From Uncertainty to Empowerment
What Starting Really Looked Like for Me
As the final physical class of the TecHerdemy program wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel a wave of bittersweet emotions. TecHerdemy, an empowering initiative by TD Africa in collaboration with Huawei, Cisco, and Microsoft, was designed to uplift 400 Nigerian women in tech. That day marked the close of an incredible chapter in my life, one that had been full of growth, challenges, and transformation. I snapped pictures with some of the most inspiring women I had met throughout the program, hoping to preserve the moment. Later that evening, I shared the photos, wanting to hold onto the memories just a little longer.
And then, the messages began flooding in.
“Where is this program?”
“How do I get in?”
“What is this all about?”
“I want to learn too.”
But one message in particular stood out: “I’d like to continue because I stopped at some point…”
It wasn’t just a question, it was the voice of someone who felt lost and overwhelmed but was still determined to keep going.
That’s why I’m sharing my story today. Because I’ve been there. I didn’t start with clarity; I started with uncertainty, doubt, and confusion. But the important part is, I still started.
Joining TecHerdemy: A Leap into the Unknown
My journey with TecHerdemy began out of a deep passion for data science. Despite having already spent eight months learning at a local tech school, TecHerdemy offered an opportunity to expand my skills and dive deeper into the tech world. It was also a chance to grow within a supportive community of incredible women. Something I knew I needed.
The Struggles: Not Always Easy, But Worth It
The road wasn’t smooth. Every day brought its own challenges. The constant battle with Lagos traffic and the ever-present transportation costs were always on my mind. Frequent power outages made it nearly impossible to focus on assignments or join virtual classes. There were times when frustration hit hard, and I thought about giving up. But no matter how tough it got, I kept pushing. I knew that if I stopped, I would miss out on the future I dreamed of.
TecHerdemy wasn’t just about mastering technical skills; it was about growing into the woman I was meant to be.
What I Gained: Beyond the Technical Skills
Through the program, I acquired not only technical expertise in Excel, SQL, Python, and Power BI but also invaluable soft skills like communication, integrity, and personal branding. It wasn’t just about being good with numbers; it was about becoming confident, polished, and professional in everything I did.
I also learned the importance of self-learning. I started watching tutorials on YouTube, took online courses on platforms like Alison, and building real-world projects to showcase in my portfolio.
There came a defining moment when I confidently shared insights I had learned, and it was nothing short of empowering. People began asking for my tech advice, and I was introduced as “the tech girl.” That’s when I knew I was transforming into the woman I aspired to be.
Discovering a New Passion: Data-Driven Marketing
The real surprise of my journey came when I stumbled upon a new passion: Marketing. I had never realized how data science and marketing could intertwine. That realization came when I enrolled in the Udacity Bertelsmann Digital Marketing Nanodegree. I realized that I could combine my data science knowledge with marketing.
Data science isn't just about analyzing numbers; it's about utilizing those numbers to drive impactful business decisions. I suddenly saw the potential to use data science to truly optimize marketing strategies and achieve measurable results. Like:
Group customers by behavior, demographics, or purchase history using clustering algorithms like K-means.
Use predictive analytics to forecast customer behavior and predict the outcomes of marketing campaigns.
Personalize content, such as email marketing or product recommendations, tailored to individual customer preferences.
Effectively allocate marketing budgets by analyzing which channels contribute the most to sales.
Optimize the customer journey by understanding each stage and pinpointing where customers drop off.
Predict Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) to estimate long-term revenue potential from different customer segments.
Analyze customer sentiment using NLP (Natural Language Processing) to gauge public perception and brand sentiment.
Beyond just these skills, I’ve come to realize that the possibilities with data science in marketing are endless. From automation to advanced targeting, it's clear that data science offers unique solutions to refine and elevate marketing strategies.
Confidence: A Gradual Awakening
Confidence didn’t come overnight, it built up over time. December 2024, I finally saw the value in what I was doing. I had a clear path ahead, and I believed in it. That belief shifted everything. I was no longer uncertain; I knew where I was headed.
The Bittersweet End
Now, as the program concludes, I’m filled with gratitude. I miss the community, the energy, and the incredible women I met. But all the lessons, connections, and experiences will stay with me as I continue my journey.
An Unexpected Role: Being an Inspiration
Lately, I’ve been receiving messages from people asking for advice on their tech journey, inspired by my own. It made me realize that all my struggles and doubts weren’t just for my own growth, but to help others.
One person said she started her journey, then stopped, and I could relate. There were times I also wanted to quit, but now I see that my perseverance is not just for me but it’s meant to help others rise too.
To Everyone Feeling Lost: Just Start
If you’re feeling lost or unsure of your path, start anyway. You don’t need to have it all figured out. I certainly didn’t. I simply followed my passions—math, storytelling, and tech and they led me to where I am today. Tech is not a one-size-fits-all path. Find your unique blend. Learn, try, fail, and try again.
One day, your journey will inspire someone else too. And that’s what makes it all worth it.
Beautiful Read 😍