Why I Swapped My Political Science Degree for a Career in Tech — Bridget Yisa

Meet Bridget Iember Yisa, a monitoring and evaluation officer from Abuja who swapped her political science degree for a career in tech. After facing challenges and long hours in her old role, she discovered her passion for technology through a webinar and the Women Techsters Bootcamp. Despite some obstacles, Bridget embraced the change and unlocked new skills and opportunities in tech. Find out how her bold decision transformed her career and opened exciting new doors.

My name is Bridget Iember Yisa, and I work as a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer in Abuja, Nigeria. I come from a family of seven, being the oldest of five children. My roots are in Benue State, but I was born and raised in Kaduna State. My father worked in the textile industry and also ran a tailoring shop, while my mother was a dedicated hairdresser with her own salon. Though both of them have since retired back to Benue State, my father sadly passed away in 2013.

I graduated with a B.Sc. in Political Science from Benue State University, Makurdi. For years, I was content with my career, but something changed for me in late 2023. I found myself yearning for something more — something that was both intriguing and impactful, that’s when I stumbled upon a webinar that completely changed my perspective. It gave me the insight I needed to realize that technology was the path I wanted to pursue.

As I began exploring opportunities in tech, I came across the Women Techsters Bootcamp on LinkedIn. I had been following Tech4Dev and other profiles in the tech industry, hoping to find the right opportunity, so when I saw the Bootcamp, I knew it was the perfect fit for me, and I was thrilled when I got selected.

The Women Techsters Bootcamp was a game-changer because it wasn’t just about learning technical skills — it was about opening my mind to new possibilities and giving me the tools to grow in cybersecurity. I gained so much, from team-building skills to the technical knowledge essential for a successful career in tech.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing because managing power supply issues and staying focused during four-hour classes was a real challenge. But I was determined to see it through and I knew this program was my gateway to a better future, and I wasn’t about to let anything stand in my way.

Looking back, I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. The Bootcamp has significantly improved my skills and equipped me with the hands-on experience and the right soft skills I need to navigate the tech world. I’m now more committed than ever to continue my journey, building on the strong foundation I’ve gained, and applying these skills to make a real difference in the world.

To anyone thinking of transitioning into tech, my advice is simple: “Always go for what you want. The road might be challenging, but the rewards are beyond worth it. If I can do it, so can you.”