Faculty of Information Technology (FIT) graduates have a reputation for being articulate, high performers, disciplined, professional and are not expected to be any less, says Ms Topista Namasaka.

Ms Namasaka, an IMIS higher diploma graduate from SU is the Senior Coordinator, Project and Process Management at Celtel Kenya added that these graduates also have the reputation of emphasizing on standards and ethics, are results oriented, orderly, and have attention to detail. In short, they sanctify their work.

Ms Namasaka was the keynote speaker at the Faculty on Information Technology re-union held on Saturday, 28th July 2007 in at the university's auditorium. Echoing the words of St Josemaria, the inspiration behind Strathmore in the 'The Way' no. 162, "when fulfilling your duty, put your heart into it," Ms Namasaka said it is important to love one's job in order to do it well.

In her presentation titled "My Experience", she told fellow alumni that to make it out there, they have to be dynamic, persistent and resilient. She counseled, "discover what you like and go for it. That way, you will get a job you like and you will do it well and excel."

Mr John K'Otieno, (BBIT class of 2004) Executive Assistant to the East Africa Breweries Limited  (EABL) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said one has to do his job especially well for it to stand out so that it can be rewarded handsomely. "You have to do something special in order for it to be recognized and rewarded well," he said.

Mr Kariba Moko, (IMIS higher diploma graduate) of Nick Creations said it is important for graduates to discern their interests in order to identify right career paths. He said that although he had passed with distinctions, he was not sure what he wanted to do until he came across design work. Then he knew that is what is for him.

Ms Laura Temesi, (Class of 2004) Manager, Technology & Security Risk Services at Ernest Young emphasized the need to foster the ability to work hard. "It is important to know yourself well, she advised. People apply for jobs and say they can work under pressure. But when the pressure comes, they cant take it."

During the panel discussion, it was agreed that there are many opportunities for IT graduates with an entrepreneurial streak to set up businesses. Mr Clement Nyandiere, Dean, FIT, observed that a number of former students of the Faculty were already pace setters in innovative businesses. Former students Harrison Karanja and Stephen Alala, at Softlaw, and also the founders of Mama Mikes e-commerce site, Harrison Kimuri and Felix Kiptum are good examples of what young modern graduates can do to change the business paradigm.

Ms Namasaka said there is an opinion in the industry that SU IT graduates are more business than technical oriented. Mr Denis Mutinda (BBIT 2004) of KPMG observed that people with IT background were now making it to the top of corporations as IT moves from support to a strategic position in organizations.

In his opening remarks, Mr Nyandiere observed the faculty had expanded and was now offering two masters programmes -Masters of Science in IT and Master of Science in computer-based information systems. He urged those with aspirations to pursue further studies to take advantage of the offerings. "You could enrol today," he said.

Many of the alumni hailed the occasion as a perfect meeting point for former classmates, colleagues; and also newly formed friendships. Overall, about 100 alumni attended the function that was punctuated with short presentations, an open forum, and field games. The day was crowned with a sumptuous cocktail party.