In a world that's constantly evolving, the tech industry stands at the forefront of innovation, offering endless opportunities for those who dare to dive into its vast ocean of possibilities. As a newcomer in this exhilarating field, you may find yourself navigating uncharted territories, brimming with excitement, curiosity, and a touch of uncertainty. Fear not, for this article is here to be your guiding light on the path to finding your groove in the dynamic realm of technology.
Imagine a symphony where every instrument plays harmoniously, contributing its unique melody to create a breathtaking masterpiece. In the tech world, finding your groove is akin to discovering your own rhythm, that perfect blend of skills, knowledge, and passion that sets you apart. It's about embracing your journey, empowering yourself, and unlocking your true potential. Whether you're a web development enthusiast, a technical writer eager to convey complex ideas, or a budding teacher eager to inspire others, this article will provide you with valuable insights, practical advice, and unwavering support that I picked up along my own journey.
But first, let's address the elephant in the room: starting out in tech can be overwhelming. The jargon, the vast array of technologies, and the seemingly endless learning curve can make you feel like a small fish in a big pond. However, let me assure you that you have what it takes to make waves. With the right mindset, a thirst for knowledge, and a willingness to adapt, you can navigate through the initial challenges and discover your own unique groove in the vast tech landscape.
Your journey starts here!
Timing
Maximizing your productivity depends on so many factors such as timing, environment, equipment etc. As a techie, especially in Nigeria, you must have spent quality time working through the midnight hours- it's quieter, faster internet speeds or access to night plans and a higher probability of electricity. But it's also important to be sure that that is the right time for you. Experiment with different times of day. As someone who is more productive in the morning, you'd be wearing yourself thin by consistently working all night. Personally, I find myself most productive from the wee hours of the morning, around 3-4 am, up till about noon. So don't just go with the flock, finding the right time for you is crucial to your overall success as a techie.
Managing your Resources
This one is a bit tricky. It involves everything from the gadgets you use to learning courses and even data plans. When getting gadgets as a 'techbie', you should prioritize quality and affordability. Determine the laptop specifications you need to run the software you'd be using then source for the most affordable options. Imagine buying a 2014 MacBook for the same price you would have gotten a 2021 HP with the same or even better specs... that would make no sense, but unfortunately, it's something I see happen all too often.
When it comes to learning materials, note that there are numerous resources available for free and a proper search should lead you to them. However, I find that there is a bit of a trade-off with this one. Paid resources tend to be better structured and less time-consuming overall, so if you want to fast-track your learning in an organized and formal way, you might need to invest in a paid course or twelve. However, if you're a knowledge monger and would prefer to have access to as much information as possible, subsequently taking the time to filter through it all, then you should feel right at home on Youtube and other learning platforms like Freecodecamp etc.
Diversify. Don't be a python-dev
Learn programming not a language. I found that advice confusing the first time I heard it and yes, my subtitle is python slander. A Python dev is one who has learnt the language and is able to make things happen with it while a programmer is one who is able to apply logic and create solutions to real-life problems. It is definitely better to have the mindset of a programmer and not a single-language developer.
This is important, especially in a field such as tech that is constantly evolving, you blink too slowly and you're left behind. You want to stay on top of recent technologies and always be aware of what's what. This does not equate to learning each and every single technology out there as you would just end up filling your brain with a lot of redundant knowledge. But as a programmer who has learnt properly the concepts of programming, learning a new language when required would be a matter of learning the new syntax.
I'd give you an example. I started my tech journey in frontend web development and spent months learning about JavaScript. When I got my first role in tech and they informed me that their tech teams work with Java and C#, I explained to them that I hadn't used these technologies before but assured them that I was a fast learner and could pick it up on the job. I started a course and was building simple console applications in C# within 2 weeks.
Learn the foundations of programming by learning and understanding one language thoroughly, improve your understanding of algorithms and your problem-solving skills with data structure challenges, build projects to solidify what you've learnt and increase your critical and logical thinking. And when next you come across that opportunity that requires a technology you don't yet know, don't be a python-dev.
Consistency
This should go without saying. You gotta practice, practice, practice. Build stuff, solve DSAs, and code along. You don't have to spend endless hours coding every day, but make sure you do a little work on your skills every day. Even for as little as 30 minutes on your bad days.
Spicing things up can also help. You'd tire out faster if you spend 5 hours coding, compared to 2 hours coding, an hour on a DSA challenge and 2 hours building something. Switching activities helps your brain to refresh and recharge.
Build
Something I see a lot with tech newbies is how they've finished a course or two on a language and don't have a single project they've built using that language. Techsis, how can you have completed HTML and CSS course and you haven't built even a simple signup/login page?! And you're even wondering which JavaScript course to start next!
It is as important to apply your knowledge as it is to learn! I cannot stress this enough. Make sure you're building as you're learning. Don't wait till you complete the course. Apply each concept as you learn them. It helps to solidify your knowledge and lay a better foundation for newer and more complicated concepts you might come across in that same course.
It would also come in handy when you are ready to start seeking opportunities like fellowships, mentorships or internships. You'd already have an array of projects to build a portfolio.
Network
As one of my mentors would always say, "Don't be a low-key techie!". It is important to put yourself out there even as a beginner just learning the ropes. Find online communities of people learning similar things, and other people that are just ahead of you and can be of help to you in your own journey. They are everywhere; Twitter, slack, discord, Reddit, Facebook, etc. Get active in tech communities, contribute to conversations, join spaces, and show off what you're learning and working on.
Networking also opens you up to opportunities like mentorships, jobs, or even free/discounted courses. They're always sharing information so position yourself to get them.
If you're social enough, look out for tech meet-ups in your city. Those are great opportunities to form strong and insightful connections with like-minded individuals and can be great conversation fillers in interviews or other discussions. Similar events are also hosted online which could be great avenues for learning and sharing.
Rest and Recharge
As important as this is, it is quite possibly, the most overlooked of all my points. You cannot be your most productive self if you're not taking enough time to rest and recharge.
Allocate time for fun activities, games, movies, and outings. Not so much that you waste precious time that could have been used learning but enough that you give your brain, body and mind enough time to rest and avoid stress and burnout.
Getting enough rest would surely improve your well-being, work focus, state of mind and overall health as a person and a young developer.
Handling the L's
While you look forward to the wins, also expect to get more than a few Ls along the way. Unfortunately, a lot of people don't talk enough about this. That's why on social media, it's always this new job or that promotion, or that acceptance. The truth is, most times you receive 99 no's before you get that 1 yes. Most of the techies you look up to as seniors in their fields today probably didn't get it on their first few tries.
So know that a lot of people and companies are going to turn you down, some wouldn't even give you the time of day. A lot of your applications would not even be opened. You're going to have to keep proving yourself every day to everyone before you get that opportunity and even after that.
It is important to not give up or allow the rejections to bring you down. If you've already been applying and getting a lot of rejection emails, it might help to take a little break from sending out applications. Revamp your portfolio and CV, have someone you look up to review it and possibly help make it better, and then actively start to shoot again.
There's wild competition from colleagues and even AI so it's not going to be easy. If you're actively job hunting, decide on the number of applications you'd send out daily and ensure you hit that number. When possible, try to get feedback from hiring managers as to why they've rejected your application. You might get some insight on how to make your next application better.
Don't chase the money
There is money in tech, no doubt about that. But you don't want that to be your mindset when you're contemplating getting into tech. When I ask a lot of people about their motivation for getting into tech, they say it's the money and that's valid. That's why we're all here. While it's okay for that to be your motivation for getting into tech, don't focus on that.
Tech is not a get-rich-quick scheme and if your only focus is getting money, the only thing you'd probably end up getting quickly is frustrated. You might end up running around in circles, learning this new thing and that other thing without gaining more than surface understanding of any of them.
Focus instead on acquiring these high-demand skills to make your life better. Having the right focus is going to help you get through the difficult days. There are going to be weeks months, maybe even longer where you'd work really hard and not make any money. Day after day. People chasing the money would fall off then, but you're going to tell yourself, "I'm a little better today".
Side Hustle
It's important to have a side hustle while going into tech or maintain your main hustle if you already have that and are considering switching careers. While you might feel the zeal to just drop everything else and focus on tech, any newbie can attest to the high cost of learning especially when it comes to things like data, acquiring courses and maintaining your gadgets. Then add to that, you still have to eat and take care of your other day-to-day financial needs, unless you still depend on your family and don't have a lot of bills to settle.
In any case, it would definitely help to have a quicker source of income while you acquire long-term technical skills. There are a number of side hustles you can get into, and I always recommend something not too time-consuming so you still have enough time for your first love.
This could be anything from writing, dropshipping, data vending, social media marketing, content creation, modelling, barbing, sewing, affiliate marketing, or literally anything else you can do to earn a quick and legit buck. Think of something you're good at, maybe a skill you already have and see ways you can quickly monetize it.
Conclusion
Starting out in the tech industry can be both exciting and challenging. However, armed with the right mindset, resources, and strategies, you can navigate the vast landscape of technology and find your groove. Remember to prioritize your time, manage your resources wisely, and embrace a diverse set of skills. Consistent practice will help solidify your knowledge while networking and seeking opportunities will open doors for growth and collaboration. Rest, recharge, and handle setbacks gracefully, knowing that perseverance and resilience are key to success. With dedication, determination, and the willingness to learn, you can thrive in this ever-evolving field and discover your own unique place in the world of technology.
By following these principles, you will not only find your groove but also contribute to the ever-growing symphony of innovation in the tech industry. So, take the leap, embrace the challenges, and let your journey in technology unfold with passion and purpose. The possibilities are endless, and the rewards are waiting for those who dare to explore and make their mark in this exhilarating realm of possibilities.
Good luck on your exciting tech journey!