Learning, Growth, and Professionalism: James’ Story at NRS DT Sacco.
Written by Marion Wavinya
When James Kiongo , a Finance student from Murang’a University, first heard about NRS DT Sacco, he was immediately drawn to its reputation. “I was intrigued by the Sacco’s values,” he recalls. “Members spoke highly about the excellent customer service, professionalism of the staff, accountability, agility, and loyalty. All these values motivated me to apply for the internship program.”
As part of the Finance Department, James has taken on a range of responsibilities from mail handling and document filing to assisting in report preparation and providing administrative support. He has also been involved in loan processing for members, a role that has significantly improved his financial and analytical skills. “These tasks have helped me gain practical experience and build a strong foundation in financial operations,” he says.
Throughout his internship, James has developed several key competencies. “I’ve gained hands-on experience in accounting and bookkeeping, including daily postings, managing financial records, tracking transactions, and performing bank reconciliations,” he explains. “I’ve also learned about financial analysis and reporting, risk management, and compliance, which have enhanced my understanding of internal controls and regulatory requirements.”
A typical day for James involves preparing the daily SASRA report, handling mail, posting financial transactions, and writing cheques for bank processing. “Every day is a learning opportunity,” he adds. “The exposure I’ve had has been invaluable.”
Like any learning journey, his internship hasn’t been without challenges. “At first, I found some of the tasks quite menial,” he admits, “but I overcame this by volunteering for more complex projects to broaden my skill set and gain visibility.” Integrating into the workplace culture was another challenge. “I made an effort to network with colleagues during breaks and lunch, which helped me feel part of the team.”
Reflecting on how the internship has influenced his career, James shares, “This experience has given me real-world exposure that has clarified my career goals. It has enhanced my professional skills and deepened my appreciation for the cooperative model’s financial and community-oriented nature.”
When asked about the work culture at NRS DT Sacco, James doesn’t hesitate: “Friendly, everyone here is approachable and supportive, which makes the experience amazing.”
His favourite part of being in the Accounting Department is the variety of work. “There’s always something new to learn,” he says enthusiastically. “The diversity of tasks keeps things exciting and continuously builds my knowledge of finance and accounting.”
James also had a thoughtful suggestion for the internship program. “Providing interns with laptops would make it easier to participate in all tasks efficiently and minimize time wasted sharing equipment. It would also enhance our practical skills.”
Would he recommend NRS DT Sacco to other students? “Absolutely,” he smiles. “The experience has been smooth, enriching, and rewarding.”
In summary, James describes his internship as “a very helpful experience that has provided me with valuable hands-on learning, mentorship, and a clear understanding of the financial industry, paving the way for my future success
