Mary Ibe's journey from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to working different jobs to now becoming an HR Officer at BSL Logistics starts with the influence of the WAVE training.
"Before WAVE, I had just completed NYSC, and I was not doing anything. I felt that I would have more opportunities in Lagos than in Ibadan. I also had a passion for hospitality, and that drove me," Mary recounts.
The discovery of WAVE's impact came through a friend's post, prompting Mary to travel from Ibadan to Lagos for an information session. This decision marked a crucial turning point in her career journey.
Mary ventured into the WAVE training, seeking a platform to harness her passion for hospitality.
After the training, she has worked in several roles and with eight years of experience in Operations, Mary decided to transition into HR, recognizing the potential to utilize her skills more effectively.
"In HR, I could use more of my skills, some of which I learned at WAVE, to help my colleagues and even new people. I discovered that entry-level staff need directions, especially those that did not go through programs like WAVE," Mary explains.
"Soft skills are very important in the workplace—skills like effective communication, taking initiatives, and time management. They are not tied to any particular industry but cut across the board," Mary emphasizes.
The skills gained during the WAVE training have been instrumental in Mary's professional growth. Time management and problem-solving skills acquired during the program has helped her in navigating her job roles and responsibilities.
"Over the years, I have used these skills in the various positions I have held, and they have helped me to better manage my time, the people around me, and my tasks," Mary reflects.
Mary Ibe’s journey from a state of uncertainty post-NYSC to a leadership position in HR highlights the importance of skills development in young people.