It has been another enlightening month in TIIDELab and here is a documentation of my fourth-month journey, building upon the foundation laid in the previous months. You can catch up on my earlier experiences in:

As I reflect on my journey thus far, the growth and transformation I've experienced are palpable, with each month adding new layers of knowledge, skills, and personal development. Join me as I take you through my fourth month navigating the journey into self-reliance, technology, entrepreneurship, and collaboration.

Brown Bag Meeting

"It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters in the end." - Ursula K. Le Guin

One of the remarkable experiences promised to us at TIIDElab was the opportunity to visit a tech company, interact with their development team, seek insights, ask questions, and even pitch our class projects.

On October 5th, 2023, I and other Lagos-based fellows visited Clane Technologies, a payment solution company in Victoria Island, Lagos. We received a warm welcome from their Human Resources personnel, Mrs. Alexandra, and engaged in an enlightening session with members of Clane's development team, including Ibukun, Uthman, Michael, and Celeste, among others. They shared their experiences and patiently addressed our inquiries.

During our visit, we presented two of our class projects, with Zainab Audu showcasing Bitmedics, and I presenting INsure. We received constructive feedback from Clane's cross-functional team, encompassing designers, quality assurance experts, mobile developers, and more.

Our visit to Clane Technologies proved to be an enriching experience, offering valuable insights and opportunities for project exposure while also providing a glimpse into the dynamics of a professional work environment. This visit not only enhanced our project development but also allowed us to gain a better understanding of what a career in technology entails.

Project Development

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." –Robert Collier

In our fourth month at TIIDELab, we extended the scope of the INsure team project beyond design and code conversion into HTML and TailwindCSS. This phase marked the integration of interactivity and functionality through the use of JavaScript, providing us with valuable hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply the knowledge we've accumulated.

Nevertheless, as we advance in the project's development, we remain vigilant in identifying and rectifying any overlooked details, ensuring that our work is thorough.

Specialization

“Each man is capable of doing one thing well. If he attempts several, he will fail to achieve distinction in any.” –Plato

After several months of immersing ourselves in the fundamentals and advanced aspects of web development, the fourth month marked a significant transition for us fellows. We were categorized based on our chosen areas of expertise. I chose to embark on the Backend track, which has proven to be an enriching journey.

Our specialization journey commenced with a thorough exploration of Node.js and Express. We immersed ourselves in the world of modules, understanding their significance in building scalable and maintainable applications. With Node Package Managers (NPM) we learned to efficiently manage and integrate libraries and dependencies into our projects.

We also delved into the realm of semantic versioning, an essential practice for maintaining code compatibility and ensuring seamless collaboration within a team. Beyond theory, we translated our knowledge into practical skills by mastering the art of working with commands and navigating the command-line interface, empowering us to execute various tasks with finesse.

Professional Development

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out." –Robert Collier

Our focus on professional development has been particularly impactful, centering on the refinement of soft skills. The scope of our learning extended across various domains, ranging from entrepreneurship principles to fostering the cultivation of healthy habits and conducting appreciative inquiries, among other essential topics.

This comprehensive approach to soft skills training was complemented by practical sessions, including a noteworthy mock product pitch. During this exercise, fellow participants assumed the role of venture capitalists, offering a valuable opportunity for real-world application and feedback. Engaging in this simulated pitch environment allowed for the assimilation of theoretical knowledge into practical scenarios, providing a platform for constructive critiques and collaborative learning.

Conclusion

Ursula K. Le Guin's wisdom resonates with me, reminding me that the journey itself is as significant as the destination. As I reflect on my fourth month at TIIDELab, I am deeply grateful for the remarkable growth, transformation, invaluable insights, hands-on experiences, and newfound specialization track.

I eagerly anticipate sharing my experiences from the upcoming fifth month with all of you. It's the journey that continues to shape and define my path, and I am excited to see where it leads next.

Unlocking Self Reliance: My Fourth Month Voyage in TIIDELab Fellowship