You can be talented, hardworking, and eager to learn, yet still find yourself held back by something as simple as not owning a laptop.
For many young Nigerians, that isn’t hypothetical. It’s reality.
And sometimes, that reality can put a life-changing opportunity at risk.
When Esther, a Computer Science student, joined Trunoom’s internship programme, she was excited. She came in with an open mind, eager to learn and ready to gain real workplace experience. Like every intern, her first week was carefully structured with onboarding and mandatory training before she began learning alongside experienced team members.
Then she encountered a challenge she hadn’t fully anticipated.
She didn’t have a laptop.
Some of the onboarding activities could be completed on a phone using desktop mode, but one essential training required a computer. It wasn’t optional, and there was no alternative version. Every intern had to complete it before progressing.
At first, Esther tried to figure it out on her own.
She used her phone wherever she could. She visited cyber cafés. She even tried using a church member’s iPad, hoping it would be enough. Unfortunately, none of those options allowed her to complete the required training.
One thing she wishes she had done differently?
She wishes she had asked more questions before the internship even began.
Looking back, Esther realized she had assumed she knew everything she needed to get started. If she could go back, she would ask the recruiter what devices, tools, and software would be required before her first day. Knowing those expectations earlier would have given her enough time to make arrangements, borrow a laptop in advance, or discuss possible solutions before the training began. It was a lesson that preparation doesn’t start on your first day of an internship, it starts the moment you accept the opportunity.
As a team, we extended the deadline. Then we extended it again.
Not because the training wasn’t important, but because we understood that many talented young Nigerians face barriers that have nothing to do with intelligence or work ethic. Access to the right tools can be just as important as talent itself.
Eventually, we had to send a difficult email.
If the training wasn’t completed by the final deadline, her internship would be suspended. Maintaining consistent standards is part of creating a fair experience for every intern, even when those conversations are uncomfortable.
The turning point came from an unexpected place.
On the day of the deadline, a member of Esther’s church arrived with a newly purchased laptop. She asked if she could borrow it, completed the training, submitted it before the deadline, and kept her place in the programme.
Looking back, Esther says the experience taught her resilience and reminded her to stay calm under pressure. Today, she’s still progressing through her internship and continuing to learn.
What Every Student Can Learn From Esther’s Story
1. Ask questions before your first day.
Don’t assume you know what you’ll need. During your interview or after receiving an offer, ask your recruiter what equipment, software, and resources you’ll need. If you don’t currently have access to something essential, be honest about it and start planning early. Knowing the expectations early gives you time to prepare or discuss any challenges before they become emergencies.
2. Communicate challenges early.
Many students worry that admitting they don’t have a laptop will cost them an opportunity. In reality, employers are usually better able to help when they know about a challenge upfront. Early communication builds trust, demonstrates maturity, and gives both sides time to explore possible solutions.
3. Be resourceful, not silent.
Being resourceful isn’t pretending everything is fine. It’s taking initiative. Borrow a device if you can. Work from a cyber café when appropriate. Find a quieter location for virtual meetings if your environment is noisy. Plan for power outages and unstable internet by identifying backup options ahead of time. The strongest candidates aren’t those with perfect circumstances—they’re the ones who prepare for imperfect ones.
Opportunity Favors Preparation
At Trunoom Recruiting, we believe great careers are built on preparation, accountability, and trust.
We know many young Nigerians are navigating real challenges, from limited access to devices to unreliable electricity, unstable internet, and noisy environments. Those realities are real, and we don’t ignore them.
But we’ve also learned that great talent prepares before opportunity arrives whenever possible. And when preparation isn’t enough, honest communication makes all the difference.
Esther’s story isn’t memorable because everything went according to plan.
It’s memorable because she refused to give up, learned from the experience, and kept moving forward.
Sometimes, the opportunity of a lifetime doesn’t depend on having perfect circumstances.
Sometimes, it depends on preparing well, speaking up early, and choosing persistence when things don’t go as planned.
