Everything Digital Tech and More

The first 6 years of my professional career was spent in banking.

No doubt my experience at the bank helped me shape some of my professional and personal  principles. It was indeed a very interesting time.

After 6 years, I was tired of the routine, frustrated really, quite honestly I didn’t see any career progress in the horizon. But I had wanted to leave two years in, so I had applied for all sorts of roles outside the bank, had interviews, had chats, spoke with everyone, nothing came through…..until four years later.

I like to call my transition from formal clothing to the jeans life! Goodness thats the best thing about the tech space mehn. Jeans and sneakers everyday (if you want)

I really was interested in the Mobile Technology. Mobile internet was in full swing across Sub Saharan Africa, I could tell it was a thriving industry, so getting into that space was want I really wanted. A foot into the door was all I needed and I got it.

So this is how it happened for me:

Opportunity

It presented itself and I took it.

Short story –  Was about my duties visiting the banks clients in my portfolio to discuss plans for the years. Client mentioned the need to  bring in experienced hands as the business was expanding rapidly. I remember how the conversation went because I said “Can I apply for any of the roles”. The rest they say is history.

Transferable skills 

As at that time, the company was a group of three business units- A digital Marketing  and  digital solutions agency, A mobile Value Added Services Business and  a Mobile Advertising Business.

The first role I got was managing digital marketing agency’s clients  – Mid level and C- Level executives. Sounds exactly like what I was doing at the bank and that is exactly what it was. It was easy for me to “blend in” using the peoples skills I learnt in the bank.

But I needed to learn-  details that are key to the nitty gritty of our daily work, culture, and  lingo of the tech space. Plus learn to use some tools that are particular to the industry.

Paycut 

I took a paycut.

There is no nice way to say, I did and it paid off in the long term.

Full disclosure, it was an easy decision for me to make because my responsibilities were not anything major.  Meaning the “mouths” tied to my income was very very limited and so I could get up and go. But then again I had to look at the bigger picture versus where I was. Plus the paycut didn’t mean I would go hungry or homeless in anyway.

Your circumstances might be different so I suggest you go the Michelle Obama way – lay all cards on the table and negotiate. Long story short make the necessary adjustments in the personal finance front for the short while you are building a new career path.

Then again you might be lucky to get an opportunity that offers to pay the same from where you are. I say take it as long as other factors look good.

Humility 

My colleagues knew significantly much more than I did (and I was leading them – a team of 7 people and grew to 13 in two weeks). I am talking about guys that literally just graduated from school less than two years ago. But I had to learn from them.

So stoop to conquer I did. I became the student while leading them.

A very interesting season of my life I tell you.

Be a Sponge

I took every chance as an opportunity to learn. I mean every chance. Conversations that had nothing to do with me or my unit, I listened to. Articles written about subjects within the space, I took it all in. Fortunately (I use this word with caution) I was given the opportunity to step into a leadership for the Mobile Value Added Service business within 2 weeks of my resumption (the unit head was moving on to another organisation) that meant more learning while also delivering on set goals.

It was hard because i was constantly bombarded by too much information at once. But it was better for it.

Start up 

I think this is very important.

Not exactly start up in the sense of 6 months into the business, I am talking 3 to 5 years of existence. That way you can do some investigation around consistency, structure, and management style.

I joined a young company but the MD had (and still has) a reputation for treating his employees right. So that meant salaries were paid on time ( I remember once there was a 24hour delay caused by some miscommunication of some sort, he sent out a company wide email apologising to everyone, very rare trait), there was a structure to the business that was very clear.

Aside these things, with a start up you can learn significantly alot more than just what is within your responsibility. Conversations and information across teams flow more freely.

You might get an opportunity to join a larger company, please consider taking the offer. What you make of it when you have your foot in the door is what is important. Start up or multinational when you are in, get your hands dirty as fast as you can.

Today the best part about digital or tech skills/expertise is, it is highly sought after in developed countries.  The skillset  and certifications within this space are globally accepted.

But I must be careful not to create a false impression. Yes you can move to a new country with these skillset, you might need to adjust to some local cultural nuisances which may or may not  delay breaking into the system.

I tell you this, there is no better time than now to make the move if you are thinking along the lines of starting a career within the tech space. Quite clearly it is not a walk in the park, but delivers skillset that are relevant for the very nearest future.

My eyes are set on Digital Transformation with specific focus on cloud computing. Would share information as I make progress.

I don’t have all the answers but if you have questions, drop a comment.