Why I Refuse To Wait Until Graduation To Start Building My Future In Tech
My name is Bassey. I'm a 300-level Microbiology student at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Like many students, I started university with the hope of building a successful career after graduation. But as I progressed in my studies, I began thinking seriously about my future.
I started asking myself difficult questions like What would happen after graduation? How easy would it be to secure a good job as a microbiologist in Nigeria? Would I have to spend years waiting for employment before I could start building the life I wanted?
I didn't want to leave my future entirely in the hands of circumstances. I wanted to start preparing while I was still in school.
How My Journey Into Tech Began
I started exploring technology skills that could give me opportunities to work, solve problems, and build a career beyond the traditional path associated with my degree. Eventually, I discovered data analytics.
Something about it immediately connected with the kind of person I am. I love researching things, asking questions, learning new concepts, and exploring possibilities. When I encounter something I don't understand, my instinct is to investigate it until I gain a better understanding.
I also enjoy finding solutions to problems and helping people with things they find difficult. When I learned that data analytics involves asking questions, examining information, identifying patterns, and using evidence to solve problems, I began to see a career that aligned with my interests. I decided to pursue it seriously.
Three Months of Learning SQL Without a Laptop
I knew I couldn't learn everything at once, so I chose SQL as my starting point. I began with Mimo, progressed to SQLBolt, continued with SQLZoo, and eventually moved to DataLemur, where I've been challenging myself with Medium and Hard SQL problems.
For approximately three months, I've continued learning and practicing using my phone. I've had to work around a device that wasn't designed for the kind of technical learning I'm pursuing. Nevertheless, I've kept going because I understand what I'm trying to build.
I'm not claiming to be an expert or a professional data analyst. I'm still learning, making mistakes, asking questions, and improving my understanding. But I'm proud that I've started.
Reaching a Turning Point: The Smartphone Limitation
To become the data analyst I aspire to be, I need to move beyond SQL exercises and start building practical projects. My next goals are to learn Excel, Power BI, and eventually Python, then use these skills to develop projects that demonstrate my ability to solve real problems with data.
Unfortunately, learning these tools effectively requires access to a suitable computer. And that is where my biggest challenge lies. I currently don't have a laptop.
Over the past few months, I've applied for various technology opportunities and laptop-support programmes, hoping to find a way forward. I've written applications, followed leads, and explored different possibilities. So far, I haven't secured the laptop I need.
There have been moments when the uncertainty has made me question what to do next. But I keep reminding myself why I started: I want to build my future before graduation, not wait until I graduate before beginning to figure things out. I'm not looking for shortcuts. I want the opportunity to learn, practice, build projects, and develop skills that can eventually make me valuable to employers and clients.
Why I'm Sharing My Story
I'm reaching out to individuals, technology companies, organisations, data professionals, and anyone who believes in helping determined young people access opportunities.
If you know of a legitimate laptop donation or sponsorship programme, an organisation that supports aspiring data analysts, or someone who could help me access a suitable laptop, I would be genuinely grateful for the connection. I am open to guidance, mentorship, and opportunities that can help me move forward.
If you'd like to support my journey directly, I've created a laptop-support campaign on Donate-ng. Every contribution will bring me one step closer to getting the laptop I need to continue learning and building my future.
A suitable laptop would mean much more to me than owning a computer. It would give me the ability to practice more effectively, learn industry tools, build my portfolio, and take another important step towards the career I'm working to create.
I know I still have a lot to learn. I'm prepared to put in the work. I don't want to wait for my circumstances to change before I start building my future. I've already started with what I have. Now, I need the tool to go further.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
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