11/01/2026
YOUNG PROFESSIONALS in CONSTRUCTION.
The mjengo industry is not a get-rich-quick scheme, unless you’re a con person. Ask those who have been around; they’ll tell you the truth. In fact, it should actually be listed in "1000 Ways to Die Young". You need a heart of steel to survive.
1. Having a degree doesn’t guarantee you employment it's a competitive industry. While studying, start building your network. After graduation, attend conferences and workshops, take up any opportunity that will give you money, experience or both, and volunteer if you can. Don’t let any construction opportunity pass you by.
2. Most jobs are in the private sector and don’t pay the high salaries you dream of. Even entry-level government jobs aren’t very well paid. With time it gets better. When an opportunity knocks your door, use it to build your brand which will eventually earn you more.
3. You might not start in a senior position, so give yourself time to grow. We all started somewhere.
4. You could be smart and skilled, but to survive and succeed, you need professionalism, discipline, the teachable attitude, and the ability to handle clients with different needs and social statuses. These are just as important as technical skills.
5. On construction sites or in offices, respect the hierarchy. Show your skills without overshadowing your seniors.
6. Never try to outshine or shortchange your boss or any person who gives you work. Read the 48 laws of power.
7. Running an office is not easy licensing, rent, staff management, and salaries can be challenging. Consider a partnership if possible and think carefully before getting stuck in this path.
8. Clients can be dodgy, handling some of them can be tricky. Learn to be patient and don’t take things personal cos construction is a high-pressure industry, you might lose your money in the process of looking for more.
9. Don’t look down on skilled or unskilled workers. Build good relationships with them they are your brand ambassadors and can refer work to you. Construction is a collaborative industry.
10. Take financial literacy classes, they will help you stay stable. I told you, the client's money is not your money, use it on the project and not on personal needs.
11. Don’t forget your family and social life, make time to refresh your mind, but don’t drink so much that it affects your work. Remember the saying cheza na mshahara, sio kazi.
12. Remember to invest in your CV, image and presentation it’s a package. How you dress, speak, and even sometimes what you drive matters in this industry.
13. Ukiitwa kazi hunaexperience ama expertise, learn to contact your seniors to guide you. Usiende kufanyia client maajabu. We all can't be smart in everything.
Success will be inevitable if you work smart, stay humble, respect your colleagues & above all trust the process.
