Introducing a tech section to my blog was inevitable and way long overdue, so this is essentially a career guide and beginning of #MyTechStory.
As you might already know, I’m a computer ENGINEERING student anda Frontend/Vue.js Developer. I also happen to blog about modest fashion (amongst other things) and I occasionally sell affordable handmade scarves(@khayyclothing).
The most asked question by accounts new to my Instagram is how I manage to balance it all at such a young age(19 isn’t young, trust me🤷♀️).
The truth is: I HAVEN’T GOTTEN THERE YET.
I’m still a whole mess because of clashing differences especially in terms of priorities and time management. Writing this guide helped me highlight steps I could have taken and maybe I just might have ended up pursuing a computer SCIENCE degree (yeah, there’s a difference) or maybe even Architecture/Civil Engineering.
This guide could be really helpful to fresh high school graduates or really just anyone trying to get a hold of a career.
CAREER GUIDE #1: GET MORE INFORMATION
You think you have an idea who you wanna become after high school? Good for you, the next step is to get more information. Getting real and in-depth information about that profession and the right school to help you in that profession is very important. It’d definitely help in choosing the right career.
You have no idea who you really want to be and you don’t want the career your parents/guardians are pressuring you to choose? Getting information is also for you. You need information to be able to highlight to them why you think that career isn’t for you. But as a Nigerian child, I also know that you HAVE to provide a better career option or make your parents believe that you have the better career option before you can get your way. In the end, the most important step might really be getting more information.
CAREER GUIDE #2: KNOW YOUR WHY
This phrase by Principal Amin of EverythingNaArt never left me. You chose a career? Why? Knowing the reasons why you chose a career might be a flag that you’re headed the right path. Reasons like “I like the sound of the career” or “I just wanted to choose something tangible” are really not reasons. Be more intentional, think more about what would be beneficial to you in the long run and would give you that sense of fulfillment/joy.
CAREER GUIDE #3: FUEL YOUR PASSION AND BE REALISTIC
You have a dream? Great, can you achieve it? The resources you need to achieve it, right school, right mindset, do you truly have all that? Because everyone can dream but not everyone actually pulls it off. So before choosing that career because you think it’s your passion, are you sure the means to achieve it are available to you? This can help you streamline what might be a right career for you.
CAREER GUIDE #4: BRANCH OUT, TRY DIFFERENT THINGS
You’ve chosen a career and you’re not sure anymore? Try something new. DO NOT ABANDON THE CAREER YOU CHOSE unless you’ve found a better choice. AS much as we all complain about lack of time, there are still 86,400 seconds in each day and that seems like a huge amount of time. So try out different concepts.
You like writing? Consider being a creative writer or even a blogger.
You love fashion, try out fashion designing, creative directing or style consultancy.
You’re in a tech-related field like me and your engineering courses aren’t giving you the vibes you’d imagined, try UI/UX design, Front/Backend Web Development, Machine Learning, etc. All these are software engineering related so you’re still not far from your chosen career.
The main point is to see what really makes you tick, you just might stumble upon the right career.
CAREER GUIDE #5: KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS
I wasn’t sure where to put this, since the tips are in chronological order. Regardless, in a way, all the above steps will finally bring you to this one: Knowing your strengths. Having more knowledge, considering all odds and trying out different things will identify your strengths and weaknesses. You might discover you just aren’t creative enough to be a writer but you’re quite good with visuals, so maybe a UI/UX career is better for you. You might also discover you know nothing about design but you happen to understand the logic behind creating APIs and databases, then backend development is for you. In the end, you get a career that just might be perfect for you.
BONUS TIP
Once you’ve followed these steps, GIVE IT YOUR ALL. Things might not always work out but best believe the fault won’t be yours because you truly PUT IN THE EFFORTS. In the end, something would work out, so stay trying and doing too.
I know it may not always seem clear but you just have to keep trying. Don’t be afraid to try new things and transition if need be. These little reminders also help me too and I hope it helps you too.
It’s not much but I really hope they can help anyone figure out one or two things about this thing called career.
Thanks for reading and don’t forget to leave your comments🖤
With Love,
