What does it look like to step out of your comfort zone and thrive in tech? For Olive Menorah, it meant swapping fear for curiosity, leading teams, building inclusive solutions, like a voice-controlled wheelchair for the visually impaired, and growing into a confident project manager.

In this candid Q&A, the BSc in Informatics and Computer Science (BICS) graduate shares what inspired her journey into tech, the moments that defined her time at Strathmore University, and how she’s preparing to lead in the digital future.

Q. Can you introduce yourself and share what motivated you to study Informatics and Computer Science?

Olive: Hi, my name is Olive Menorah. I chose to pursue Informatics and Computer Science because I wanted to challenge myself by venturing into a field outside my comfort zone. The turning point came during a career day at Alliance Girls’ High School, where I was inspired by powerful stories from women thriving in the tech space. I knew then that I wanted to be part of that impact and innovation.

Q. Why did you choose Strathmore University for your BICS degree?

Olive: Strathmore University stood out to me because of its strong values, vibrant culture, and holistic approach to education. I wanted to grow not only as a professional ready to thrive in the industry but also as an individual equipped with interpersonal and leadership skills. The university’s emphasis on excellence, diversity, and character development made it the right choice for me.

Q. How would you describe your academic experience in the BICS program? Any standout moments or challenges?

Olive: My academic journey has been smooth and fulfilling. One of the most memorable moments was the SCES Alumni Gala, a bittersweet celebration where we reflected on our shared experiences as a class and looked ahead to new beginnings. That evening reminded me just how far we had come.

Q. Which course or unit in the BICS program has been your favorite, and why?

Olive: One of my favorite units was CS Project 1, taught by Kevin Omondi. His constant emphasis on “quality above all else” stuck with me and shaped how I approach my work today. Through that unit, I learned how to write documentation, something I now do daily in my current role as a project manager.

Q. Can you describe a technical or data-driven project you’ve worked on that you’re proud of?

Olive: For my final year project, I developed a prototype for a Voice-Controlled and Obstacle-Avoidance Wheelchair designed to assist visually impaired users. This project sparked my interest in the Internet of Things (IoT), which is now the space I work in professionally.

Q. How did the faculty and teaching approach influence your understanding of informatics and systems?

Olive: The faculty at Strathmore created a supportive and inspiring learning environment. The mentorship and personalized attention I received made a big difference. I also appreciated how clean, organized, and welcoming the campus was. It made every day of learning something to look forward to.

Q. Were you part of any research groups, clubs, or tech communities? How did these shape your journey?

Olive: Yes! I joined the Art Club in my first year and later took up a leadership role. That experience taught me how to communicate effectively, coordinate activities, and inspire a team. These skills have been invaluable in project management.

Q. Did you take part in any internships or industry experiences? What did you learn?

Olive: Yes, I worked as a freelance UI/UX designer and front-end developer at a web design startup. It was there that I learned to use version control (Git) and gained first-hand experience in how design and development intersect in real-world projects.

Q. In what ways did Strathmore prepare you for a tech career?

Olive: Strathmore prepared me well for a career in project management, equipping me with teamwork, communication, and documentation skills. Class projects and presentations helped me become more confident in leading and clearly articulating ideas to diverse audiences.

Q. What technical skills have you developed that you now find most valuable?

Olive: Systems analysis and design have been crucial. Thanks to units like IS I and IS II, I learned how to break down complex systems and map out workflows—skills I use regularly when planning and executing projects within both Agile and Waterfall frameworks.

Q. What soft skills have you built during your time at Strathmore?

Olive: Communication has been key. A unit on Communication Skills, taught by Ms. Josephine Mikui, challenged us to step out of our comfort zones and engage both verbally and visually. It helped boost my confidence and changed the way I express myself professionally.

Q. What’s your plan post-graduation?

Olive: After graduation, I’m pursuing project management certifications like CAPM and IAPM while working full-time as a junior project manager. My goal is to deepen my expertise and grow within the tech industry.

Q. What kind of role are you working toward in tech?

Olive: I aim to become a senior Agile project manager. I’m currently gaining experience and upskilling with the intention of leading larger teams and managing more complex projects.

Q. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Olive: I see myself leading a team of project managers, overseeing strategic initiatives, and making a meaningful contribution to the tech ecosystem. With dedication and continuous learning, I believe this goal is within reach.

Q. Are there specific sectors or companies you’re drawn to, like health tech or fintech?

Olive: I’m especially drawn to embedded systems and data analytics. These sectors are still growing in Kenya, and I see huge potential for innovation and impact. I want to be part of that transformation.

Q. If you could go back, would you do anything differently in your BICS journey?

Olive: I would definitely attend more hackathons and tech events. They offer great opportunities to sharpen your technical skills and build strong networks in the tech space.

Q. What advice would you give to incoming BICS students?

Olive: Take notes in class! It may seem small, but it makes a huge difference when exams come around, especially for tactile learners like me. It helps with retention and allows you to revisit and reflect on concepts effectively.

Q. How do you plan to stay current with tech trends post-graduation?

Olive: I plan to attend tech and innovation events regularly. They’re great for learning, staying inspired, and networking with professionals driving change in the tech world.

Q. How did you balance coursework, projects, and personal time?

Olive: My Google Calendar was my best friend! At the start of every semester, I would map out all my classes and deadlines with reminders. That structure allowed me to plan everything else, personal time included, around my academics.

Q. What’s one unforgettable moment that defined your BICS experience?

Olive: The 2024 Dean’s List Gala stands out. I was nominated for Best Dressed during the ’80s-themed evening. It was a fun and memorable celebration of academic achievement and student life.

From stepping into uncharted territory to finding her voice as a leader, Olive Menorah’s BICS journey at Strathmore University is a testament to courage, community, and curiosity.

Article written by David Kimathi