Elizabeth’s Journey Navigating the Tech Scene in Ghana

My name is Elizabeth Dowuona, and I am a resident of Accra, Ghana. I have a background in Computer Science, having obtained my HND and degree certificates immediately after completion. I am a Ghanaian woman with a strong passion for simplifying people’s lives through app development and leveraging technology to enhance overall convenience.

My primary aspiration is to empower young women interested in technology by fostering confidence, promoting focus, and providing opportunities such as internships to connect them with real-world experiences before entering the professional field.

With a two-year stint as an IT specialist, I draw motivation from witnessing more women excel in the tech industry. My goal is to contribute to a more inclusive and diverse tech landscape, particularly by supporting and guiding aspiring female professionals.

I made the decision to transition to the tech field during my teenage years. My motivation stemmed from a desire to engage in activities traditionally associated with boys, such as fixing machines and playing football. Computing seemed like the perfect fit for my interests. However, during that time, I faced challenges in obtaining the necessary equipment, like a laptop or a phone, to explore and understand the tech world better by watching videos and gaining hands-on experience. Despite these obstacles, my determination to transition into the tech field persisted, driven by a passion for the subject and a curiosity to delve deeper into the realm of technology.

My tech journey has been a rewarding experience. With a foundation built on a few months of internships and two years as an IT specialist, I gained substantial exposure to the tech field. During this time, I connected with people who introduced me to various Bootcamps and opportunities for skill development.

One of my proudest moments was making the bold decision to quit my job. It was the first significant and somewhat intimidating step towards redirecting my focus to a career path in Software Development and Machine Learning. This decision represented a commitment to pursuing my passion and investing in my personal and professional growth. It marked a pivotal moment in my journey, signaling a dedication to a more specialized and fulfilling path within the expansive world of technology.

I came across the Women Techsters Fellowship Class of 2023 program and was inspired to apply, eager to be part of a community that fosters women’s involvement and growth in technology. Unfortunately, I didn’t secure a position in the Fellowship.

However, an alternative opportunity presented itself when I received a link to register for the Women Techsters Bootcamp Program, and I applied for the Software Development learning track. Intrigued, I not only enrolled myself but also shared the information with other women in my network.

This shift in focus from the Fellowship to the Bootcamp allowed me to participate in a valuable learning experience, connecting with a broader community of women in tech.

In my tech journey, one prominent obstacle I have experienced is the prevailing preference of many hiring companies and teams for experienced professionals. This tendency often leaves newcomers, like myself, who are eager to learn on the job, with limited opportunities. Breaking into the industry becomes more challenging when the emphasis is heavily placed on prior experience rather than the potential and enthusiasm of aspiring individuals.

Living in a developing country has added another layer of difficulty. There is a scarcity of opportunities to connect with a diverse range of tech enthusiasts, especially fellow women.

In a bid to overcome some of these challenges, I worked on developing skills through personal projects, actively networking online for mentorship, and engaging in inclusive communities. Despite the preference for experienced professionals and isolation in a developing country, a growth mindset and continuous learning helped me navigate these obstacles.

Tech4Dev has significantly propelled my career forward. The program played a crucial role in demystifying challenging aspects of technology that I initially struggled to understand. The supportive community, coupled with well-structured learning materials, enabled me to simplify complex concepts and deepen my comprehension.

The Bootcamp training provided a highlight when our trainer assigned us a project that delved into the intricate world of APIs and their seamless communication with the backend. As a Frontend Developer, my expertise lies in HTML, CSS, and Javascript, and I was eager to apply these skills to build a unique project.

With enthusiasm, I embarked on a project with the focus of building a Church Testimony Hub. I chose to create a platform centered around church testimonies. Users could visit the link, share their uplifting stories, and witness the magic as their input data was sent to our mock API. Although the server wouldn’t technically update, the user’s experience mirrored a real-time interaction. This project not only allowed me to apply my frontend skills but also provided a meaningful context for understanding the intricacies of API communication and backend processes.

Moving forward, my plan is to apply the knowledge gained during the training in a practical setting by working in the field. This hands-on experience will not only help me solidify my skills but also provide valuable exposure to real-world challenges and solutions.

Additionally, I am eager to continue learning and expanding my expertise. I envision pursuing further education, with the goal of obtaining both a master’s and a doctorate degree in computer science. This advanced academic journey will allow me to delve deeper into the complexities of the field and contribute to cutting-edge research and innovations.

Ultimately, my aim is to combine practical experience with advanced academic knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the field of computer science. I believe this dual approach will position me for a fulfilling and impactful career in technology.

I am so grateful to Tech4Dev for this amazing opportunity.