This is a success story story from Jesse, a student that talks shades light on what the program is about, his experience in the program and what he has learnt all throughout the program especially in career preparedness.
If someone had told me a few months ago that a virtual program could change how I see the world, work, and myself, I might have laughed. But then I joined The Bridge Program and everything shifted.
I’m Jesse Njuguna, and I’ve had the privilege of being part of The Bridge’s Cohort 5. I even shared a bit about my journey in this testimonial video , but there’s so much more I’d love to unpack here, especially for anyone curious about whether The Bridge is worth it…spoiler: it is.
It all started with a simple scroll on Instagram. One day, I came across a testimonial video of a friend talking about their experience with The Bridge Program. The way they spoke about mindset shifts, real-world skills, and personal growth deeply resonated with me. They didn’t just talk about what they learned; they spoke with a renewed sense of purpose.
I was curious. So I reached out directly to The Bridge’s Instagram page to learn more. The response was warm, welcoming and informative. Before I knew it, I was applying to be part of the next cohort and that decision has truly been one of the most rewarding steps I’ve taken for my career and personal development.
The Bridge is a two-month, virtual experience designed for students and recent graduates who want to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world skills. The program is run by Impact Africa Network and focuses on equipping young people with the mindset, tools, and networks they need to thrive in the 21st-century job market.
It’s not just another course or webinar series. It’s a structured experience that blends learning, reflection, and hands-on challenges. From mental models and effective communication to professional identity, business skills, data literacy, and much more. The Bridge covers everything you wish they had taught in school.
With interactive sessions, pod-based reflections, and weekly challenges, The Bridge pushes you to apply what you’re learning in real time. It’s a program that helps you learn, unlearn, and grow.
One of the most impactful lessons I took from The Bridge was the concept of finite vs. infinite games. A finite game has clear goals and winners like landing a job or completing a project. An infinite game, on the other hand, is about continuous growth and contribution, like evolving in your career or building character.
What stood out to me is that both games have value. Finite games help us focus and achieve short-term success, while infinite games keep us grounded in a bigger vision. The Bridge helped me understand when to lean into each mindset, whether I’m chasing a goal or thinking long-term.
Instead of seeing life as just a race or just a journey, I now see it as a mix of sprints and marathons, and knowing when to switch makes all the difference.
Learning theories is great, but applying them is where the magic happens.
In The Bridge, every participant works on a project as a group, and my group, Group Victors chose to build a healthcare app providing online doctor consultations and ordering of drugs online and delivery, solving the problem of long queues in hospitals by accessing healthcare anywhere you are and access to drugs in remote areas. This was a game-changer for me. It wasn’t just about tech or design; it was about teamwork, project management, ideation, problem-solving, and understanding real user needs.
I had the opportunity to:
● Collaborate with diverse teammates from different backgrounds
● Communicate clearly under pressure
● Balance listening with leading
● Stay agile and solution-focused
● Value feedback as fuel for growth
The experience was the perfect simulation of a startup environment, and honestly, it made me excited for what’s possible beyond the program. Our project became more than just a requirement; it became something we were genuinely proud of. We celebrated our progress together, and more importantly, we learned how to fail fast and pivot faster, which is an essential entrepreneurial lesson.
One thing The Bridge does brilliantly is prepare you for the workforce. It’s not just soft talk; they back it up with sessions on:
● Crafting compelling CVs and portfolios
● Building your professional identity
● Understanding how to “sell yourself” online and offline
● Communicating for impact
They also introduced me to LinkedIn best practices, personal branding strategies, and interview storytelling techniques. These aren't just trendy buzzwords, they're vital tools in a competitive market.
With The Bridge, I feel like I’ve stepped into the career world prepared and equipped.
One of the reasons I joined The Bridge Program was to harness and sharpen my entrepreneurial mindset. I’m the founder of a venture called CoThreads.ke, an initiative that I started with passion, but also with the realization that I needed more tools, structure, and mentorship to grow both myself and the business.
That’s why The Bridge stood out to me. I didn’t want to just “have an idea” I wanted to develop the mindset and skills necessary to build something that solves real problems and delivers value.
Through sessions on business models, ideation, and execution, I began to see how entrepreneurial thinking isn’t just about launching a business, it’s a way of looking at the world. It’s about spotting gaps, testing solutions, iterating fast and staying resilient when things don’t go as planned.
The program gave me practical exposure to:
● Understanding how to validate ideas
● Building products around user needs
● Communicating the value of an idea clearly and convincingly
It’s no longer about waiting for doors to open. Now, I think: “How can I build the door myself?” That’s the power of entrepreneurial thinking, and The Bridge helped me activate that in a deeper, more intentional way.
Whether I pursue full-time employment, grow CoThreads.ke, or start something new down the line, I know I now have the foundation to succeed not just because of what I’ve learned, but because of how I now think.
Here’s what makes The Bridge special:
● It’s community-driven. You grow alongside peers and mentors who truly care.
● It’s practical. You don’t just learn, you do.
● It’s transformative, whether it's your mindset, your career path, or your network, something will change.
And it’s fun. The sessions are engaging, the challenges are exciting, and the sense of purpose you leave with is unmatched.
You’re not just a student, you’re a changemaker in training.
A Word to Anyone Considering The Bridge
If you’re a student or recent graduate wondering how to stand out in a crowded job market, or if you’re looking for practical skills, clarity, and community, this is your sign to apply.
The Bridge isn’t just a program, it’s a launchpad.
I’m walking away with more than just skills. I’ve got a new mindset, real experience, a stronger network, and the confidence to chase big dreams. You can too.
Thanks for reading.
I’m Jesse Njuguna, and I’m proud to say: I’ve been through The Bridge, and it has ignited my mind.
