At IBS College, we think it’s important to thank the people who work here and make our community special. This series of interviews tells the stories of some of our staff who have been here a long time. We want to learn about their experiences, what keeps them going, and what makes them stay at IBS College of TVET. Their stories help us understand what IBS College is all about and what we believe in. This month, we talked to Mr. Wasa Malu, who has worked here for ten years!

1. About Your Journey at IBS

How long have you been with IBS, and what brought you here initially?

I’ve been with IBS for 9 years now. When I first joined, my path wasn’t entirely clear. Like many, I was searching for a meaningful career, but there was still uncertainty about where that road would take me. Initially, a grand ambition was not what drew me to IBS, but rather a hope – a hope to find a place that could offer stability and growth.

Can you recall your first day/week at IBS? How did it feel?

On my first day, I was so excited with a mixed feeling of nervousness. I was part of the inaugural graduate trainee program at IBS, which made me feel both proud and a bit overwhelmed. It felt like stepping into a new phase of life, one that was unfamiliar but full of potential.  Similar to the experience of group assessments I’ve participated in during my studies – there was a sense of collaboration, learning, and building something from the bottom up.

What roles have you held during your time here, and how have they shaped you?

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of taking on diverse roles at IBS:

1. Graduate Trainee
2. Accounts Officer
3. Accounts Team Leader
4. Trainer – IBS Career Development Centre
5. Lecturer – IBS College of TVET
6. Academic Coordinator – IBS College of TVET (Current)

Each role brought new challenges and opportunities. Starting as a trainee, I didn’t fully believe in my capabilities. However, these roles gradually shaped me, helping me grow from someone uncertain about their place to someone who now embraces responsibility and strives to make a difference.

2. Staying Power

What has been the biggest motivator for you to stay at IBS for this long?

When I first joined, doubts crept in – I wondered if I was dependable enough to stay long-term. But one critical moment changed everything. There was a period when all my colleagues resigned, leaving me to manage the finance office for a week. This experience taught me resilience and self-belief. I realized that challenges often lead to growth, and every opportunity – big or small – deserves my full commitment.

Was there a defining moment or milestone at IBS that made you think, “This is where I belong”?

Over the years, I faced many obstacles, but I took each of them as a stepping stone toward growth. What made me truly believe in my role at IBS was the opportunity to prove myself through hard work and perseverance. Life had brought me here, and through each experience, I discovered a purpose that no other place had provided.

How do you stay grounded and focused, especially during challenging times?

Staying grounded requires taking on challenges with a positive mindset. Life will always present difficulties, but a strong mental focus and persistence has always been the key. I’ve learned to accept problems, stay patient, and move forward. It’s about knowing that setbacks are part of life, and with endurance, they can lead to breakthroughs.

3. Work-Life Balance

How do you maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life?

One of the things that have helped me maintain balance is physical exercise. It’s not just about staying fit – it’s about maintaining mental clarity and relieving stress. Spending time exercising helps clear my mind, refocus, and stay energized.

Are there any habits or routines that help you stay productive and happy at work?

Healthy habits like exercise, proper nutrition, prayer, and sufficient rest have helped me stay productive. When you’re well-rested and disciplined, it becomes easier to handle tasks and focus on what matters most.

4. Challenges and Lessons

What has been the toughest challenge you’ve faced at IBS, and how did you overcome it?

The most difficult challenge was managing tight deadlines and ensuring the delivery of critical financial reports for decision-making. It was stressful, but with a purpose and a determination to deliver helped me overcome these challenges.

In my personal life, losing loved ones while being away from home was heartbreaking. I had to accept those losses, rebuild my mindset, and move forward. Life taught me that holding on to grief is natural, but having strength to let go helps you heal and grow.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned over the years?

One of the key lessons is to avoid wasting time and energy on things that don’t add value to my life. Unnecessary spending or decisions based on emotions rather than logic have no place in progress. Every decision has a consequence, and making informed decision is important.

5. Inspiration for Others

What advice would you give to new employees starting their journey at IBS?

The voyage may seem uncertain, and there will be setbacks, but every moment is a chance to grow. Stay dedicated, be patient, and give your best effort. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent effort will lead to recognition. Believe in yourself and the work you do – that’s how real progress is made.

Is there a quote, philosophy, or piece of advice that keeps you motivated?

“There is no better place, make where you are better for yourself.” This philosophy has kept me grounded. Regardless of where life takes me, I’ve learned to embrace my current situation and make the best of it.

What would you say is your “magic source” that keeps you going?

My faith – believing in a future that may not yet be visible but is destined to unfold. Trusting that life has brought me here for a reason keeps me motivated to keep pushing forward.

6. Looking Back and Forward

When you look back at your time at IBS, what makes you the proudest?

I’m proud of the progress I’ve made, not just professionally but personally. The setbacks I’ve faced have shaped me into someone who is more resilient and capable. IBS has been more than just a workplace – it’s been a place of transformation.

How do you see yourself continuing to contribute to IBS in the future?

I see myself continuing to elevate in my career, especially in teaching and training. I believe that life’s purpose for me will unfold, and I’ll continue to contribute to IBS in ways that inspire and uplift the community.

Optional Fun/Personal Questions

If you had to describe your IBS journey in one word, what would it be?

Experience.

What’s one thing about IBS that feels like “home” to you?

IBS is the place that gave me an opportunity to not only study but also provided a chance to build my career. It welcomed me at a time when I was uncertain about my future, giving me a sense of belonging and purpose.

If you could sum up your career at IBS as a story, what would the title be?

Faith to Prosper