From a Simple Quest to the Flutterbyte Stage!
Life update..........
Hi everyone!
After my HNG internship, I kept getting asked why I chose mobile app development, what inspired me, and the story behind it. Some friends even thought a special someone convinced me to do it – but, spoiler alert, the joke's on them! 😊
So, here’s the real scoop: I got into tech to boost my productivity at work. Data analysis is essential in my role, and I was searching for opportunities to expand my skills. I’m sure you're wondering how data analysis and app development connect – stay with me; it’s a fun story!
One day, while scrolling through Instagram, I discovered Tech4Dev's one-year fellowship for women wanting to transition into tech. I was all in and hoped to focus on data analysis. Unfortunately, they didn’t offer that course, but they did have Data Science and AI. I thought, "Why not? Data Science has to be pretty close!" I also assumed it wouldn’t involve much coding (just based on stories I’d heard online). Spoiler alert again: I was so wrong!
During the application, we had to pick our top five courses, just in case we didn’t make it into our first choice. As someone who loves a good challenge, I chose mobile app development as my second option – a unique niche not many people I know were exploring. My list went: Data Science, mobile app development, cybersecurity, then front-end and back-end development (since those seemed like crowded spaces to me).
After the assessments, I ended up on the waiting list, which was a little heartbreaking since I’d really hoped for Data Science. But then, unexpectedly, I was accepted into the mobile app development class! Although I’d been focused on Data Science, I was thrilled to land in my second-choice program, so I dove right in.
I leaned on my tech-savvy friends, even though none were mobile devs, so I tackled most of it solo. But they were so supportive, checking in, and even doing assignments with me (even if we were learning different languages).
Following six months of intensive classroom training at Tech4Dev, we were required to complete an internship before graduating – which brought me to HNG! During this time, Tech4Dev also organized an entrepreneurship program, and after loads of assignments, classes, and activities, I finally received that long-awaited graduation email from Tech4Dev. I had officially completed my one-year program in mobile app development!
I’m amazed at how much I’ve come to enjoy app development. I’m endlessly grateful to Tech4Dev for creating this opportunity for me and other women, to my fantastic instructor, and to all the new friends and connections I made along the way.
And that’s not all – I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be speaking alongside my friend Ella at the Flutterbyte event on November 1st and 2nd!
You can check it out here: Flutterbyte conference.
I’m both excited and a little nervous, so wish me luck!
Until next time,
Love,
Deborah.
you've got this my darling