Be At the Arena

My name is Laban Cliff Onserio, and I am a proud graduate of Strathmore University Business School, Class of 2011. I earned my Bachelor of Commerce, specializing in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. During my time at Strathmore, I had the honor of being the university’s first student leader in the Public Relations docket.

Today, I serve as the Regional Director of the Chief of Staff Association, a global organization that brings together Chiefs of Staff across government, military, private sector, and startups.

My Strathmore journey began in 2007, and coming from Nakuru County, Strathmore was my gateway to the city, new friendships, and invaluable networking opportunities. I was grateful to find that my passion for leadership continued to flourish there. Strathmore was in the process of forming its student council, and I was fortunate to become part of the founding team. This role placed me at the forefront of communications between the administration and the students, leading initiatives like the student Baraza and introducing the buzzword “Stratizen”—a term that remains symbolic of the community spirit at Strathmore.

In addition to academics, Strathmore encouraged me to explore my interest in sports, especially rallying. With support from Paulo Ching, who sponsored our first rally car, I participated in the Safari Rally with my co-driver and fellow Stratizen, Nirini Smile. This experience not only fueled my love for motorsports but also taught me the value of balancing professional aspirations with personal passions for holistic well-being.

As the eldest sibling, I often spoke highly of Strathmore, and I’m proud that my family members have also pursued their degrees there. My sister, for example, enjoyed a newer, improved campus experience with amenities like the Student Centre—a facility that I’m admittedly a bit envious of, considering our main social area at the time was the football pitch! Nonetheless, I feel immense pride each time I visit and see the continued growth and development of the university.

Strathmore has consistently prepared its students for the job market, a significant differentiator that has shielded it from criticisms facing other institutions. Through career fairs with major companies like Google, General Electric, PwC, and Deloitte, students gained early exposure to top employers. My own career started through a Strathmore career day, where I connected with Career Connections and later with the General Electric recruitment team, a pivotal networking moment that helped launch my professional journey.

What sets Strathmore apart is its strong alumni network, which I am grateful to still be part of. Wherever I go, whether on LinkedIn or Strathmore Connect, I can almost always find fellow Stratizens who are eager to lend a hand or offer advice. This network is a unique asset that has stayed robust over the years, empowering alumni around the world.

I’m also pleased to see how the alumni association is strengthening its support for current students. During the recent HR summit, I discussed initiatives to provide scholarships and mentorships. Alumni contributions—whether in the form of internships, fellowships, or job shadowing opportunities—can have a huge impact on students’ development.

While I’m not currently employed by Strathmore, my support for the university remains steadfast. The “stickability” factor is real; even after more than 15 years, I find myself returning to give back, share my story with prospective students and parents, and encourage them to take advantage of Strathmore’s resources. As I tell them, “Be at the arena”—position yourself in spaces that open doors and give you a head start. For me, Strathmore was, and always will be, that arena.

Article by Laban Cliff Onserio, Alumnus, Bachelor of Commerce Programme