Young professionals urged to seek mentorship

Dar es Salaam. Young professionals are being held back in their careers by avoidable mistakes such as neglecting mentorship and failing to invest in personal growth, according to Serengeti Breweries managing director, Dr Obinna Anyalebechi.

Speaking during the Fanisi Talk programme, Dr Anyalebechi stressed the importance of mentorship in accelerating career development and achieving personal fulfilment.

“A lot of the time, it’s about not being clear on career choices and on the steps needed to develop and accelerate your growth,” he said.

“Many fail to recognise the power of mentorship early enough in their professional journeys,” he added.

Dr. Anyalebechi's reflections on his journey in relation to the topic Strategies for a Fulfilling Life and Career underscore the significant role mentorship has played in his success

“Having people with more extensive experiences support my journey was invaluable. I learnt to dream bigger, aim higher, and understand that progress takes time,” he shared.

Dr Anyalebechi also emphasised that professional success should be complemented by personal development.

“A fulfilling life is not just about the salary you earn but also about who you are outside of work and the community you engage with,” he said.

Encouraging young professionals to act on their aspirations, he added; “Dreaming alone is never enough. You must take concrete steps to bring those dreams to life.”

Fanisi platform founder Sarah Majengo highlighted the programme’s mission to provide young professionals with the tools and networks needed to thrive in today’s competitive world.

“Minor things like communication, confidence and accountability are holding many young people back,” she said.

“Fanisi is designed to address these gaps and nurture both professional and personal growth.”

Since its inception in 2021, Fanisi has trained over 200 young professionals through an eight-week leadership programme, with graduates achieving notable career advancements.

Irene Ngomuo, a financial services manager at Airtel and a graduate of Fanisi’s seventh cohort, shared how the programme transformed her approach to goal-setting.

“I was taught to plan my goals daily, weekly, monthly, and even for ten years. Tracking these goals has pushed me to work harder, and when I fall short, I’m motivated to do more,” she said.