In a world where young professionals face mounting challenges to secure meaningful employment, NCBA Group Kenya is redefining the internship experience with its Go-Getter Program sponsored by the HR Group Director Monicah Kihia . Designed to equip young talents with the tools, skills, and connections they need to excel, the program is a beacon for effective youth empowerment, creating a pathway for future leaders in the banking and finance sectors.
As part of this ongoing commitment to professional development, NCBA recently hosted the Go-Getter Breakfast Session—a gathering that brought together interns, the senior leadership team, and the HR team for a morning of celebration, reflection, and connection.
Let’s explore what makes the Go-Getter Program and the Breakfast Session remarkable examples of NCBA’s dedication to nurturing young talent.
The Go-Getter Program: A Holistic Approach to Professional Growth
The Go-Getter Internship Program is more than just a job experience; it’s an investment in Kenya’s youth, focused on bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. This unique program aims to create well-rounded professionals by offering a comprehensive blend of skill development, mentorship, and meaningful responsibilities.
Key Highlights of the Go-Getter Program
- Holistic Skill Development: NCBA’s program emphasizes a balanced approach, focusing on technical skills essential to banking while fostering soft skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Through hands-on learning across multiple departments, interns gain a well-rounded experience that prepares them for complex, dynamic work environments.
- Mentorship and Support: A cornerstone of the Go-Getter Program is its strong mentorship model. Each intern is paired with an experienced mentor who provides continuous guidance and personalized feedback. These relationships help interns navigate challenges, develop their skills, and gain insights into the corporate world, laying the foundation for a successful career.
- Real Responsibility and Impact: Unlike many internship programs, NCBA’s Go-Getter Program entrusts interns with real responsibilities that contribute directly to the company’s goals. By working on meaningful projects, interns feel valued and gain practical experience they can apply in future roles.
- Career Pathway and Talent Development: NCBA views the Go-Getter Program as more than a temporary opportunity; it’s a strategic pathway to nurture future employees. High-performing interns have the chance to transition into permanent positions, creating a clear career trajectory and enhancing NCBA’s commitment to talent retention and skill-building.
- Alignment with National Youth Employment Goals: With Kenya’s high youth unemployment rate, NCBA’s Go-Getter Program stands out as a proactive initiative to equip young people with relevant skills. This aligns with national goals for workforce development and positions NCBA as a leader in youth empowerment and corporate social responsibility.
Go-Getter Breakfast Session: A Morning of Connection, Inspiration, and Celebration
To further enrich the Go-Getter experience, NCBA recently hosted a Go-Getter Breakfast Session—a unique opportunity for interns to connect with the HR Team, interact with senior management, and share their journeys through the program. This event highlighted NCBA’s commitment to fostering an environment of open communication, reflection, and encouragement for their young professionals.
Key Activities from the Breakfast Session
- Speeches from the HR Team: The breakfast session began with an inspiring welcome from the HR Team, who acknowledged the interns’ hard work and dedication. Through stories and insights, the HR team shed light on NCBA’s vision behind the Go-Getter Program, reinforcing the bank’s mission to empower young people to excel and contribute meaningfully to the organization.
- Management-Intern Interactions and Networking: A unique highlight of the event was the interactive networking session, where interns had the chance to engage with senior management in an informal setting. Interactive games were played with both the Senior Leadership team and interns, fostering a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. This provided interns with invaluable insights into career development, tips on navigating the professional world, and a deeper understanding of NCBA’s operations. The management team, in turn, appreciated the chance to connect directly with young talent, discuss the future of the industry, and inspire interns to reach new heights.
- Heartfelt Intern Testimonials: Interns shared their experiences, giving voice to the program’s impact on their personal and professional growth. From acquiring new skills and gaining confidence to overcoming challenges and discovering career aspirations, each testimonial showcased the Go-Getter Program as a transformative experience. These personal stories celebrated the interns’ achievements and highlighted the supportive, empowering environment NCBA provides.
- Words of Wisdom and Closing Remarks: The breakfast session closed with words of wisdom from a member of NCBA’s senior management, who emphasized resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning as keys to a successful career. The HR Team expressed appreciation for the interns’ contributions, encouraging them to continue embodying NCBA’s values in all they do.
Why the Go-Getter Program Is Exemplary in the Industry
NCBA’s approach to internships is setting a benchmark in Kenya’s corporate landscape. Here’s what makes the Go-Getter Program exceptional:
- Holistic Professional Development: The Go-Getter Program’s unique blend of technical and interpersonal skill-building gives interns a competitive edge, preparing them for both immediate and long-term success.
- Commitment to Mentorship: NCBA offers guidance that goes beyond conventional training, creating a learning environment that supports individual growth and builds professional connections.
- Real Responsibilities: Interns are trusted with meaningful work, enabling them to contribute directly to NCBA’s goals and empowering them to develop a strong work ethic and self-confidence.
- Alignment with Education Citizenship Agenda: NCBA’s commitment to youth development through the Go-Getter Program supports Kenya’s workforce development initiatives, addressing youth unemployment and fostering economic growth.
- Strong Employee Value Proposition: Through initiatives like the Go-Getter Program, NCBA strengthens its reputation as an employer of choice with a 94% employee retention rate, attracting top talent by demonstrating its commitment to youth empowerment and professional development.
Conclusion: Celebrating Growth and Building the Future
The Go-Getter Program is a powerful example of NCBA’s dedication to shaping Kenya’s future leaders. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and an empowering corporate culture, the program offers young professionals the opportunity to unlock their potential and build a foundation for a successful career.
The Go-Getter Breakfast Session, in particular, underscores NCBA’s commitment to recognizing, supporting, and celebrating the achievements of their interns, fostering an environment of growth and connection that leaves a lasting impact.
For NCBA, the Go-Getter Program isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building the future of Kenya’s workforce, one intern at a time. For the young talents involved, it’s a chance to grow, contribute, and become part of a company that truly values their development. Ready to take the next step and Go For It? Explore opportunities with BrighterMonday and see how the NCBA’s Go-Getter Internship Program can help you build a brighter future!
