How HR Chose Me: An Engineer's Journey into Human Resources

A lot of people have been asking me how a COREN-registered engineer with a background in Mechanical Engineering found himself leading human resources efforts. Truth be told, I didn’t choose HR; HR chose me.

Twenty years ago, I was a young graduate, fresh out of university with a degree in engineering. My journey began not with a plan to shift from technical engineering into people management but rather through a series of impactful decisions and challenges that would eventually become a transformative career in HR. Today, my story is a testament to the idea that anyone can become what they choose to be—regardless of background—if they are driven by determination, agility, and a willingness to learn and grow.

As an undergraduate, I had a knack for Integrated Marketing Communications. This skill was put to the test when my NYSC PPA asked me to help promote student admissions. My efforts turned out to be so successful that within three months, I had attracted around 500 students. The owner of the school was so impressed that he insisted I come on board full-time to manage these new students.

After some consideration, I accepted the role of Student Affairs Officer, a position where I was responsible for the academic and social well-being of these students. I saw this as a unique opportunity to not only impact students but to shape the culture of the institution. Without waiting to be asked, I initiated transformative programs, including drafting the students' union constitution to empower student voices and offering free computer training sessions to help them acquire vital digital skills. My passion was to see these young individuals grow and succeed.

When there were gaps in the institution, I stepped up. During frequent power outages, I even brought my personal generator to keep things running. I supported the institution’s administration by finding qualified lecturers and managing critical student affairs tasks—all of which would lay the groundwork for my later appointment as the institution’s Registrar.

In 2008, four years after graduation, I was appointed Registrar of the institution (now known as United Polytechnic). With no formal HR training or certification, I leaned on the skills I had gained through hands-on experience, my background in Integrated Marketing Communications, and an unwavering commitment to improving the institution. Leading the institution’s accreditation effort with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) was a milestone that highlighted not only the institution's growth but my own progress and adaptability as a leader.

This role turned me into what I call a “circumstantial HR professional.” I was navigating HR’s core responsibilities—recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development—through the lens of a nontraditional HR background. I had to learn quickly, embrace resilience, and apply agility in every situation. What I lacked in formal education in HR, I compensated with a relentless commitment to growth and an eagerness to deliver impact.

The more I delved into my work, the more I realized the importance of formalizing my knowledge of human resources. I stood at a crossroads, faced with two options: CIPM and ICSAN. I chose CIPM because I knew it would support the learning and development responsibilities I would later handle, even if HR had not initially been my career goal.

Joining CIPM allowed me to deepen my understanding of human resources and to build on what I had learned in practice. It formalized my journey and opened new doors, not only for myself but for those I could now help through a deeper, more strategic approach to HR. This commitment to impactful HR practice eventually led to co-founding Africa TechHUB, an organization that has since been transforming and elevating not only the HR function of various organizations but also delivering tailored solutions to improve organizational effectiveness and resilience.

Today, my journey is proof that anyone can become whatever they aspire to be, regardless of their initial training or background. My path from engineering to HR has shown that true growth is fueled by a commitment to continuous learning and an openness to new challenges. For anyone questioning whether they have what it takes to pivot into a different field, I say this: choose to believe in yourself, lean into learning, and embrace every opportunity as a stepping stone.

Whether we choose a path or it chooses us, the journey becomes a story of resilience, adaptability, and growth. For me, HR was not a field I chose, but a calling that found me. And in answering that call, I have discovered not only a rewarding career but also a journey of profound personal transformation.