How I Learned to Code
The tech industry has the power to make a positive impact on society, and it can also be a lucrative career path. If you’re interested in breaking into the tech space as a newcomer, it can be overwhelming to think about learning all the necessary tools and skills.
However, with a bit of determination and hard work, it is possible to succeed in this field. My own journey into tech began as a data scientist, and I am now the CTO of an AI startup called Zummit Africa Inc.
I understand that everyone’s path is unique, but I hope that sharing my story can provide some inspiration and guidance as you navigate your own journey into tech.
The Beginning
I initially encountered the field of information technology (IT) when I enrolled in a BSc. Information Technology program in university. However, I struggled to keep up with the coursework and felt that the teaching methods used by the university were not effective for me. As a result, I began to doubt my ability to succeed as a programmer.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s learning journey is different and it’s normal to face challenges along the way. If you find that the traditional educational approach is not working for you, don’t be afraid to seek out alternative methods of learning or consider switching to a different field. With determination and hard work, you can achieve your goals no matter what obstacles you encounter.
Before I gave up on my aspirations to succeed in the tech industry, I was fortunate enough to have a friend with more experience in the field. His name is Emmanuel Ankrah, and when I confided in him about my difficulties, he introduced me to Python, a powerful yet easy-to-learn programming language.
With his guidance and the support of a more approachable programming language, I was able to regain my confidence and continue pursuing my goals in tech. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone, and seeking out help and guidance from those who have more experience can be incredibly valuable.
My discovery of Python came at a crucial time, as data science was starting to emerge as a field within computer science. In fact, data science was once referred to as “the sexiest job of the 21st century,” which was certainly a compelling prospect. Additionally, I realized that data scientists frequently use Python in their work, so I decided to focus on becoming a data scientist with a strong foundation in Python.
Learning Python proved to be a valuable decision, as it opened up many opportunities for me in the field of data science. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in tech, consider researching which programming languages and tools are most commonly used in your desired field, and consider building your skills in those areas.
Following the recommendations of my friend Emmanuel, I acquired the book “Learning Python” by Mark Lutz and used it to begin teaching myself the programming language. This book proved to be an invaluable resource, as it was comprehensive and allowed me to learn at my own pace. After a month of focused study, I felt confident in my abilities and ready to start building small projects on my own.
If you’re just starting out in tech and looking to learn a new programming language or tool, consider seeking out high-quality resources such as books, online tutorials, and courses. With dedication and hard work, you’ll be able to build the skills you need to succeed in this field.
Once I gained proficiency in Python, my interest in data science reached new heights. I spent countless hours online searching for information and resources on the subject, and I was fortunate to come across a number of valuable books, courses, and other materials that helped me deepen my understanding.
As I learned more about data science, I became increasingly motivated to build applications and perform analyses on data. Building intelligent applications with an artificial intelligence (AI) backend has always been a passion of mine, and I believe that data science and AI hold the key to making this possible.
Lessons Learned
Throughout my journey in the tech industry, I’ve had the chance to learn a number of valuable lessons that I’d like to share with you. I hope that these lessons can serve as a helpful guide as you navigate your own path in the tech world.
1. Programming is Problem-solving
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my time in the tech industry is that programming is all about problem-solving. The tech industry emerged because of the need to find solutions to complex problems, and programming is a crucial tool for tackling these challenges.
To become proficient at programming, it’s essential to develop strong problem-solving skills. This means learning how to search for answers from a variety of sources, including online resources like Google and Stack Overflow, as well as the “real world.” It’s important to remember that there is a solution to every problem, even if it takes some time and effort to find it.
When seeking solutions, it’s also crucial to keep in mind that the solutions you engineer should create value for people. If your solution doesn’t provide value, it’s not really solving the problem at hand.
By understanding that programming is all about problem-solving and focusing on creating value for others, you’ll be well on your way to success in the tech industry.
2. You are not Learning until you Practice
Another important lesson I’ve learned in my time in tech is that you can’t truly learn something until you put it into practice. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that you don’t know enough to start building projects or applying your knowledge, a phenomenon known as imposter syndrome. The only way to overcome this feeling is to take the leap and start putting your skills to the test.
It’s important to remember that the only way to truly gauge your knowledge and understanding is by building projects or applying what you’ve learned. Don’t be afraid to take on new challenges and push yourself out of your comfort zone. This is the best way to grow and improve as a programmer.
3. Failures and Bugs are a crucial Part of the Process
Another important lesson I’ve learned is that failures and bugs are an inevitable part of the programming process. No matter how skilled you are, you will encounter failed projects and bugs that can be frustrating and time-consuming to fix. However, it’s important to remember that these setbacks are a normal and necessary part of the learning process.
One of the keys to becoming a great programmer is learning to embrace failures and bugs as opportunities to learn and grow. It’s important to stay persistent and keep searching for solutions, even when things don’t go as planned. With time and experience, you’ll become better at identifying and fixing bugs, and you’ll be able to handle setbacks with greater resilience.
4. It’s Ok to Ask for Help
It’s also important to remember that it’s perfectly okay to ask for help when you need it. As a programmer, you will encounter many challenges and there will be times when you need guidance or assistance to move forward.
One of the benefits of being a part of the tech community is that there are many experienced programmers who are happy to share their knowledge and help others. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you get stuck. You’ll be surprised by how willing people are to lend a helping hand.
Additionally, it’s important to remember to build on the work of others whenever possible. There are many talented programmers who have tackled similar challenges and found solutions that you can learn from and build upon. By leveraging the knowledge and experience of others, you’ll be able to progress faster and more efficiently. Just be sure to give credit where it’s due.
5. Sharing is Growth
An important I’ve learned in my time in the tech industry is that sharing is essential for growth. One of the best ways to reinforce your knowledge and understanding of a subject is to share it with others. When you teach someone else, you’re essentially teaching yourself as well.
Therefore, it’s important to make an effort to share your journey and knowledge with others. Not only will this help you solidify your understanding of the material, but it will also make the world a better place by helping others learn and grow.
So don’t keep your journey to yourself. Share it with others and you’ll find that you benefit just as much as they do.
6. Simplicity is the Ultimate Sophistication
Another lesson that I’d like to share is that simplicity is often the ultimate sophistication. When it comes to building projects, whether for your personal portfolio or for a company, it’s important to keep this in mind. The best solutions are usually the ones that are simple and straightforward, rather than overly complex or convoluted.
By focusing on simplicity, you’ll be able to create solutions that are easy to understand and maintain, which will save time and effort in the long run. Additionally, simple solutions are often more elegant and aesthetically pleasing, which can be a major advantage when it comes to presenting your work.
So when you’re building projects, try to keep things as simple as possible. It may require more thought and effort upfront, but the benefits will be well worth it in the end.
7. Details Matters
The final lesson that I’ve learned in my time in tech is that details matter. In programming, it’s often the little things that can lead to major problems or great opportunities. The majority of bugs and errors in programming arise from a lack of attention to detail, so it’s essential to be mindful of the small things.
By paying attention to the details, you’ll be able to catch and fix problems before they become major issues, and you’ll also be able to identify and take advantage of opportunities that might have otherwise been missed.
So when you’re working on programming projects, make sure to take the time to carefully review your work and pay attention to the small details. It will pay off in the long run.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, I hope that sharing my journey and the lessons I’ve learned along the way has provided a useful roadmap for succeeding in the tech industry. My goal in writing this article was to inspire and guide others on their own journeys in tech, and I hope that the insights I’ve shared will help accelerate your growth and development in this exciting and constantly evolving field.
Remember to keep an open mind, seek out help and guidance when you need it, and stay persistent and determined no matter what challenges you face. With hard work and a dedication to continuous learning, you’ll be well on your way to making your mark in the tech world.
