Happy New Year!
Okay, let’s get down to business. In 2023, I faced a lot of challenges, failures and roadblocks. I didn’t know what I was doing, and for the most part, I just stumbled around and made mistakes. Those mistakes, however, helped me find my passion for solving problems, have a clearer sense of purpose, and gave me the determination to advance further in my chosen career path.
A little context…
At the beginning of last year, I was relatively new to the tech space. I had only just learnt the basics of web development, and I had no idea about what career path I wanted to follow. I had just lost a site creation contract over a payment bargain gone wrong, and things were starting to look bleak. I decided to refocus on learning, which eventually led to me discovering an entire community of Nigerian developers on Facebook. Further interaction within this community led to my first job; an internship as a web developer. The experience was short, but the lessons were invaluable. After this internship, I had a clearer idea of what I wanted, and I began to lay out my goals. My year ended with a newfound passion for backend engineering, a growing portfolio of projects, and a close network of amazing tech professionals.
Unlocking new milestones
The theme for this year is Growth. 2023 was all about discovery, finding out who I was, who I wanted to be, and what I wanted to do. This year, I’m leveling up. My goals for this year are all about upskilling, “building stuff”, and putting myself out there. I have decided to be aggressive about becoming better, and this year, I’m leaving no stone unturned in my journey through mastering my craft. Here are some of my goals for 2024:
Reach a certain overall income bracket: I’ve discovered that a very good metric of how well I’m growing in tech is my earnings. As I upskill, I’m able to pursue a wider range of jobs and gigs, and by pushing my boundaries and landing bigger roles and contracts, I feel a sense of accomplishment and validation that money can't buy.
Build 10 portfolio projects: I’ve decided to work on better portfolio projects this year. These will help me refine my abilities and learn new skills. From backend applications to CLI tools and maybe even a touch of AI, each project will be a stepping stone on my journey to becoming a well-rounded developer.
Land a job as a backend engineer: It's not even about the fancy paycheck or the prestige - it's about building something impactful. Imagine working on a product that makes so many people’s lives easier, and helps them grow in various ways. That feeling when the product launches, and your lines of code start making a difference in the lives of thousands of people… Enough said.
Get a certification: By now, we all know that experience can take you pretty far in the tech industry. Proof that you know what you’re doing is all most employers are looking for these days. However, having a certification, or anything that shows that you went through actual training in the industry will increase your chances of landing a job among other competitors. That is why I have decided to pursue an engineering diploma program with Altschool Africa this year.
Attend 12 tech events: This goal was largely inspired by my friend, Hanif. I’m aiming to attend at least one tech event every month, to network, learn from industry experts and discover new trends and insights in the field.
Participate in - and win - a hackathon: Hackathons are the best ways to meet other ambitious programmers, practice on building real-world projects, and gain knowledge. Winning a hackathon comes with even more benefits, such as cash prizes, recognition in the industry, and access to top professionals. I’m looking to participate in quite a few this year.
Meet one of my tech role models in person: 2024 is about chasing inspiration and learning from the best. This year, I'm going to reach out to some of the tech icons who've shaped my journey so far. Whether it's through online platforms, attending events, or even sending a bold email, I'm ready to connect, learn from them, and maybe share a few ideas and insights.
Learn skills that complement my skillset: I’m planning to expand my skillset both horizontally and vertically. This year, I’ll master Go and Python, as well as learning about Cloud Engineering and Devops. These are skills that will provide me with the flexibility to explore different career paths and equip me with the tools to bring my ideas to life, from concept to launch.
2024 is going to be filled with so many new opportunities and challenges for me. To be honest, I’m a little nervous. I know there will be doubt, in the moments where I question myself and the path I've chosen. But that's the beauty of this journey, isn't it? Each challenge is a chance to learn, each curve in the road an opportunity to discover a new perspective. So, yeah, I'm nervous. But mostly, I'm excited. Excited to dive into the unknown, to push my boundaries, and to see what incredible things I can create. This year, I'm embracing the fear, because overcoming it is the key to my growth.
Ready to code your way into 2024? Buckle up and join the adventure! My journey through the Nigerian tech scene is a treasure trove of learning, laughs, and behind-the-scenes shenanigans. Dive into project breakdowns, weekly tech insights, and a vibrant community of coders who share your passion. Hit that subscribe button and let's build something awesome together!
Nice goals