My first job: Eseza C. Byakika
May 17, 2009
<b>WHAT was your first job? Where and when was it? How much did you earn then?</b><br>I was a bus conductor in my father’s bus on the Mbale-Kampala route during my senior six vacation. I collected the transport fare, issued tickets and accounted for th
Chief HR officer, National Housing and Construction Company
What was your first job? Where and when was it? How much did you earn then?
I was a bus conductor in my father’s bus on the Mbale-Kampala route during my senior six vacation. I collected the transport fare, issued tickets and accounted for the money raised. I also had to answer any questions they had whenever we were stopped by the traffic Police. I earned sh50,000 a month and sh1,500 daily allowance.
What is the most enduring memory of your first job?
I realised that you can do any kind of job regardless of your sex. I also learnt how to make money. I would carry a sack or two of charcoal to sell in Kampala. I learnt how to be more business minded.
What did you learn from it that makes you a better boss?
I learnt how to plan and be self-reliant. Being able to make plans without waiting for things to be done for me is a big lesson I learnt. I could have used the salary I earned for other things instead of preparing for campus. From my savings, I was able to furnish my room and take care of some expenses.
Has the first job changed your career path or perspective of life?
I gained more vigour to venture into business. It is not enough to have only one source of income. I don’t despise small opportunities. I see business opportunities in small things, which can help buy that loaf of bread every day for the family instead of waiting for a salary.
CAREER PROFILE
Sheraton Kampala Hotel; front desk officer
Lonrho Motors Africa (now Toyota Uganda); personnel administrator
Uganda Wildlife Authority; human resource development manager
New Vision; human resource manager
National Housing and Construction Company, chief human resource officer
Interview by Susan Muyiyi
What was your first job? Where and when was it? How much did you earn then?
I was a bus conductor in my father’s bus on the Mbale-Kampala route during my senior six vacation. I collected the transport fare, issued tickets and accounted for the money raised. I also had to answer any questions they had whenever we were stopped by the traffic Police. I earned sh50,000 a month and sh1,500 daily allowance.
What is the most enduring memory of your first job?
I realised that you can do any kind of job regardless of your sex. I also learnt how to make money. I would carry a sack or two of charcoal to sell in Kampala. I learnt how to be more business minded.
What did you learn from it that makes you a better boss?
I learnt how to plan and be self-reliant. Being able to make plans without waiting for things to be done for me is a big lesson I learnt. I could have used the salary I earned for other things instead of preparing for campus. From my savings, I was able to furnish my room and take care of some expenses.
Has the first job changed your career path or perspective of life?
I gained more vigour to venture into business. It is not enough to have only one source of income. I don’t despise small opportunities. I see business opportunities in small things, which can help buy that loaf of bread every day for the family instead of waiting for a salary.
CAREER PROFILE
Interview by Susan Muyiyi