Everyone tells you to learn a technical skill, but no one tells you what it entails. Getting into tech can be challenging, but the ParallelScore team is here to help you along the way. Whether you’re new to technology or trying to move from one technical department to another, this piece from one of our talented developers, Oluwatosin Idowu, will definitely help. Oluwatosin takes us through his journey into tech, including the resources that helped him and some tips for young developers.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Oluwatosin Idowu, I am a senior mobile developer at ParallelScore with 5+ years of experience in software development and a graduate of computer science from Obafemi Awolowo University. Over the course of the years, I have been privileged to work across various sectors in the tech industry, such as health, e-commerce, agriculture, transportation, fintech, e.t.c.
What inspired you to get into tech?
My drive for tech came as a result of working directly under a Software Developer, Dr Oladeji Akomolafe, who, as of then, was in charge of handling The Polytechnic of Ibadan e-portal and result processing software. I used to admire his success and passion for work and always wished to be more like him in the future. I worked in his company (BigG Consulting) for 3.5 years as a data entry clerk and later as an I.T. Support personnel. It was really an eye-opening experience for me. Out of curiosity, I started downloading random books on programming. To be honest, the books were boring and looked like jargon to me, but I kept pushing little by little.
What do you love about your job?
Software development is fun because it challenges me to think and research various ways to solve real-life problems. I love the fact that it gives me room to grow and research more on different topics in my day-to-day activities. Finally, I enjoy the flexibility and freedom that come with working as a software developer.
What was the first programming language you learned?
I started my programming journey by learning Java, where I got to understand the concept of Object-Oriented Programming. This led me to android development, and shortly after, I gained admission to study computer science at Obafemi Awolowo University. During the first year’s academic break, I thought about the idea of converting past questions and academic notes for some courses into digital material. This led me to develop an e-learning mobile application that comprises notes, past questions, and a mobile-based test engine. I sold it to my fellow colleagues on resumption into 200 level at the rate of N300 per device and accumulated a total of about N70k.
What resources helped you on your journey into tech?
Google, YouTube, Stackoverflow, and Udemy have been of great help in garnering knowledge and seeking existing solutions to problems.
What do you wish someone had told you when you started your journey into tech?
“Take it a step at a time, Rome was not built in a day.” As a newbie, I wanted to make it big and become the next Bill Gates in a couple of months, but after launching my first app and getting a return of about seventy thousand naira, I got discouraged and left programming for a while, which ended up being one of the most foolish decisions I ever made.
Drop a piece of advice for the newbies.
Programming will sometimes frustrate you, but you should never give up. Believe in yourself and keep pushing. Master and practice a stack/language well before moving to the next. I wish you the very best.