Kenyan Woman Who Scored A Minus in KCSE Lands Lucrative Job at Coca-Cola, Narrates Success Journey

 

Miriam Kaburu narrates her success story

When Miriam Kaburu applied for an analyst job at Coca-Cola a few months ago, she had no idea the application would lead to one of her wildest dreams. The Kenyan woman narrated how she moved abroad in 2017 after her exemplary KCSE performance.  It was a gruelling yet fulfilling six-month journey culminating in her receiving a job offer that she could not say no to, as working for the global company was always her desire.  In an exclusive interview with TUKO.co.ke, Kaburu reflected on the journey that led her to this moment, when she gets to live her dreams abroad. Born and raised in Nanyuki, Laikipia county, the young Kenyan woman posted exemplary results after sitting for her Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. "I attended Thingithu Primary School for three years before completing my KCPE at Nanyuki Primary School, scoring 377 out of 500 marks. For secondary school, I joined Likii Hill School in Nanyuki for a year and a half, then completed my education at Loise Nanyuki Girls, graduating with an A- (80 points) and emerging as the top female student in my sub-county," she says. Her impressive KCSE grade would earn her a spot in the Equity Leaders Programme, which provided her with the connections and support to apply for scholarships in international universities.Her first trial in 2016 was unsuccessful but did not deter her resilient spirit. "Eventually, I secured a spot at Michigan State University on a full-ride scholarship from the Mastercard Foundation to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Biosystems Engineering. I moved to the US in 2017 to undertake my education journey," the mother of one narrates. After moving to the US, she pursued her degree and discovered her passion for food engineering while at it. After bagging her degree, she moved to Canada on a full-ride scholarship to pursue a master's in integrated food and bioprocessing engineering from McGill University. Kaburu recounts that moving to Canada to study at McGill University was challenging, as she was also a new mother with a three-month-old when she started her program. "Even though it was challenging, I was resilient and graduated with a 3.85 GPA," she said with a touch of pride.  After Scoring A Plain in KCSE Landing job at Coca-Cola After earning her master's, Kaburu narrowed her search to food companies due to her passion and academic background. "I applied to Coca-Cola only once, but it took me over six months to land this role post-graduation, with many rejections from different companies. What inspired me to apply to the company was its reputation for innovation and commitment to quality. I was also drawn to their global presence and the opportunity to work with diverse teams," she says. The journey to landing the job offer was difficult, but she said her husband and loved ones were there for her every step of the way. Six months after her job application, the brilliant woman finally received the opportunity of a lifetime. "Receiving the email that I had landed my dream job was an incredible feeling. It culminated months of hard work, perseverance, and countless job applications. The sense of accomplishment and excitement was overwhelming, knowing I would be contributing to a company I admired deeply," the analyst stated.  Kaburu's experience working abroad According to the Kenyan woman, her experience at the soft drink manufacturing company has been interesting. She works with a diverse team and uses her passion for food processing to make an impact. "I have been able to apply my skills in process control to ensure our products meet the highest quality standards, which has been both challenging and fulfilling," she said. Interestingly, she has run into two Kenyans working for the company. She said they occasionally meet up to catch up on what is happening back home, share tips on navigating life in Canada and discuss the latest hits. "We share experiences and advice on balancing our Kenyan culture with the Canadian lifestyle, which has been incredibly supportive. These interactions have been invaluable, providing a sense of community and connection to our roots. It's comforting to have familiar faces around as we navigate our professional and personal lives in a new country," she said. Kaburu's advice to Kenyans seeking to move abroad Kaburu reckoned that persistence and networking are keys for Kenyans seeking to move to Canada. She said conducting thorough research on the immigration process, educational opportunities, and scholarships is paramount to staying abreast of the latest prospects. "Building a strong support network both locally and abroad is crucial. Connect with fellow Kenyans in your field or area of interest who have successfully made the move. Join Kenyan community groups and attend networking events to establish connections before and after your relocation," she said. "Lastly, embrace the new culture while staying connected to your roots, as this balance will help you thrive in your new environment," she added. 

by  Racheal Nyaguthie