professionals who are at the forefront of technological advancements,” she said
In addition, the JKUAT alumni stated that the programme helped her broaden her perspective on the importance of cross-cultural communication in the present globalized world.
Seeds of the Future Program
To Sylvia, the Seeds for the Future programme is not just about technical knowledge but also it plays a crucial role in ensuring that learners gain soft skills such as teamwork and communication skills.
Also Read: Inspiring Story of Dennis Ombachi: From a Rugby Star to Self-Made Chef
Currently, Sylvia works as a Developer Relations Associate at Africa’s Talking, a telecommunication company that offers a unified API platform for software developers in Africa to build applications using SMS, USSD, voice and airtime.
The program also offers students an opportunity to engage in global learning tour and cultural exchange, physically, at the Huawei’s Headquarters in China.
The Seeds of the Future program is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)activity that offers to in -depth training on emerging technologies such as 5G, Cloud Computing and Artificial intelligence.
The program is conducted by industry experts that provide hands-on practice, which significantly enhances student’s technical skills and understanding of these cutting-edge technologies.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates:
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
Photo/Courtesy
