In Kenya, landing an internship is one of the toughest endeavours a young graduate can seek to achieve. However, once secured, it easily qualifies as a highlight of one’s career journey and the start of a beautiful journey towards growth.
Many Kenyan graduates have struggled to get internship opportunities, let alone jobs, despite holding the relevant academic papers and expertise. Without an internship opportunity to practice their knowledge, they end up disadvantaged at launching their careers.
NCBA Bank Kenya took note of this gap and acted towards solving the problem. In 2023, NCBA launched the Go-Getter Internship Program, a prisitine opportunity for fresh university graduates to secure internship chances at NCBA’s Business Units and begin their careers.
The first cohort drew in 45 graduates who got the opportunity to draw knowledge and empowerment from NCBA Bank’s top corporate leaders and gain meaningful experience from various departments within the financial institution.
As per the NCBA Education Citizenship Agenda, the Go-getter internship is an initiative that gives graduates hands-on experience and a chance to be absorbed into the bank. Through it, they get a launching pad for successful corporate careers.
In 2024, the bank absorbed a cohort comprising 51 graduates who joined an 8-month program. These interns were assigned to different NCBA teams.
“At NCBA, we are committed to nurturing young talent. What we aim to do is provide you with a hands-on experience in the real world of work,” noted NCBA’s Group Director of Human Resources & Culture, Ms. Monicah Kihia.
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One such Go-getter Intern from the 2023 cohort, John Njoroge, started out in the program as a young graduate. He was eventually absorbed into the bank permanently and rose to the position of assistant manager in charge of branch operations.
“What surprised me most about my internship at NCBA is the culture. The work culture is quite unique, it’s nothing like I’ve experienced before. One thing that really stood out is the fact that everyone is striving for excellence,” stated Jeremy Kagimbi, an intern who joined the 2024 Cohort.
At NCBA’s Go-Getter Internship Breakfast, Lameck Wayayi, the Head of Talent Acquisition at NCBA Bank noted that there were lots of changes in the formal work sector. He emphasized that it is important to give feedback when in formal employment.
“The advice that I’d give anyone seeking to join the NCBA Go-Getter Internship is, Go For It! Don’t be afraid. Once you’re in, go all out. Do your best and make the most of the opportunity. The team is very supportive and the activities within are fun,” said Tracy Okoyo who’s interning in the Customer Service department.
Some of the key aspects of NCBA that the interns are exposed to include Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Human Resource, Finance and Regional Business. The bank has a 94% employees’ retention rate, which gives interns the motivational prospect of becoming contractually employed.
How to Apply for the Go-Getter Internship
As previously stated, the NCBA Go-Getter Internship runs for a period of 8 months. To be considered for the opportunity, here is a list of criteria you must meet:
- Minimum honours of 2nd Upper-Class Division in your Undergraduate Degree
- A minimum grade of B- in KCSE with at least a B- in both Mathematics and English.
- Must have graduated from university within the last 12 months.
Upon engagement by NCBA Talent Acquisition team, you will be required to give copies and original certificates as proof of academic qualification, including but not limited to High School and University Certificates.
The Internship programs typically begin around April of each year.
