Sofiyat’s Tech Transformation Through The Women Techsters Fellowship

Today, we shine the spotlight on Sofiyat Gbadamosi, a beneficiary of the Women Techtsers Fellowship class of 2024. A creative introvert from Oyo State, Nigeria, and the youngest of five in a close-knit family. With civil servant parents — a retired public high school principal father and a headteacher mother — Sofiyat is currently pursuing a degree in computer science at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso.

Sofiyat relishes programming, finding joy in instructing computers through code. Since university, she has pursued knowledge through online platforms, fostering her passion for tech. Read on to learn more about Sofiyat’s journey through the Women Techsters Fellowship.

My name is Sofiyat Gbadamosi, a creative introvert from Oyo State, Nigeria. I’m the youngest of five children in a close-knit family of seven. My parents are civil servants; my father is a retired public high school principal, and my mother is a headteacher in a public primary school. Currently, I am studying computer science at the esteemed Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

My tech journey began at the age of 16, thanks to my brother. After completing my secondary school education in 2020, I attended a physical training course in Oyo Town, which initially seemed boring. However, my creativity soon transformed the experience into something exciting. Since then, I’ve been on an endless exploration of technology. I find immense joy in programming — instructing a computer to perform tasks through code is truly fascinating. After gaining admission to the university, I continued learning through various online resources like YouTube, using a laptop that barely lasted an hour without being plugged in.

My primary focus has been on front-end development. In 2022, when the university went on strike, my brother introduced me to the Women Techsters Fellowship for 2023. Although I completed the application process, I wasn’t selected. I viewed the experience as invaluable, especially since it was my first time interviewing for such opportunities. I eagerly followed updates for the next application cycle, inspired by the innovative programs offered by Tech4Dev.

In 2023, I applied again for the Women Techsters Fellowship for 2024 and was fortunate to get admitted into the Software Development learning track. I had doubts about balancing university and the program, but I was determined to succeed. The Fellowship training turned out to be an eye-opening experience. Having engaged in self-training for years, I longed for the collaboration that comes with working alongside others in a real-world context. This program helped me discover abilities I was previously unaware of and significantly boosted my confidence. One key takeaway was the lesson that “if you don’t speak up, others won’t know.”

While I faced a few technical challenges, the real struggle for me was collaboration. Being an introvert, I prefer working alone and often hesitate to seek help from others. Reaching out to teammates was daunting, and I found it difficult to express my ideas. Balancing the training with my studies presented its challenges, especially during exam periods when I felt overwhelmed. At one point, I considered asking for a break from the fellowship, but I was worried it might affect my program score and hinder my graduation. Instead, I forged ahead, juggling classes, exams, and finding a new place to live. I managed to catch up after my exams by reviewing class recordings, reminding myself, “There’s nothing you can’t do if you truly want to.”

The Women Techsters Training has profoundly influenced my self-perception, motivating me to embrace my potential. I never expected a program to have such a transformative effect on me. It has empowered me to recognize my capabilities, and I’ve already begun volunteering as a tech tutor/mentor at a new tech startup, providing basic coding classes to family members. I intend to broaden my impact in the near future, giving back to my community and helping anyone willing to learn.

While exploring numerous opportunities, I have continued upgrading my skills, focusing mainly on my academics as my family encourages. Tech4Dev has provided me with a foundation to move forward in my career, and I can’t wait to fully enter the industry.

My advice to others looking to transition into tech is this, “I have come to realize that technology is not as it appears on the surface; it is a multifaceted field. Before my immersion in tech, I believed success in this area was reserved for exceptionally gifted individuals. I have learned that taking the first step is crucial. A small step each day leads you closer to the success that may seem daunting. With dedication and commitment, I firmly believe there’s nothing you can’t achieve.”

Thank you so much for the opportunity, Tech4Dev. I am grateful.