When I walked through the doors of Transcorp Hotels Calabar, I never imagined I would become the Head of the IT department. At the time, I had grand dreams of becoming a medical doctor. After joining Transcorp Hotels Calabar’s IT team, I realized I did not want to save lives. Not in the way medical doctors do anyway. I wasn’t sure I had what it took to work in tech, but I opened myself to the experience and I fit in like a glove.
On my very first day, I strutted in, overdressed for the role of an IT Support Staff. I was so keen to absorb everything about the business and IT that someone jokingly called me the IT Manager. I felt some type of way and promptly ditched my blazer. They say, “Dress for the role you want,” but I was determined to prove myself through more than just attire.
At Transcorp Hotels Calabar, there wasn’t a structured training plan for newcomers, so I had to take charge of my own learning journey. While this eagerness had its merits, it also highlighted the need for a proper onboarding process to ensure growth and productivity. My senior colleagues and the then ICT Manager, my predecessor, offered invaluable support, sharing their knowledge and wisdom.
But I couldn’t shake the feeling that there were gaps in my understanding. I didn’t want to be the guy who stumbled over unresolved issues or passed the baton to a senior colleague during a crisis without learning from it. So, I embarked on a quest to fill those knowledge gaps.
My salvation came in the form of the Google IT Support Professional Certificate Program. Enrolling in this program, I felt like I had struck gold. From the very first course, I knew this was what I needed to become an IT Support Specialist. Armed with newfound knowledge, I tackled my role with unwavering confidence. The only problems I couldn’t solve were those that required access beyond my reach.
Throughout this journey, I embodied the three (3) Es – Enterprise, Excellence, and Execution – the cornerstone of Transcorp’s values. Every day, I remind myself to go the extra mile, complete tasks efficiently, and repeat this mantra tirelessly.
It was not all smooth sailing. Some days were tougher than others. But my commitment to these values paid off. Today, I proudly declare myself the youngest HOD (Head of Department) in the history of Transcorp Hotels, although HR refuses to confirm it officially.
All of this happened while I was pursuing my BSc. in Computer Science at the University of Calabar. No, I don’t have two heads like one of those kids our parents used to taunt us about. I am just a regular guy with a focus and a guiding principle – to push boundaries, excel, and execute with precision.
My time at the hotel has been filled with many experiences, a spectrum if you will. None of which was an indicator (from my perspective) that I would occupy my current role as IT Team Lead. But, there you have it, my trailblazing journey to becoming the IT Team Lead at Transcorp Hotels Calabar. Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you never saw coming.