Dhavan Satin Shah, the top Strategic Business Leader (SBL) candidate in Kenya, 27th in the world and a student at Strathmore University speaks about his Strathmore experience. “My experience over the three years has been extraordinary. When I first joined, I was oblivious to the world of business but over time I slowly learned and my passion for this field has grown more and more. Having emerged 1st position in 1st year and 1st position in 2nd year in the Bachelor of Commerce programme, I have made great progress in my academics. In addition, making new friends with people from different backgrounds that the Strathmore community boasts of, and learning from them has been a worthwhile experience.
I am currently doing Bachelor of Commerce, double major in Accounting and Finance, ACCA embedded.
Doing ACCA was such a great opportunity provided by the University and I have always aimed to make the most and grab all the opportunities that come my way. I believe that if you don’t know how to do something then take the opportunity and then learn how to do it later rather than regretting.
I had to decide between doing ACCA or pursuing a double major. Weigh the pros and cons and thinking of the workload but in the end, I ended up doing both because of my motto of always working hard and being strong and hustling because now is the time. If it’s not now, then it’s never.
My passion for entrepreneurship has been the driving force behind all my academic efforts. From a young age, I had a drive for entrepreneurship, and I knew that I must accomplish this. I believe that doing Accounting and Finance alongside ACCA will provide me with the necessary technical skills needed for my entrepreneurship career. My family have also dedicatedly supported me in all my endeavours. Performing well and attaining these achievements is not only for myself but for them – to make them proud and to embody a return on their investment in me. Currently, due to the double major and ACCA, I haven’t gotten time to undertake any entrepreneurship projects, but whenever I get a chance, I never miss the opportunity to network as I know how important networking is for my future entrepreneurship career. I believe that you will not succeed in entrepreneurship unless you have a broad network that is diversified into various sectors.
During my free time, I love exploring new places and adventuring. I love hiking to new places. I also love taking part in various fundraising activities and charitable activities as I believe that to grow as an individual, you need to give back to the society.
Education is not everything and doing extracurricular activities gives you a vivid experience in varied areas. I am part of the presidential awards scheme as an assessor, and I go for various expeditions that involve hiking. In addition, I am part of the Leo club, Nairobi that organises various fundraising activities such as giving food and clothes to the less privileged.
Furthermore, I am part of the Operations Reduce Crime (ORC) program that involves patrolling and ensuring security in the neighbourhoods.
Working at a Big 4 – Deloitte – had always been my dream and I am grateful that I got this opportunity. It is the first full time job that I am undertaking, and l love the experience I am getting. I will always be grateful for this opportunity.
I believe that you must keep hustling in life and even if it is challenging, it helps you grow.
This article was written by Louise Akinyi, a third year Bachelor of Arts in Communication student.
