Career journeys are rarely straight lines. They zig, zag, stall, and sometimes even loop back before finding their rhythm. For Adesewa Esther, the path to becoming a Talent Associate at Accretio was anything but straightforward. Yet, in every twist and turn of her story, there’s courage, resilience, and a refreshing honesty that anyone navigating a career transition can learn from.
This is not just a career story—it’s a story of saying no to boxes that didn’t fit, of listening to one’s inner compass, and of building something meaningful despite setbacks.
The Early Days: From Radio Waves to Construction Sites
Adesewa’s career started, like many graduates, with an internship. She interned at a radio station in Ilaro, tied to her degree in Mass Communication. On paper, it sounded perfect—news broadcasts, program synopses, the whole broadcast media experience. But in practice?
It didn’t click.
“I really wasn’t feeling it,” she said simply. That quiet, honest realization—that she could do the job but didn’t belong there—was the first sign of a deeper career shift waiting to happen.
Back in her hometown, Shagamu, she joined a construction company as an office assistant. It wasn’t glamorous, but it opened her eyes to something powerful: the glaring absence of a structured HR function. She could see it in the company culture, in the lack of cohesion, in how people interacted. She didn’t know much about HR then, but she knew something important was missing—and she wanted to be the person to fill that gap.
The Spark: Discovering HR
Sometimes the smallest encouragement changes everything.
An accountant at the construction company casually suggested she explore HR. That tiny nudge sent Adesewa down a rabbit hole of online searches, professional courses, and HR communities. Suddenly, her feeds were full of HR certifications and opportunities.
When she discovered Certification Edge, a professional program in HR, the timing wasn’t convenient. She didn’t have the funds, the start date was right around the corner, and the risk was high. But she refused to let money dictate her future.
She reached out to friends, leaned on her support network, and pieced together the tuition. “I was so happy when I got that support,” she said. “Even though I didn’t know how I’d pay for the exam later, I just wanted to start.”
It wasn’t just a course—it was a turning point. In those virtual classrooms, surrounded by professionals already working in HR, she felt something she hadn’t felt in her earlier jobs: home.
Postings, and the Nine-Month Delay
Like every Nigerian graduate, Adesewa had to face the posting lottery.
It wasn’t easy. Refusing meant a nine-month delay in her service year. But safety came first. “Why would I subject myself and my parents to that kind of emotional stress?” she asked.
Instead, she poured her energy into applying for roles in Lagos. Her dream was clear: she would build her HR career there, regardless of where she was posted. Even before securing a job, she started house-hunting in Lagos. It was bold, risky, and a little bit scary—but it was also intentional.
The Provision Shop Posting: A Trap Dodged
Then came one of the most bizarre twists in her journey.
When She was finally placed, it wasn’t in a professional organization at all. It was a provision shop masquerading as a corporate posting.
The shop owners wanted her to function as everything—receptionist, accountant, sales attendant—all for ₦20,000 a month. Nobody was concerned about the fact that she would spend ₦8,000 on a daily commute. To them, corps members were cheap, traceable labor. To her, it was a dead end.
“I just told myself, if I wanted experience in a provision shop, I’d have gone to my mother’s shop,” she recalled.
It was a defining no. That refusal protected her dream, even when it looked like she was risking stability. Many people would have caved, but Adesewa chose conviction over compromise.
Finding Her Place: Landing at Accretio
By December, her faith and persistence paid off.
Scrolling through Indeed, she spotted a posting at Accretio—a role that fit her HR passion perfectly. She applied, prayed, and within two days, she got a response. The interview wasn’t easy; she admits she’d rate herself a “5 out of 10.” But something in her determination shone through.
The team at Accretio saw potential in her. They asked her to take an assessment covering leadership, communication, and problem-solving. Passing that test was her breakthrough moment.
On December 31, she got the news: she was starting the new year as a Talent Associate.
She didn’t just enter the new year with resolutions—she entered with a win.
Lessons from Adesewa’s Journey
Adesewa’s story is full of detours and delays, but woven through it are lessons every young professional can carry:
-
Listen to yourself when something doesn’t fit.
She could have stayed in the radio, but she trusted her discomfort and moved on. -
Don’t be afraid of transitions.
Moving from Mass Communication to HR wasn’t a failure—it was growth. -
Invest in yourself, even when it’s hard.
Taking that HR course before she had the exam fee was risky, but it positioned her for every opportunity that came after. -
Protect your dream with boundaries.
Saying no to the provision shop—those choices cost her time, but saved her career. -
Your network is your lifeline.
Friends helped her afford her certification. Mentors gave advice. Communities opened doors. She never walked alone.
The Power of Planning and Prayer
When asked what advice she’d give her past self, Adesewa didn’t hesitate: plan early.
“If I had waited with that mindset of ‘whatever is mine will come,’ I might have missed this opportunity,” she said.
For her, planning wasn’t just about logistics. It was about aligning faith and action. “Pray, but also work. God knows your plans, but you have to remind Him—and work towards them.”
She also credits the people who believed in her when she couldn’t fully see her own strength. Sometimes, a simple “I believe in you” from the right person can push you to take steps you didn’t know you had the courage for.
Interview Preparation: From Zoning Out to Owning the Room
One of the most relatable parts of her journey? Freezing in an interview.
She remembers zoning out for two full minutes while panelists stared at her. It was humiliating in the moment—but it changed how she prepared forever.
Now, she writes down her answers in advance. “When you write, it’s like you’re memorizing twice,” she explained. Writing makes her responses feel familiar and intentional. It’s a small practice, but it turned her anxiety into confidence.
Her advice to job seekers is clear: be intentional. Write, practice, take courses, and prepare like it matters—because it does.
The Significance of Her Story
At the end of our conversation, her interviewer, Glory Anoliefo, reflected: “For everything—from where you started to where you are now—it’s growth. I see growth.”
That’s the heart of this story.
Adesewa didn’t stumble into her career. She carved it out of uncertainty, delay, and rejection. She fought for her “yes,” and she walked away from every “no” that didn’t honor her goals.
Her journey reminds us that careers aren’t about perfection. They’re about persistence, boundaries, and the courage to bet on yourself even when the odds feel stacked against you.
Final Word
Today, as a Talent Associate at Accretio, Adesewa is not just building a career—she’s building a platform to inspire others. She dreams of sharing her story through writing, encouraging others to embrace planning, prayer, and persistence.
If you’re in transition, if you’re stuck in a role that doesn’t feel right, if you’re staring at rejection letters—her story whispers something bold and liberating:
You don’t have to settle. You can say no. You can start again. And you can win.
Adesewa did. And so can you.
We’d Love to Hear Your Story Too
Adesewa’s journey reminds us that every career path is unique, filled with challenges, lessons, and victories worth celebrating. If you’ve walked your own bold path and would like to inspire others, we’d love to feature your story on our blog.
Simply fill out this short form to get started: Talent Story form
Your story might be the encouragement someone else needs to keep going.
I believe that the role of planning and prayer cannot be overemphasized, and Adesewa’s story has reaffirmed that. Pray for direction, and plan to gain clarity.
This is truly inspiring, thank you for sharing.