From Blueprints to Reality: A Career Talk with Nashon Okowa
Picture this: a room full of curious minds, buzzing with anticipation, and a speaker who commands attention the moment he steps up. That was the vibe at our recent career talk, titled “From Blueprints to Reality; Everything You Need to Know as a Construction Student,” on the 25th of September 2024. This wasn’t your typical talk filled with textbook theories. Our Keynote speaker was Nashon Okowa, a Construction Project Manager, Director of Beacon Africa Consultants, Podcaster and Author. The room was buzzing with excitement as students gathered to hear from Nashon, whose name is synonymous with excellence in Construction Management. As students, we often wonder how to bridge the gap between what we learn in school and what is required in the field—Nashon’s talk helped us connect the dots. Nashon began by challenging us of how our universities have become breeding grounds for average people hence for one to stand out in the industry you need to be “abnormal”, a term he has used as a title for his book The Abnormal Student. “Being abnormal requires students to step up early enough, not to wait till they are in their final year and make their career their core responsibility,” Nashon stated. That was quite the start!! He then dived into giving a presentation of things we can do as students as we prepare for the Construction industry: I would like to refer to them as the “BIG FIVE”, which are:
ü Understand the industry you are going to and how you fit-Emphasis was laid on how global the industry is becoming its no longer about my country but rather my world. Nashon made it clear that in today’s job market, everyone is a potential co-worker or competitor. The competition is stiff, even to be considered average. To truly stand out, you need to differentiate yourself. This starts with self-awareness and finding a unique positioning that sets you apart from others. Whether it's through personal branding, skills, or industry knowledge, Nashon emphasized that we must continuously work to define what makes us stand out.
ü Networking- “Its not about who you know but who knows you”, Nashon stated. He emphasized on attending networking events which may sometimes come at a cost, but the long-term benefits are invaluable. He pointed out that securing a job is a process, not an event, and building a strong network is key to navigating that process effectively.
ü Reading-He shared a powerful statistic: only 15% of people implement what they read. His challenge to us was to be part of that 15%, turning knowledge into action. Reading doesn’t just expand your knowledge; it also improves your communication skills—something essential for anyone aspiring to lead in the construction industry.
ü Learn and practice-Nashon urged us to constantly work on self-improvement. This involves identifying areas of personal and professional growth, cutting out bad habits, and diversifying our skill set. He recommended having at least two backup skills in addition to your major in campus. This diversification not only makes you more adaptable but also opens up more career opportunities.
ü Have a purpose-A clear purpose and passion are crucial to long-term success. Nashon’s own journey is a testament to this. He encouraged us to align our career paths with our purpose to ensure maximum impact.
After dropping these career gems, Nashon surprised a few lucky students with copies of his book The Abnormal Student. And just when we thought things couldn’t get any better, it was time for a break—and our refreshments? You guessed it, Red Bull—because we all needed some wings after such an inspiring session! As the event came to a close, the energy in the room was still buzzing—maybe it was Nashon’s career-changing insights, or maybe it was the Red Bulls we were sipping on! Either way, we walked out more inspired, more informed, and definitely more motivated to take on the challenges ahead. Nashon didn’t just give us advice; he gave us a roadmap for success, and now it’s up to us to turn that into action (with a little extra caffeine boost, of course! ).
A massive thank you to Nashon for sharing his wisdom, and the CRESA team for organizing such a memorable event. With our notebooks full, our spirits high, and our Red Bulls empty, we’re more than ready to conquer the construction world—and we hope to see you at the next one! Don’t miss out, because if this event was any sign, things are only getting better from here.
By Mukami Muchangi
