Finding My Path in Tech: A Personal Journey.

I’ve always been curious about how technology works. As a kid, I couldn’t help but wonder what went on behind the scenes. Who built my favorite video games, how my mom’s laptop worked so well with VLC, or why apps on Apple devices felt so polished. It wasn’t a clear path back then, but I knew I wanted to do something related to tech.

The turning point came during my final year of secondary school when I started researching software engineering. I was fascinated by the idea of building the apps and systems I admired. Inspired by companies like Apple, I decided to pursue software engineering as a degree.

Coding wasn’t easy at first. The early days were all about getting assignments done and passing exams. It wasn’t until my second or third year that I really started taking it seriously.

My journey wasn’t a smooth one. Looking back, I regret not pushing myself to learn coding or seek out internships early on. I used to blame my school for being too theoretical, but I’ve realized I learn best through hands-on experience.

I struggled to find internships that aligned with my goals. Most of them weren’t development-focused, and I felt like I was falling behind. I couldn’t help but compare myself to students in the U.S. who were landing multiple internships at top tech companies before graduation. It was intimidating.

But during the summer before my final year, something changed. I decided it was time to step up and take my learning into my own hands. I dove deep into coding, building projects, and exploring new technologies. That’s when things started to click.

Since finishing school, I’ve been actively working on my skills. I’ve built projects for clients, taken on freelance gigs, and continued to improve my understanding of core concepts like data structures, algorithms, and software fundamentals.

Right now, I’m most comfortable working with React, Next.js, Node.js, MongoDB, MySQL, and a range of productivity tools to help me build and ship better projects. I started with backend development, but over time, I’ve grown more frontend-focused while still maintaining full-stack capabilities.

It’s been 8–9 months since my NYSC service, and I’m actively looking for a job. It’s tough, and there are days when I feel like I’m not doing enough. Imposter syndrome is real. But I keep moving forward, learning, building, and connecting.

I wanted to share my story to connect with people, whether you’re a fellow developer, a potential client, or an employer. I’m actively looking for opportunities, but more importantly, I want to engage with others who’ve been through similar struggles.

I feel like most creators online in the tech field offer a lot of “how-to” content. But there’s a gap between what’s being said and what’s actually experienced. Too often, it feels like everyone is doing things for impressions rather than offering genuine guidance.

As a developer, it’s easy to feel stuck in a sort of “tutorial hell” where you’re doing everything you’re supposed to but not really moving forward. I’m sharing this not just to put myself out there but to build genuine connections with others navigating their own paths in tech. Whether you’re just starting or you’re further along, I’d love to hear your experiences, exchange ideas, and grow together.