Being adaptable and tech-savvy can make you more competitive in today’s job market. These were Success Ifeoma Okorie’s words to young people during an exclusive interview with Tech Diary.
In this insightful interview, Success, a tech-savvy graduate of Public Administration who is competent in many areas discusses her journey into tech, passion, the future of tech in Africa, how she blends her career with social life amongst others.
Can we know a bit about you?
I’m Success Ifeoma Okorie, a 26-year-old passionate about making a name for myself and standing out in a world where many lack direction. My tech career reflects my commitment to blending creativity with problem-solving. I’m driven by a desire to tackle complex challenges and create innovative solutions. Outside work, I enjoy adventure, reading, writing, swimming, and pursuing various interests that keep me engaged and inspired. I also hope to inspire young people by showing that our backgrounds don’t have to hold us back if we’re determined. We can overcome challenges and achieve our goals with the right mindset and effort.
You studied Public Administration, how did you get into tech?
I initially aimed to study law, but life happened and led me to explore other fields. While working in photography and videography, I discovered my passion for creating beautiful things and images. When my boss Dr. Peter Adogbejire Mrakpor, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, encouraged me to pursue a tech career, I reflected on my interests and realized that data analysis and web development were the right fields for me. Data analysis aligns with my passion for solving complex problems, while web development allows me to combine my creativity with technology. Pursuing both has been a fulfilling and rewarding journey.
What are your areas of expertise?
Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Web Development, Photography/Videography, and Problem-Solving.
As someone proficient in analyzing and interpreting data to uncover insights and support decision-making. What are the most crucial skills for a data analyst?
- Data Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing data sets to uncover insights and trends.
- Statistical Knowledge: Understanding statistical methods to interpret data accurately.
- Programming: Skills in languages like Python or R for data manipulation and analysis.
- SQL: Ability to write queries for retrieving and managing data from databases.
- Data Visualization: Competence in tools like Tableau or Power BI to create clear and informative visualizations.
- Critical Thinking: Ability to ask the right questions and interpret data in a meaningful way.
- Communication: Skills to effectively present findings and insights to stakeholders.
These skills are essential for making data-driven decisions and solving complex problems
How do you remain up to date with the most current developments in your niche and stay motivated?
To stay current with developments in the data analysis field, I regularly engage with several reputable sources and communities. I subscribe to newsletters and follow blogs such as Towards Data Science and Data Science Central, which provide insights into the latest trends and techniques. I also actively participate in webinars and online courses, to deepen my understanding of new tools and methodologies. Networking is another crucial aspect of staying up to date. Join several professional groups on LinkedIn and attend virtual meetups and conferences. These interactions allow me to learn from industry experts and peers, exchange ideas, and discuss emerging trends. Regarding motivation, I am driven by a genuine passion for data and its potential to solve problems and drive decision-making. The dynamic nature of this field, where there’s always something new to learn or a fresh challenge to tackle, keeps me excited and engaged. I also set personal goals and regularly reflect on my progress, which helps me stay focused and motivated.
Between remote and hybrid jobs which do you think is best for tech jobs?
Both remote and hybrid jobs have their benefits, and the best option depends on individual preferences and company needs. Remote jobs offer flexibility, allowing tech professionals to work from anywhere, which can lead to better work-life balance and access to a broader talent pool. They are great for independent work, especially when deep focus and fewer interruptions are needed. Hybrid jobs, on the other hand, combine the flexibility of remote work with the advantages of in-person collaboration. This setup can foster stronger team dynamics and creativity through face-to-face interactions, which can be beneficial for team-based projects. Ultimately, the best option depends on the specific role, team, and organizational culture.
In life and your career, what have been your most significant failures and what did you learn from them?
In my career, my most significant failure was not properly planning a data analysis project, which caused us to miss an important deadline. I learned that it’s crucial to break down projects into smaller tasks, set realistic timelines, and always have a backup plan. This experience taught me how to manage my projects better and anticipate potential problems before they arise.
What advice would you give to young people who are not into tech?
My advice to young people who aren’t into tech is to stay curious and open-minded about learning new skills, including those in technology. Even if you don’t want a tech career, understanding basic tech skills can benefit you in any field, as technology touches almost every aspect of our lives today. Start with small steps, like exploring online courses or tutorials in areas that interest you, and see how technology can enhance your skills and opportunities. Being adaptable and tech-savvy can make you more competitive in today’s job market.
There are myriads of challenges facing tech in our continent, what do you consider the main challenge(s) of tech in Africa?
One of the main challenges of tech in Africa is limited access to reliable internet and infrastructure. Many regions still face connectivity issues, which can hinder tech development and the ability of people to participate in the digital economy. Another challenge is the lack of adequate funding and investment in tech startups, which makes it difficult for innovators to scale their solutions. Additionally, there is a gap in digital skills and education, which means fewer people are prepared for tech jobs. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between governments, private companies, and educational institutions to improve infrastructure, provide more funding opportunities, and invest in digital education.
You mentioned the fact that technology touches almost every aspect of our lives today. What do you think is the future of tech in Africa?
The future of tech in Africa is very promising. With a young and growing population, there is a huge potential for innovation and a tech-savvy workforce. We’re already seeing a rise in tech hubs and startups across the continent, focusing on areas like fintech, e-commerce, and health tech. As internet access improves and more investment flows into the tech sector, I believe Africa will become a global player in technology, driving new solutions that are tailored to local needs and creating jobs for millions. The focus will likely be on leveraging technology to solve real-world problems and improve people’s lives.
Thank you for your time and wonderful insights
I appreciate the opportunity to share my experience.
