Embracing Change: A Pharmacist’s Dive into the Tech World.
My name is Ibukunoluwa Abraham, and I reside in Lagos state, Nigeria. I am a pharmacist and public health professional by training and practice. My motivation stems from my desire to impact lives through education and knowledge-sharing. As a melancholic person, I am naturally inclined towards continuous learning, teamwork, and achieving goals. I am particularly passionate about providing business solutions within the healthcare system.
In 2020, I made the decision to venture into the field of technology. It was a time when I needed to be present for my newborn, and the COVID-19 pandemic had made virtual work a necessity. Additionally, the demand for tech skills had become a crucial requirement for efficient job performance. As a community pharmacist and public health professional, I recognized the significance of data and its influence on decision-making, which further fueled my interest in data science.
My journey into the tech world has been truly incredible, largely due to the supportive community I found along the way. One of my proudest moments was being accepted into the Data Science learning track of the Women Techsters Fellowship. The opportunity to collaborate with a team of diverse women, working together on real-world projects and delivering presentations, was truly remarkable. We bridged the miles between us and achieved extraordinary results. Another significant highlight was sharing my personal journey at the EKO 2023 event, where I used my story to inspire and encourage girls and women in the tech world.
My Tech4Dev story began when I took the leap and joined the Women Techsters Fellowship program in 2022. Initially, I had seen the call for application for the previous session in 2020, but I felt I wasn’t quite ready for it. It was my experiences while practicing in the community healthcare system, combined with extensive research, that convinced me of the growing challenges in managing stock levels and maintaining high standards of pharmaceutical care. Recognizing the critical role of documentation and proper data collection in achieving positive health outcomes and delivering quality customer service, I felt compelled to embrace the world of tech.
As with any field, the tech industry presents its fair share of challenges. For me, initially obtaining the right hardware, such as a laptop and a reliable network connection, was a hurdle to overcome. Additionally, the ever-evolving nature of technology requires continuous learning and implementation, which can sometimes feel overwhelming if not managed properly. The tech community, both in physical and virtual spaces, has been tremendously helpful in keeping me up to date with my learning and providing a valuable support network.
The facilitators in the program were outstanding, demonstrating exceptional technical prowess, unwavering commitment, and boundless passion. The skill-building classes were well-conceived, effectively targeting our needs and helping us develop both technical and soft skills. Furthermore, the projects, assignments, and the creation of a supportive community all played a pivotal role in testing our knowledge and providing the necessary guidance.
Throughout the training program, I delved into various areas such as Python, Power BI, Microsoft Excel, and effective communication. My facilitator, Ms. Kawthar, was absolutely fantastic — dedicated, selfless, and mindful of time.
Expanding my horizons, I also enrolled in the IBM data science course and began seeking business analysis roles where I can apply my skills and knowledge to provide solutions within the healthcare sector.
Currently, I am working with Advantage Pharma Limited, a subsidiary of Advantage Health Africa, where I provide insights on healthcare products to medical practitioners in hospitals. This role requires extensive research and the utilization and interpretation of gathered data to effectively target our products. In addition to my primary role, I have also taken up a volunteer role in an arm of the organization that provides management/consultancy services hence, I’m involved in the data collection, cleaning, visualisation and interpretation processes.
Tech4Dev is an amazing organization, and I am really grateful for the opportunity.
