The tech world continues to positively impact society for good, sometimes pays well too and you want to be part of it. But how do you break into the tech space as a newbie and how do you master the numerous tech tools you have to use?
In this article, I will tell you a little bit about how I got into the tech space as a Data Scientist and am currently a CTO of an AI startup(Zummit Africa Inc.). Maybe my journey might inspire yours(time will tell).
The Beginning
I was first introduced to IT when I got into university to read BSc. Information Technology. Even though i was enrolled in a course on IT, I found it difficult to catch up with my coursework.
The university way of teaching the course did not appeal to me much. I felt like I could never be a programmer.
But fortunately, before I quit trying to excel in the tech world, I got a friend(Emmanuel Ankrah) who has more experience in the industry. So, I spoke to him about my challenges and he introduced me to Python(An easy to learn yet powerful programming language).
My discovery of Python was timely and important because it was a time when Data Science was emerging as a field of Computer Science. They even called it "the sexiest job of the 21st Century" and I thought that was cool. I also realized that Data scientists used Python for most of their work. I quickly decided that I was going to be a Data Scientist with Python.
Based on my friend's recommendations, I got the book "Learning Python" by Mark Lutz. I learned a lot from this book because it was comprehensive. After a month of intensive Python work, I felt like I was ready to build small projects.
After learning Python my world opened. My interest in Data Science peaked. I went searching online for information and resources on Data Science. My search was fruitful and I got a few materials, some books, and courses on the subject.
As I learned more about Data Science, I was moved to want to build more applications and perform analyses on data. Building smart applications with an AI backend has always been my biggest interest and Data Science and AI are making that possible.
Lessons Learned
My journey allowed me the opportunity to learn some important lessons that I will love to share with you. These lessons can be a valuable guide for you on your journey.
1. Programming is Problem-solving
This is perhaps the most important lesson that has changed my life. The tech industry emerged because of the need to solve complex problems. Problems are a necessary part of the human experience and to solve them is to enrich lives and create opportunities for us all.
So, to get good with programming you first need to learn to solve problems. So how do you solve problems? Well, it's easy, right? Just find solutions. Solutions can come from anywhere so you need to look everywhere. For programmers, that means searching for answers from places like Google or Stackoverflow, etc. We can also find answers from the real world(the non-Internet world).
There are solutions out there for every problem. Sometimes we can's find it but just because we can't find it doesn't mean it's not there. If we search long enough we will find it.
Remember that the solutions you engineer should create value for people. No value means no problem solved.
2. You are not Learning until you Practice
This is a very important lesson but is easy to miss. This is because of a disease known as Imposter Syndrome. This disease makes you feel like you don't know enough to start practicing or building projects. The only cure for this disease is to take the leap of faith and plunge in.
Make no mistake, the only way you can discover just how much you know is by building projects or applying what you learn.
3. Failures and Bugs are a crucial Part of the Process
Yes! You heard right. You can't be a great programmer without going through the headache of failed projects and bugs(programming errors you face daily, some lasting for weeks). The fastest way to learn to code is to learn to accept the fact that you will make some mistakes and that is ok.
But like I said earlier, every problem has a solution. If you stick with it, you will find it.
4. It's Ok to Ask for Help
There is a lot you can figure out on your own as a programmer but you can move faster by building on the shoulders of giants; Other programmers who have done the work and fixed the challenges you are facing. We will all move faster if we build upon what others have done. Just remember to give credit for their work.
So, when you get stuck, ask for help. You will be surprised to know that most people are willing to help you.
5. Sharing is Growth
Sharing is growth. The fastest way to reinforce your knowledge is to share it with others. When you teach others, you are mostly teaching yourself. So, don't keep your journey to yourself, share it with someone. You will help yourself and make the world a better place.
6. Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication
The best solutions are usually the simplest solutions. Keep this in mind when building your personal portfolio projects or creating projects for a company.
7. Details Matters
The little things in programming can lead to big problems or great opportunities. The major source of bugs in programming is a lack of attention to details. Pay attention to the little things.
Key Takeaways
This article provided a roadmap for succeeding in the tech space. I hope my journey and the lessons learned will inspire your journey and accelerate your growth.