A Shift in Career Path: Navigating from Law to Technology
My name is Winifred Imade Ogbeiwi. I am the youngest of three sisters from Benin, Edo State. From a young age, I have been an introvert and an enthusiastic reader, just like my father. He encouraged me to pursue a career in Law, following in his footsteps. My journey into law began during my secondary school years at FGGC Bayelsa. At that time, I had to make a crucial decision, so I sought guidance from my family. They advised me to choose the arts track, aligning with my childhood dream of becoming a lawyer. Additionally, I was influenced by the prestige and pride associated with the legal profession.
I continued my legal studies at the University of Uyo, even though I didn’t have a deep passion for it. My motivation was to complete what I had started, rather than a strong desire to be a lawyer. Throughout my university years, I didn’t have a clear career path in mind, and I was certain that law wasn’t my ultimate calling. I didn’t actively engage in extracurricular activities either.
My entry into the world of technology began unexpectedly during a university strike in my final year in 2019. I stumbled upon a free two-week web development training. I was chosen as a group leader, which required me to invest more effort and interest in the subject. I dedicated myself to learning beyond the curriculum because it became very interesting to me, although I had to stop when the strike was called off.
In early 2022, I initially attempted to pursue a tech career path, but I found myself somewhat distracted by law. It wasn’t until I got into the Women Techsters Fellowship that I made a firm commitment to fully embrace a career in technology. My motivation was fueled by my insatiable thirst for knowledge and the authentic excitement I experienced whenever I immersed myself in learning. I was determined not to settle for the bare minimum, even though I had performed well in Law. My previous motivation in Law was primarily driven by the fear of failure rather than a genuine passion for the field.
Through the Women Techsters Fellowship, I gained a profound understanding of the essence of the phrase “women supporting women.” I encountered genuine and unwavering support from individuals who didn’t even know my last name. Now, whenever someone seeks my advice on tech matters, I wholeheartedly and without hesitation recommend that they apply to Tech4Dev. Even if they possess the technical skills, I emphasize the importance of joining this community, as it’s one that I can guarantee they won’t find elsewhere.
Amidst all these, I cannot ignore the challenging aspects. It was undoubtedly tough; there were days when I found myself in court until 2–3 pm or in meetings the whole day while classes were in session. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, and tears flowed freely at the office. However, I was fortunate to have incredible friends both within and outside the program who provided motivation and support, for which I am eternally grateful.
Significantly, I don’t believe I can narrate my tech journey without mentioning Tech4Dev. Without participating in their program, I would likely still be hesitating about my transition into the tech field.
Beyond the technical skills I acquired, the lessons on soft skills were invaluable. These skills, which often take years of experience to develop, were taught by experts. I am grateful for this because it spared me from having to learn them through trial and error in real-world experiences.
One major highlight of my experience was the regular meetings I had with my teammates. These meetings were consistently reassuring. Another significant highlight was our outreach efforts, although I do wish we had the opportunity to engage in more of such activities.
My tech journey has been a mix of challenges and rewards. It has been tough but exciting, with lots to learn. One thing that makes me proud is when I help someone out of a tough spot. It reminds me of how much I have grown in this field.
I am currently working as a Technical Support at Oak Pensions and developing a website that will serve as a connecting platform for lawyers and clients for a Legal consulting firm. In this role, I am tasked with the design, development, and maintenance of the platform, ensuring that it effectively facilitates interactions between legal professionals and individuals seeking legal services. My work involves not only creating the technical framework of the website but also optimizing its user experience to ensure seamless and efficient communication between lawyers and clients.
When I reflect on my time at Tech4Dev, I’m truly grateful for the incredible trainers and program facilitators. They weren’t just knowledgeable; they were also incredibly friendly and approachable. They created an environment where we felt completely comfortable asking any questions, whether they were simple or complex. What stands out to me the most is their remarkable patience in helping us understand challenging concepts.
My next step is pursuing a master’s degree in computer science or a related field. It’s undeniable that this program has equipped me with a valuable set of skills that I can apply in the job market and do well, I don’t want to let them down by stopping there.
