Omar Mwangari graduated from UBCO in 2014 with an honours in Psychology and minor in English. As a student here, he was an integral member in the International and Aboriginal Programs and Services offices, and he also co-ordinated major events from Global Fest to Jumpstart.
After graduating, he began work with Cintas as a Management Trainee and has been working with them for the past year and a half. We got in touch with ‘Omie’, as he is known, and asked him a couple of questions in relation to his transition from university life to work life.
1. How are you finding life after UBC-O now that you’ve moved to another Canadian city?
Life is great post-UBC. Work has been good even with the relocation from Kelowna to Edmonton. The fast-paced Edmonton offers unique challenges that build character and further prepare you for the different leadership positions that come with being a Cintas partner.
2. How was the transition from university life into working life?
I would say I found it easy! I had social support (family, friends, peers, mentors) who cared for my well-being and success. I couldn’t ask for more.
3. Did you find that certain skills you learned at UBC are being applied in your workplace?
All skills learnt at UBC (and throughout my life), be it in class or on the social front have been of great help. Not only did these skills (e.g. leadership, budgeting, public speaking etc) get me through the Cintas doors but also sustain me after.
4. Were there any challenges you faced during your transition? If yes, how did you manage to deal with them?
As cliche as this may sound, the biggest thing for me (which I believe is shared across many working class members who just recently finished school) were the cravings for a sleep-in day(s) and the procrastination – more so now with the harsh Edmonton winters. Gone are the days of pressing the snooze button, knowing your friend has you covered in class. The key is to remember that the world is no longer at your beck and call: you have yourself, your family, your peers, and the company to consider. If I were to sleep in, chances are that I will have signed, sealed and delivered my own termination papers.
5. You moved from Kelowna to Edmonton. How’s the new city treating you? Do you miss anything about Kelowna?
Edmonton has been great. As I noted earlier, it brings with it unique challenges that I may not have been exposed to while in Kelowna. However, at the end of the day, I feel like Kelowna will always be my second home (after Mombasa, Kenya). It’s no surprise I stop by every now and then to visit.
6. It is a known fact that you were a student leader involved in many initiatives at UBC-O. Are there any that you’re still involved in? Are you now involved in anything new?
I try to get involved in the community, but I haven’t done that to my satisfaction. I do, however, try to put in the same (if not more) effort at Cintas as I did at UBC.
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