New hire Q&A

Tell me about your academic background

I studied materials science and engineering at the African University of Science and Technology. It’s not a field that attracts many women, so there were just three of us in my cohort, which definitely made things interesting! The pressure to excel was high, but I ended up surpassing expectations and even got a nudge from the university’s vice-chancellor to go for a Master’s degree. Juggling multiple jobs to fund my undergraduate studies wasn’t easy, so landing a full-ride scholarship for my master’s felt like hitting the jackpot!

Many people refrain from taking mathematics and physics courses. What motivated you?
I've always loved problem-solving and analytical thinking, so subjects like mathematics and physics felt more like a challenge than a chore. Doing well in them naturally led me to engineering, where I could take those skills beyond the classroom and apply them to real-world problems.

How was the job hunt for you?
After wrapping up my studies in 2019, I dived into the job hunt, hoping to land a role in renewable energy. But then the COVID-19 pandemic flipped the script, and finding work in Lagos became the top priority for family reasons. I watched many of my peers enter oil and gas, but I knew that wasn’t my path. I wanted to be part of something bigger that would make a real, lasting impact.

What motivated you to pursue a career in renewable energy?
Power cuts were practically a part of my student life, and let’s just say studying in the dark wasn’t fun. That’s when it hit me: reliable electricity isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution, not just work a job. While many engineers were heading into oil and gas, I set my sights on renewable energy, convinced that making solar power more affordable could be a real game-changer for Nigeria.

How has the sustainability journey been for you?
My journey kicked off in 2022 with an internship at Agripreneurs’ Youth Program, where I got my hands dirty (literally) working on solar mini-grid installations. But the long commute? That was its own endurance test! So, when I found the InstallHer solar training program in Lagos, I jumped at the chance. I sharpened my technical skills, met an amazing group of budding women engineers, and, best of all, it opened doors. Three top renewable energy companies came knocking, and I landed a Frontline Engineer role with a sweet 50% salary boost!

What advice do you have for professionals looking for sustainability jobs?
Sustainability careers aren’t for the faint of heart, they take passion, persistence, and a whole lot of learning. Get your hands dirty (sometimes literally) through internships, training programs, or certifications. Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Connecting with industry pros and joining the right programs can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

And for the ladies out there, some think this kind of work isn’t for us, that we’re not “wired” for it. Well, I say let’s prove them wrong!

🔎 Silent signals – Who might be hiring soon

As companies announce major funding or expansion plans, it’s a good indicator that new job opportunities could be on the way. Stay ahead by keeping an eye on their growth and tracking job postings as they scale.

• Morocco to build 1600 MW energy storage facility. This is part of its long-term initiative to expand renewable energy within its national grid.

• Nigeria Signs $328.8 Million Deal to Improve Power Supply. This is to enhance the power supply across the country. This contract will cover the engineering, procurement, construction, and financing of transmission lines under Phase 1 of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).

• Ethiopia Secures $70 Million in Carbon Trading from Reforestation. The funds are aimed at supporting afforestation, land restoration, and community development projects.