The boom of the tech industry in Nigeria in recent years has provided an avenue for many Nigerians to kickstart lucrative careers in the thriving tech industry. The tech industry in Nigeria is experiencing significant growth, resulting in an increasing number of job opportunities for Nigerians who are interested in the tech space. This article aims to provide a blueprint on how to acquire the necessary skills, how to network and position oneself to secure a tech job in Nigeria.
Research the tech industry in Nigeria
It is necessary to understand the nature of the tech industry in Nigeria to succeed in getting a tech job. Research the various industries that employ tech talents such as fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, telecommunications, consulting and others. If you are already familiar with any industries, your previous experience will be an advantage when applying for jobs in addition to the tech skills you will acquire. For example, an accountant who plans on transitioning into Data science will probably be more successful as a data scientist in Finance than in Health or Retail. Research the areas of interest such as database management systems, web development, data science, automation, cybersecurity, devops etc. and the required skillset in those areas. Also, research tech roles that are aligned with your interests and strengths. Remember that not all roles in the tech space require knowledge of programming. If programming is not your strong suit, consider roles that do not require it like technical writing, digital marketing etc.
Acquire the necessary skills
Most recruiters and companies expect that their tech talents should at least have a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma in computer science, engineering or any science course. However, it is not uncommon to have tech talents coming from an art or social science background. Consider registering for free or paid courses and bootcamps, professional certification etc. to acquire the skills necessary for the tech role you’ve chosen. Also, consider improving your soft skills as they are also crucial. Employers often look for candidates who possess strong communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and time management abilities. Develop your soft skills by taking a soft skill certification like the popular Jobberman soft skill certification.
Curate a portfolio
A portfolio is a non-negotiable as a newbie in the tech space. A portfolio shows people not only the skills you have, but also what you can do with those skills. Your portfolio can consist of solo projects that you’ve built from scratch, already existing projects that you’ve contributed to, hackathons you’ve participated in, group projects and others. Create a personal website or a portfolio platform to demonstrate your past projects, coding abilities, and innovative problem-solving skills. Any internships, mentorship programs or volunteer work will also be relevant. Consider using platforms like LinkedIn, GitHub and others to showcase your projects.
Connect and network with other techies and recruiters
Now that you are armed with knowledge and projects, it is time to build a robust professional network as this will not only significantly increase your chances of getting hired, but it also provides a great opportunity to learn more about your chosen field. Consider attending tech events, seminars, conferences, trainings, joining online communities and forums etc. You could also consider a mentorship program. Networking will expose you to potential job openings, industry trends, and help you establish meaningful connections with professionals currently employed in the tech industry.
Internships and Apprenticeships
Consider internships or apprenticeships to gain valuable practical experience and beef up your CV. Many Nigerian companies offer internship programs that serve as stepping stones into the tech industry. Internships provide hands-on experience, help build your professional network, and may lead to full-time employment opportunities.
Leverage Job platforms and websites
Utilize job platforms and websites dedicated to tech jobs and IT recruitment in Nigeria like LinkedIn, Delon jobs and Indeed. Regularly update your profile and tailor it to highlight your technical skills, work experience, and achievements. Create job alerts and actively search for relevant job listings in your desired field. Prepare your CV or consider having your CV professionally written to ensure that it is current, well-structured, and tailored to target specific tech job opportunities.
Prepare for interviews and assessments
Assessments for tech jobs may vary slightly from company to company and are usually in multiple stages. Regardless, it is important to have a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts. Hence, it is important to constantly revise the basics. Also, do thorough research on the company you are applying to. Study their products, culture and values. It is also important to learn from rejections and seek feedback to improve your application and interview performance. Be dedicated to constant improvement.
Dedicate yourself to continuous learning and improvement
The tech industry is constantly changing with new technologies being introduced and old technologies being updated. As such, continuous learning is essential to stay relevant. Stay updated on the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices. Engage in online courses and industry publications to stay up to date with trends and updates.
Conclusion
Securing a tech job in Nigeria requires a combination of technical skills, relevant education, networking, a strong online presence, the right mindset, and dedication to constant learning. As the Nigerian tech industry continues to grow, the demand for skilled professionals also increases. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can improve your chances of landing a rewarding and successful tech job in Nigeria.
