Redefining priorities: Bashirat Oseni on Anthropology, motherhood, and career transitions while at Tallinn University
“Studying Anthropology at Tallinn University has been a transformative experience for me, both professionally and personally. When I reflect on my journey, I can’t help but marvel at how far I’ve come, from an immigrant adjusting to a new country to a nursing mother in the final months of my degree, and eventually securing a position as a Production Specialist at Swappie. It wasn’t an easy journey, but it taught me valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the power of human connection,” says Bashirat Funmilayo Oseni, an MA Anthropology graduate of Tallinn University. Dive in as she recounts her experience and the journey so far.
As a new immigrant in Estonia, the initial adjustment was far from easy. Moving to a different country meant learning a new language, understanding unfamiliar cultural norms, and navigating daily life in a foreign environment, challenges I hadn’t fully anticipated. Yet, this experience sparked a deep curiosity in me about human behaviour, migration, identity, and the social systems we live within. Anthropology, with its focus on cultural diversity and human adaptability, felt like the perfect discipline to help me make sense of both the world and my own evolving identity. The ethnographic aspect of the field particularly intrigued me, as it allowed me to explore human society through lived experiences.
Balancing academics and a new life
The decision to pursue anthropology at Tallinn University was both academically enriching and personally meaningful. One of the most fascinating parts of my studies was conducting online fieldwork during the COVID-19 lockdown, which reshaped my perspective on how fieldwork can adapt to changing circumstances. However, as I progressed in my studies, I faced the unique challenge of balancing the demands of being a nursing mother with academic deadlines and projects. Thankfully, the flexible Anthropology programme allowed me to manage this balancing act, giving me the freedom to prioritise my child while pursuing my degree.
New perspectives on gender, society, and self
Being a mother and an immigrant during my studies gave me fresh insights into topics like gender roles, societal expectations of mothers, and family dynamics. The intersection of my personal experiences with my academic learning made anthropology feel even more relevant. My experiences, both as an immigrant and as a mother, resonated deeply with the discussions we had in class, allowing me to connect theory with lived experience in powerful ways.
Transitioning from Anthropology to the tech industry
A few months after completing my anthropology degree, I transitioned into a role as a Production Specialist at Swappie, a leading company in the refurbished smartphone industry. While anthropology and tech may seem like unrelated fields, the skills I gained, critical thinking, research, cultural sensitivity, and problem-solving, proved invaluable in my new role. The ability to analyse complex systems and understand human dynamics in the workplace has been crucial in my success at Swappie, where I manage processes and oversee production schedules.
Reflecting on the journey
Looking back, the most lasting impact of my time at Tallinn University has been the personal growth I experienced. Anthropology didn’t just shape my career, it gave me the tools to navigate life’s complexities with empathy, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of human behaviour. My journey from an immigrant student to a Production Specialist has been transformative, and I am grateful for the experiences and lessons that continue to guide me.
Favourite Estonian word or phrase: "Head nädalavahetust" (Have a good weekend)
Favourite Estonian food: kartulipuder juustuga (Mashed potatoes and cheese)
Favourite place/spot in Estonia: parks (with my kids, especially)