Doctor, Engineer, Lawyer or Architect. Growing up, especially if you were raised in an African home, these were the most common answers to the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?”. Fast forward to today and that question has new answers. More commonly, young people want to work in ‘Tech’. The new answers to that age old question are things like data analyst, designer, front-end engineer and so on.
At Flutterwave, we recognised this shift and sought to empower young people with the realities and perspectives on what it truly takes to become successful and develop in these fields. This led us to the Flutterwave Accelerate Workshop.
The Flutterwave Accelerate workshop went beyond the typical skill-building approach, offering university students and early career professionals direct insights into the African tech space through sessions led by;
- Noel Ozoemena (Senior Manager, Flutterwave): Marketing
- Ted Oladele (Co-founder, Mira): Design
- Abby Epoyun (Manager, Flutterwave): Data Privacy
- Nujinim Egwegbete-Odukwu (Head of Infrastructure Security, Flutterwave): Data Security
- Tobiloba Animashaun (Product Management Associate, Flutterwave): Product Management
Below are the key takeaways from the workshop:
1. Build to last, not just to impress.
Facilitating the design track, Ted Oladele led a discussion centred around the elements of design and how easy it is for designers to get carried away with aesthetics of the task at hand over usability, thereby making the final product too complex for users to understand.
He recalled an instance where a team member designed a landing page that was so beautifully complex, users got lost on how to navigate it. As you grow in your career, whether as a designer or a network engineer, remember this: keep things simple. The end user’s ability to use your product easily is what really matters. A beautiful design is ultimately ineffective if it’s not easily used.
2. Invest in your professional ecosystem.
It was Helen Keller who once said “Alone we can do so little but together we can do so much”. This was further elaborated in the Data Security track led by Nujinim Egwegbete-Odukwu, Head of Infrastructure Security at Flutterwave. Nujie emphasised the need for aspiring cybersecurity professionals to frequently attend conferences and conventions to relate with like-minded colleagues. This collaborative approach encourages shared learning and strengthens the collective knowledge base, invaluable elements for a successful tech career.
3. Embrace Continuous Growth.
Let’s face it, unless you’re one of the rare people with a photographic memory who picks things up instantly, you need to put in the work. A key message from all the facilitators was the importance of constantly working on your skills. If you’re going into marketing, that means a lot of reading and writing; if you’re interested in data security, it means getting practical with ethical hacking or taking networking classes.
You get better by putting your knowledge to the test. The tech world waits for no one. Innovations are being developed every day. As an aspiring tech professional, you must be adaptable and committed to ongoing knowledge and skill development.
4. Be Authentic.
Each one of us has a unique story to tell. Our individual experiences and backgrounds shape us into who we are. Let that show in your approach to your career. It is easy to follow the crowd and do what everyone else does, but that’s regular.
The most impactful movers and shakers in the tech industry identify diverse challenges and develop creative solutions. In your day-to-day work, don’t be afraid to take a different approach to solving a product issue or a design problem. Creativity is your superpower in tech; learn to use it effectively.
5. Get Certified!
As recommended by all facilitators, a great way to demonstrate your growth and commitment is by pursuing relevant certifications. Online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and Google offer a wealth of training resources and certifications that validate your skills and enhance your credibility within the tech industry. You can take it a step further by pursuing professional certifications, making you exceptional during job applications. The Project Management Professional (PMP), CompTIA A+, and CompTIA Security+ are some widely accepted certifications you can explore. They demonstrate your dedication to professional development and can significantly boost your tech career.
6. Mentorship is key to unlocking your full potential.
It’s a common phenomenon to get carried away and stuck in the day-to-day routines of your work, causing you to lose sight of your long-term career goals. This can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. That’s why having someone you are accountable to, and who is genuinely invested in your career interests, is so valuable.
Mentors are invaluable resources. They offer a wealth of experience, providing clarity and direction in navigating career decisions, offering constructive criticism, and helping you identify and develop your strengths. A mentor can be a sounding board, a source of encouragement, and a guide through the complexities of the professional world.
When looking for a mentor, remember to be tactful. Mentorship is a significant commitment, and potential mentors will be looking for someone who is dedicated to continuous learning and genuinely eager to succeed. Another avenue for mentorship is to learn and grow by following or drawing inspiration from leaders in your field that you admire.
7. Change is Constant. Get used to it.
Finally, the tech world is characterized by its rapid pace of innovation, new trends are coming up every day. As an aspiring professional, you must cultivate flexibility and always be ready to adapt to new changes in the environment. New laws, data practices, tools and regulations are being developed every day, so this means following the news, online trends, and integrating these changes into your daily workflow. This adaptability will make you a valuable asset and significantly advance your career.
The Flutterwave Accelerate workshop was packed with insights, and students took advantage to ask their burning questions about the African tech scene. If you registered but couldn’t make it, we’ve got you covered. You can still access all the valuable insights from the workshop. We’ve uploaded the recordings online so you can learn directly from our experienced facilitators.