Emmanuel Omeziri, an alumnus of Batch 49 of the WAVE Employability Skills Training, has navigated a remarkable journey from being a Bar Attendant at RSVP Lagos to assuming the role of Head of the Energy Bar at Beyond Fitness, a premium gym in Lagos.
Emmanuel's introduction to WAVE came at a time when he was looking for a job. When a friend told him about the training, he decided to participate.
"During the training, the class that impacted me the most was emotional intelligence; for me, that is the heart of every part of training. You can get the job, but keeping the job is the most important part," Emmanuel reflects, highlighting the significance of emotional intelligence in his professional development.
The rigorous training, which felt like practice for a full-time job, instilled in him the importance of commitment and discipline. "I enjoyed the training experience; it was so intense because I had to be there from 8 am till 6 pm, and that meant waking up early. It felt like a work experience, but it was training," he remarks, stressing the intensity of the program.
Emotional intelligence, a key aspect of the training, played a pivotal role in Emmanuel's career progression. "Before WAVE, I was wary of giving my all in a job where I was not appreciated for it but with emotional intelligence, I know how to manage relationships better," he shares. This skill helped him navigate relationships with colleagues and managers, enabling him to be promoted from a Waiter to a Bartender at RSVP Lagos where he got a job after the training.
The "job to be done" concept, learned during the training, became Emmanuel's guide to efficiency and the promotion he earned. "I asked myself what I needed to do daily to be efficient on the job," he recalls. This approach not only boosted his confidence but also motivated his colleagues.
After leaving RSVP, he got a new job at Beyond Fitness, a gym in Lagos. At this job, he continues to apply the same principles and the WAVE mantra: "Start Small, Learn Fast, and Grow Big” on the job.
“When I was called for the interview for this particular job, the interview sessions and questions that we practiced during the WAVE training helped me answer the questions I was asked.” he mentioned.
Starting as an Energy Bar Assistant at Beyond Fitness, he has progressed to the role of Head of the Energy Bar and hopes to continue to build his career, “Recently my manager shared that I have performed well on the job. I hope that I will grow into being a Fitness Coach and I am excited for that,” he shared.
WAVE's emphasis on soft skills training has not only empowered Emmanuel to excel in his career but has also inspired his colleagues. His journey from Waiter, Bar Attendant to leading the Energy Bar reflects the transformative potential of employability skills and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing growth and adding value in every professional endeavor.
"I continue to recommend WAVE to family and friends because it has played such an amazing part of my life," Emmanuel shares, highlighting the lasting impact of the training he received.