- 05 May, 2025
- 0 Comments
- 7 Mins Read
Navigating the Tech Space As a Newbie
Hi there! Today our spotlight is on the tech space-as a newbie. So, you are thinking about stepping into the tech world and of course it sounds vast, complex and probably intimidating because if there is one thing about people in tech, they can be very vocal about their field and talk about it all the time. It might seem like a whole universe at first, filled with jargons and things that look impossible to comprehend by any normal human. Words like “blockchain”, “algorithm”, “phyton”, “API” are all you hear and this can feel terrifying and get overwhelming. But trust me, it’s all just camouflage. It is not as scary as it looks or sounds.
Tech space is a community full of endless opportunities and innovation. It’s an incredibly exiting space to be in because it is constantly buzzing with new ideas and filled with people who are genuinely passionate about what they do and also open to welcoming and mentoring new explorers. Think of this as your friendly nudge and a few pointers to help you find your footing in this digital adventure, whether you’re right here in Nigeria or abroad.
First and foremost, you need to know “IT IS YOUR STARTING POINT” and it is okay to not know it all and be unfamiliar. It’s a new space, so accept the feelings that come with it. Get comfortable not knowing anything about it. The digital world or tech space is in constant flux, meaning it is constantly changing – new technologies emerge, existing ones evolve and what is cutting-edge-today might be commonplace tomorrow, so you should know that means even those who have been in it for years need to learn and relearn to keep themselves abreast of the situation.
There is a constant never ending learning spree in tech and your experience won’t be any different. Above all, developing a growth mindset coupled with dedication and hard work will keep you going.
Secondly, find what makes your eyes light up – literally! Tech isn’t just one car; it’s a car park filled with lots of cars. There are different aspects or fields of technology. For example, Project Management, UI/UX, Cloud Computing, Data Analysis, Cybersecurity. The list goes on and on. It can be a lot but don’t bother yourself with the noise and what social media recommends as the most popular and highly sought after.
Do you research, poke around, listen to podcasts, watch videos online and if possible, attend events. Educate yourself on what various parts do. To narrow it down, think about what you are good at and enjoy – based on your past work experience, if you have any. All these will allow you to choose better and it’s okay if you choose an interest and decide to change because it is no longer working for you. The goal is to work on what you enjoy and thrive in right now and dive in.
Thirdly, once you have identified your field of interest start with the fundamentals. It’s time to build a solid foundation. Just like you need to learn the alphabet before writing a novel, you need to grasp the fundamental concepts in your chosen area.
Thinking about coding? Start with a beginner-friendly language like python or JavaScript. Focus on understanding core concepts like variables, data types, control flow and functions.
Numerous free and paid online courses are available on platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy and even local Nigerian resources. If your interest is in data, get to grips with basic numbers and learn how to calculate probabilities. Microsoft Excel is a great start if you’re thinking Analytics and python if you are thinking Data Science. To mention another, if you have a creative eye and you love designing stuff, play around with free design tools like Figma, technically involve yourself with UI/UX.
Fourthly, there is no better time to make the internet your best friend than now! Seriously, the internet is packed with amazing resources for learning tech. It’s like having a giant library and a whole classroom right at your fingertips.
Take advantage of platforms like Coursera, Udemy, etc. They have courses specifically designed for beginners and offer financial aid, as well. Interesting, right? We know! Go on Twitter and LinkedIn, connect with people in your field of interest.
The thing about tech gurus is they always give out loads of advise every day, sometimes even give blueprints and share documents on how to thrive as a beginner in their fields. YouTube, as well – a great place to find free videos from experts.
The information and materials out there are endless and sometimes at no cost. To make use of these suggestions you need to have your self-discipline locked down and if you do not, its fine. Go to tech institutions. There are a lot of them out there. Do your proper findings and go with one that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Fifth, learning is amazing! It is great in fact but the real magic happens when you start applying what you have learnt into practical projects. There are going to be a lot of trials and errors but that is how you grow. Start with tiny projects and ensure to put these projects out there. Be open to comments and corrections on your work because you learn quicker that way. You are doing this not just for approval or positive comments. The learning process is what you should focus on. Every mistake you encounter in the learning process is a blessing and lesson in disguise.
Most importantly, as you build things, keep track of them. If you’re coding, put your projects on a platform called GitHub. If you’re designing, create a portfolio on a site like Behance. This will be super helpful when you start looking for opportunities.
Furthermore, connect with your people – Your Tech Family. The tech space is full of people who are eager to share from their pool of knowledge as earlier mentioned. Building connections is one of the fastest ways to get a job. Go for local meet ups, see if there are any tech gatherings, workshops or events happening in your state or country.
You’ll mostly find information about tech events through social media, which is why we earlier advised you to make use of them actively. Get involved online as well, there are online communities you can freely join, interact with and maybe contribute to open-source projects (your contributions are valuable). If you can, try to find someone who’s more experienced in your area of interest who can offer advice and support. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for their insights.
Lastly, learning new skills takes time and effort. There will be times when you feel stuck or frustrated. That’s totally normal! The key is to be patient with yourself and keep going. Did you finally understand a tricky concept? Were you able to finish a project that looked difficult? Celebrate and be your own cheerleader. Take a break when needed.
It is also important to note everyone works at their own pace, so do not compare yourself or your journey to others. Above all, be consistent. This is very key to growth. Don’t give up, keep on moving and it’s bound to get better and more bearable.
If you are a techie in a rural area like for example, Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria and the likes and you may feel secluded from a bustling city like Lagos where you feel you need to be to succeed. That is not true. Lookout for tech events in and around your town, and if there aren’t any you can set one up, you will be shocked to see the amount of like-minded people around you.
In Conclusion
Stepping into the tech world is a fantastic journey. It’s all about being curious, being willing to learn and connecting with others. Don’t let the jargon or the sheer size of it intimidate you. Take it one step at a time, find what excites you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Every tech expert started exactly where you are now. So take a deep breath, be patient with yourself and enjoy the incredible adventure ahead.
The tech space is waiting for you, from wherever you are!