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Campus confessions: I went for an office industrial attachment, but ended up as the tea girl

A lady at work.

Photo credit: Muthoni Wanjiku/Mtaa Wangu

I was so excited when I got my industrial placement at a government office as an administrative assistant. The first week actually felt promising: I was introduced to filing systems, taught how to draft simple letters and even shadowed one of the officers. I thought, 'Yes, this is it! I’m finally learning the ropes.”

However, from week two onwards, the job description changed subtly. Gradually, I was asked to help with 'small things' such as cleaning the office, washing up and making tea. 

At first, I thought this would only be temporary, but it became routine. Instead of handling files, I was handling cups. My mornings turned into a marathon of making tea, and by the end of my placement, I could have easily opened a café.

Honestly, I was disappointed. The real administrative work that I had dreamed of learning remained out of reach, and I only picked up a little through my own efforts: asking questions and observing whenever I had the chance. What was supposed to be a professional learning experience had become more like a survival game.

I stayed because the hassle of finding another placement was too much. Knocking on new doors, writing endless letters and waiting for approvals felt harder than just sticking it out. So I stayed, even though I knew I wasn’t learning as much as I should have been.

Now, as I look for a second placement, I hope that my next employer will be more considerate and that I will get more exposure and responsibility, and hopefully fewer cups to scrub. If I have to make tea again, I would at least like to learn how to run an office too.

One thing I'll never forget is that tea in government offices is like oxygen, it never runs out!

As narrated by Jane Chebet.