My Tech Journey- from Curiosity to Software Engineering

How it Started

My tech journey began with simple online research and consuming content. I had a knack for exploring various topics using Google Chrome and watching informative videos on YouTube. While I had a basic understanding of technology, it wasn't until later that I discovered my passion for the field. In this blog, I will share my experiences and milestones, highlighting how I transitioned from being a consumer to actively creating and contributing to the tech industry.

Early Exposure and Exploration

During my high school years, I would often find myself immersed in Google Chrome, delving into topics that interested me or were unfamiliar. This thirst for knowledge, coupled with conversations about the latest tech trends with my cousin, fueled my curiosity and kept me up to date.

I also found inspiration in books and movies, ranging from sci-fi novels like Deception Point by Dan Brown, to Maximum Ride by James Patterson and novels where protagonists struck it rich by inventing new technologies. TV series like "Scandal" further fed my interest in the world of technology.

At that time, I primarily consumed technology as a means of learning, rather than using it to create or earn income. It was an exciting period of exploration, where I absorbed information like a sponge.

Searching for Direction

Following high school, I pursued commerce and subsequently enrolled in an accountancy program at uni. However, I soon realized that it wasn't the right fit for me. My true aspiration was to become an entrepreneur, a dream that had taken hold since 10th grade.

To explore this path, I decided to study animal science (focusing on husbandry), with the ultimate goal of establishing my farm. I trusted my intuition and followed my passion, gradually finding my footing in the field I wanted to pursue.

Rediscovering Technology

It wasn't until my 10-month internship in Israel, which extended to 22 months due to the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic, that I truly began using technology to its full potential. Initially, I had a significant amount of free time on my hands, so I turned to writing, a passion of mine.

Through online research, I discovered the world of blogging, website creation using WordPress, and income streams like affiliate marketing and dropshipping. In 2019, I started my blog centered around motivation, but due to various circumstances and a loss of motivation amidst the pandemic, I put it on hold.

Immersing Myself in Digital Marketing and e-Commerce

In 2021, after returning to The Gambia, I embarked on a new chapter by joining a tech company as an associate Program and Project Manager. As part of the role, I was required to complete IC3 GS6 levels 1 to 3, which expanded my knowledge and reignited my passion for technology.

Three fields stood out to me: Cyber Security, Software Engineering, and Content Creation. Given my existing familiarity with content creation, I decided to start with it and took up the Digital Marketing course at Max Business School. The program required us to open a website for hands-on exercises to enhance our skills.

During this period, I discovered the Google Digital Marketing and e-Commerce certification in my Coursera newsletter, which offered more in-depth and rewarding knowledge. So, I opted for it but I realized I needed real-world experience so, I reached out to an acquaintance who owned a startup digital marketing agency to volunteer as a content writer. Instead of a voluntary content writing position, I was offered a 3-month remote internship, propelling me further into the world of content creation as a career. Even though I have basic knowledge of graphic design and video editing, Content writing was what I focused on mostly.

My Aspirations and Business Exploration

After my internship, I was offered a full-time Content Writer position at S'Like as I was no longer working at Smart Technologies, and I took up the offer. One year in that position gave me lots of valuable insights and exposure not just in content creation but entrepreneurship, sales, management, leadership, valuable networks, skills, knowledge, and much more, as the saying goes, experience is the best teacher.

My passion for entrepreneurship remained strong so, I restarted my blog and immersed myself in business-related courses, such as the 10,000 Women Goldman Sachs courses, which covered every aspect of building and running a successful and scalable business. Additionally, I attended expos and conducted extensive research to identify opportunities that would create a positive impact on my society.

It was during this time that a business idea emerged through a conversation with my boss. We contemplated developing an app for the construction industry. However, we initially approached it from the wrong angle, as neither of us possessed the necessary development skills. Our initial plan was to outsource the app development and management but that proved unsuccessful.

Embracing Software Engineering

In October 2022, I attended the Drill Accelerator Program, sponsored by AfriLabs and hosted by the Disruptive Lab, which became a pivotal moment that completely transformed my mindset regarding business formation and scalability.

During the program, I had the opportunity to interact with Malik Khan, the CEO of Point Click, and the team, who provided valuable insights. It was during the pitching competition that I stumbled hard but I am grateful for that terrible pitching competition because it led me to where I am right now.

The experience led to a one-on-one session with Malik. He emphasized the importance of having "skin in the game" to attract investors. Reflecting on his advice, I realized it was time to delve into software engineering.

So the question was where to start and how to study software engineering as a beginner who knows nothing about coding. A friend introduced me to the ALX Software Engineering Program which I knew was the exact thing I needed.

I applied for the ALX Software Engineering Program, which offered the perfect opportunity for a beginner like me to learn coding and become the developer I aspired to be.

And that is how I moved from curiosity to software engineering

My journey into the tech world has been transformative, starting from my early curiosity to actively creating and pursuing a career in content creation and software engineering.

In my next blog, I will delve into my experience with the ALX program, my current progress, and my future visions and aspirations. Join the conversation in the comments and connect with me as we explore this exciting world together.