Chibuzor Chilaka is an accomplished Software Engineer with a proven track record of delivering complex and high-visibility projects. With expertise in different sectors like fintech, legaltech. Healthtech, e-commerce, among others, Chilaka has showcased his proficiency as a Full-Stack Developer. Outside work, he is an active member and contributor to the React Native community. Through participation, sharing knowledge, collaboration, and organizing workshops and events, he plays a significant role in the growth and advancement of the React Native ecosystem in Nigeria. His commitment to staying engaged with the community reflects his dedication to continuous learning, helping individuals enter the tech industry and the exchange of ideas within the ever-evolving field of software development. In this interview with The Guardian’s Ifeanyi Ibeh, he discusses challenges newcomers face, practical steps for beginners, and strategies for professionals transitioning to tech. He also provides advice on standing out in the competitive tech job market, identifying transferable skills, and crafting standout resumes. Learn about effective learning resources, honing programming skills, and preparing for technical interviews. Chilaka highlights the importance of networking for career growth in the dynamic tech industry.
Briefly introduce yourself, your journey in tech, and your passion for mentorship and community building.
My name is Chibuzor Chilaka. I have a Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. I am a self-taught software engineer and stumbled upon programming while trying to find an alternative career that was more fulfilling to me. My path involved navigating through various resources, overcoming challenges, and persistently refining my skills. This has not only shaped my technical expertise but has also instilled in me a deep appreciation for continuous learning and resilience. My journey in tech has been both diverse and rewarding, spanning over six different sectors across several countries.
As a Full-Stack Developer, I have had the privilege of contributing to complex and impactful projects. As someone who is self-taught, I am deeply passionate about mentorship and community building. I believe in the power of shared knowledge, and this is one of the reasons I have committed to becoming an active member of the React Native Nigeria community to help others navigate and succeed in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Building a strong community fosters an environment of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation, and I am dedicated to playing an active role in facilitating that growth.
Highlight your understanding of the challenges and uncertainties newcomers face.
For newcomers entering the tech field, there are a lot of challenges ranging from technical to psychological challenges. One primary hurdle is the uncertainty surrounding where and how to start their journey. The tech landscape is really large and can be overwhelming, leading some people to get scared and question their suitability for success while others struggle with indecision regarding their desired path.
Once this is overcome, the challenge shifts to identifying the best resources for beginners. Access to materials that effectively break down both simple and complex topics into easily understandable chunks. A quality learning resource should not only provide information but also make the learning process enjoyable. Especially for beginners Imposter syndrome and self-doubt often accompany the learning phase for many individuals, further complicating the transition into the tech industry.
Another concern is the readiness for the job market. Newcomers often wonder how to gauge their preparedness for real-world applications and employment opportunities. Many job postings require industry experience, creating a catch-22 scenario for those just starting their tech careers.
For someone with no background in tech, what are the first practical steps you recommend to start their journey?
Begin by researching and identifying the specific area of tech that genuinely captivates your interest. Choosing a field that fascinates you will significantly ease the learning process. Connect with professionals in various tech domains, ask questions, seek advice, and gain insights into what it feels like to work in those areas.
Once you’ve picked your area of interest, explore available learning resources. Consider online courses, YouTube tutorials, or bootcamps tailored to beginners. Look for courses with positive reviews that emphasize beginner-friendly content. As you learn, ensure you create some time to practice what you’ve learned. Test yourself and build fun projects, join and engage with tech communities on platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, etc. These communities can offer support, advice, and networking opportunities. Stay updated on industry trends by reading tech blogs and resources and following tech-related social media accounts. Network as well by attending local meet-ups, conferences, or online events to expand your network within the tech community.
What are your favorite resources for self-learning, including free or affordable online courses, coding boot camps, or communities?
Udemy and YouTube have tons of great resources for self-learning, especially for beginners. There’s also Cousera, Pluralsight, edx, udacity.
There are lots of great communities both locally and globaly like Google Developer Group (GDG), Devcenter, React Native Nigeria Community, Girl Code, Stackoverflow, e.t.c
How can someone without formal education or experience stand out in the competitive tech job market?
Luckily most of the tech space isn’t centered around formal education. To stand out, you need to master your craft. Develop your skills, jump on projects, get your hands dirty, and garner experience. Contribute to open-source projects. Network with professionals through platforms like LinkedIn and industry events. Obtain relevant certifications if you’re in an area that needs certifications like cybersecurity.
Write a good resume, create a strong portfolio showcasing your projects, achievements, and skills. Lastly, seek internships and entry-level roles
What advice do you have for professionals making a career switch to tech, especially those from unrelated fields?
Understand the various roles within tech. Leverage feedback or your experience in your field to assess your interests and skills. This will help you identify an area of tech you may fit in.
Leverage online learning platforms that offer flexible schedules. Many courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Codecademy allow you to learn at your own pace. Allocate dedicated time for learning, even if it’s just a few hours a week. Consistency is key. Time management is key. Try to break down learning into smaller, focused sessions to fit into a busy schedule. Also, use your weekends and free time very well.
If possible, integrate tech-related tasks into your current job where possible, automate processes, or explore relevant tech solutions. Volunteer to pick up tech-related tasks. Look for study groups or partners. Collaborate with other people with similar goals. Regularly assess your progress and don’t be shy to adjust your learning plan accordingly.
Above all, don’t give up. The journey to a tech career may have its challenges, but persistence is crucial. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and stay motivated,
How can someone identify their transferable skills and leverage their existing experience in a tech career?
One good way is by self-reflection. Take time to reflect on your current and past roles. Identify tasks, responsibilities, and projects where you excelled and the various feedback you received. Consider both technical and soft skills. Try to pick out your strengths and weaknesses in both your personal and professional life. Assess your skills objectively. Research the specific skills required in various areas of tech
Try to map your skills to the tech skills and see how you fare in various areas. Be honest with yourself during this process to ensure a realistic assessment.
Are there any specific challenges individuals transitioning careers might face, and how can they overcome them?
Yes, there are quite a number. The common ones include uncertainty and anxiety. The unknown nature of a new career can cause anxiety and uncertainty. But there’s a solution; talk to people who have walked similar paths and draw inspiration from their stories. Most times even the most successful people also had to deal with this at various stages of their careers.
Expecting immediate results in the new career may lead to frustration. For that, set realistic short-term and long-term goals. Understand that the transition is a process, and each step contributes to your growth. Celebrate small victories along the way.
Imposter Syndrome is another one. Feeling like an imposter in a new field is common. The solution is to acknowledge imposter syndrome as a normal part of the transition. Focus on your achievements, seek mentorship, and remember that everyone experiences a learning curve when entering a new career.
How can someone develop the habit of continuous learning and stay updated with the fast-paced tech landscape?
Find a learning partner or join a study group: Collaborate with others who share similar learning goals. This helps to create a sense of accountability and shared motivation. Subscribe to Newsletters and Blogs: This allows you to receive regular updates on trends, news, and best practices. Follow Industry Leaders and relevant accounts on Social Media. Engage in Hands-On Projects: Being a part of projects that fascinate you helps build momentum and motivation. Regularly reflect on what you’ve learned and review your progress. This helps you discover gaps and weak areas that you can focus on.
What are some effective strategies for practicing and honing programming skills to build a strong foundation?
Start with the basics: practice often, build simple projects, read other people’s codebase or projects, learn how to read and understand official documentation, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
What tips do you have for crafting a standout resume that showcases one’s skills and potential in a competitive field?
Have a clear and concise summary: start your resume with a clear and concise summary that highlights your key skills, experiences, and career objectives. Tailor your resume for the Job by highlighting the skills and experiences most relevant to the specific role you’re applying for. Format properly: Use a consistent and easy-to-read font. Organize sections logically, and use bullet points for clarity.
Quantify your achievements with numbers wherever possible. Instead of saying you “improved efficiency,” mention that you “increased efficiency by 20% within six months.”
Highlight your technical projects: Showcase technical projects that you’ve worked on. Provide details about the technologies used, your role, and the impact of the project. Include links to GitHub or personal portfolio if applicable.
Avoid mistakes and typos. Update regularly
How can someone prepare effectively for technical interviews, including common coding challenges and behavioral questions?
The first thing to do is research about the company and job role. Have an idea of what is required by you and the technology stack of the company in question. For coding challenges, study data Structures and algorithms. Use platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, and CodeSignal to solve a variety of coding challenges. Start with easy problems and gradually progress to more difficult ones.
Conduct mock interviews with a friend or use online platforms that simulate real interview conditions. Practice explaining your thought process out loud.
For the behavioural questions, research the company’s values and culture. Tailor your responses to behavioral questions to align with these values. Prepare stories from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and qualities. Practice answering common behavioral questions.
What role does networking play in landing a job in tech? How can newcomers build meaningful connections within the community?
Networking plays a significant role in landing a job in the tech industry. Building meaningful connections within the community can provide various benefits, including job opportunities, mentorship, knowledge sharing, and staying updated on industry trends.
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