Meet Jimmy Kihato, a fourth-year Financial Economics student at the Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences (SIMS). Jimmy recently completed what he describes as an amazing and life-changing internship at Deloitte’s Westlands office, where he found himself in a unique position. He was the youngest person in the entire office.
At just 21 years old, Jimmy admits that stepping into a Big Four firm was initially intimidating. “At first, that felt very intimidating,” he recalls. However, he quickly chose to view his age as a strength. Rather than seeing him as inexperienced, his senior colleagues embraced opportunities to guide and mentor him. “I took that as a strength because they saw me as someone they could mentor,” he said.
The internship revealed a side of the corporate giant that Jimmy had not expected. He encountered a culture of inclusivity, where managers and directors were approachable and genuinely invested in his personal growth. He fondly recalls his manager, Alex, taking time to share wisdom that extended beyond audit work. From long nights fueled by caffeine to lighthearted office banter about Gen Z and mental health, the workplace fostered meaningful connections across all levels of seniority. These interactions helped bridge the gap between intern and leadership, allowing Jimmy to see his colleagues in a different light.
When asked about the principle that guided him throughout the internship, Jimmy chose Excellence. He understood that succeeding in a demanding professional environment required consistently delivering high-quality work. “I knew that for me to survive in such an environment, my work had to speak for itself. From day one, I knew I had to be the best at my game,” he said.
His commitment to excellence earned him a significant vote of confidence from his team. One of the highlights of his internship was being entrusted with independently auditing specific entities, a responsibility typically reserved for more experienced professionals. “My manager gave me a couple of entities to conduct an audit without any supervision,” he said. “That gave me a significant confidence boost.”
Jimmy credits Strathmore with equipping him with the confidence to speak up, seek clarity, and remain curious. He adopted the mindset that no question was too small, frequently asking for deeper explanations to better understand the purpose behind his assignments. He noted that being surrounded by brilliant minds requires the confidence to admit when you do not know something. Throughout his internship, he found that the Deloitte team valued his contributions and never made him feel diminished for seeking guidance.
Beyond the workplace, Jimmy felt the steady support of the SIMS faculty, whom he describes as a family that remained invested in his progress. He particularly highlights the encouragement of his supervisor, Dr. Elvis Ongonga, the Academic Director, and Mr. Cyrus Muthumbi, Faculty Manager, whom he considers a friend and mentor.
Reflecting on his journey, from being the youngest person in the room to becoming a trusted member of the audit team, Jimmy encourages fellow students to embrace opportunities with confidence. “Try everything. Do not feel intimidated. Network as much as possible, and when you get into that space, ask questions,” he advised.
He emphasizes that while formal education provides a strong foundation, true professional growth comes from active engagement in the workplace. For Jimmy, overcoming the fear of the unknown is often the first step toward success. “Don’t feel intimidated. Ask questions and be confident,” he concluded.
Article written by Maitethia Doreen, Communications Administrator, Strathmore Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
