Impressive CV: From Unpaid Intern to Getting a Job at K-REP Bank

How I got a job at K-REP Bank after unpaid internship

Interviewed by Tabitha Makumi,

Do unpaid internships ever pay off? The answer may vary depending on who you pose the question to but to one Nyambura Mbugua a communications graduate from Africa Nazarene University, such opportunities gave her a chance to establish a successful career in the banking industry.

Career Point Kenya recently caught up with her for a quick chit chat on all things to do with her career.

What was your first job after campus?
My first job was an internship opportunity with National Hospital insurance Fund – NHIF for a period of four months. I was not being paid at the time.

What’s your take on unpaid internship programmes?
I would advise anyone seeking for a job to accept any internship opportunity offered to them since most companies absorb the intern with a permanent position offer.

How did you later get a job at K-REP Bank?

After my internship at NHIF I was offered another internship opportunity by K-rep Bank and since I wanted a new and different experience I accepted. After 6months of internship I was absorbed into the company and confirmed as an Accounts Opening Operations Assistant and later as a customer care and delivery officer.

Why do you think you’ve had a successful customer service career in the banking industry?
When it comes to banking and dealing with different clients from different backgrounds it is important to be very professional, have a high level of integrity, have good problem solving skills and I have always adhered to this. You must also always be willing to assist and sometimes go beyond what is required of you as the Customer service officer and at times that means getting up from your desk and going to where the client is to offer services at the convince of the clients office or working area.

To become a banking customer service officer one needs to have excellent communication, interpersonal and people skills and one has to be honest and reliable so that clients can feel satisfied by the time they are leaving the bank and these qualities is what has made me a successful Customer Service Officer in the banking industry.

What did you struggle with at the beginning of your career?
As a customer service officer, you are a customer’s first point of contact that said the most difficult struggle I faced was learning how to deal with difficult clients and how to sort out their issues in the quickest and shortest way possible.

What’s your advice to young job seekers who would like to pursue a career in customer service in the banking industry?

Customer service is an important, but broad concept in the banking industry. In essence, banks are service-based businesses, so most of their activities involve elements of service.

With my vast experience in customer service the advice I would offer young job seekers is to always be patient with anyone they maybe be serving because some clients may show you their frustrations. It’s very important to always remain calm and always ensure you offer the best services to them.

If you enjoy talking to a wide range of people and you are interested in finance and public relations the customer service officer job is perfect for you.

Do you have a story to share, get in touch with tabitha@careerpointkenya.co.ke

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