How to prepare, position, and power your way into the global tech workforce
The global tech industry is evolving, and so is how we work. Remote opportunities are no longer the exception; they're fast becoming the standard. At the recent Online Work Africa Summit, I had the opportunity to speak on a topic close to my heart: helping aspiring tech professionals navigate the remote job landscape.
Whether you're just getting started or pivoting from another field, this blog recaps key takeaways from that talk and gives you practical steps to kickstart or boost your online tech career.
Understanding the Online Tech Job Landscape
Online tech work isn’t limited to just developers in Silicon Valley. Today, companies around the world are hiring talent based on skills, not geography.
Here are some in-demand remote-friendly roles:
- Development: Frontend, backend, mobile apps, full-stack
- Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS, Azure, GCP, DevOps
- Data & AI: Data analysts, data engineers, machine learning practitioners
- Cybersecurity: Ethical hackers, cloud security engineers, SOC analysts
- User Experience: UI/UX designers, product managers
- IT Operations & Support: IT helpdesk, network admins
Tip: Start by identifying which area matches your strengths or interests, then go deep on the skills needed for that path.
Skills You Need to Thrive
Succeeding in an online tech job requires more than just technical know-how. It’s a blend of hard skills, soft skills, and remote readiness.
Technical Skills:
- Coding: Python, JavaScript, Java, SQL
- Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
- Data literacy: Excel, SQL, visualization tools, ML basics
- Security awareness: Basic security hygiene and tooling
Soft Skills:
- Communication: Clear, concise, and proactive messaging
- Time Management: Prioritizing and tracking tasks without micromanagement
- Adaptability: Tech changes fast, so should you
Remote Skills:
- Self-direction, accountability, asynchronous collaboration (Slack, Zoom, Trello)
- Ability to work across time zones
Being great remotely is a skill in itself. Treat it as part of your professional growth plan.
Building an Online Presence That Gets You Noticed
When you're applying for remote roles, your digital footprint is your first impression. Here's how to make it shine:
- GitHub: Share projects, contribute to open source, document your code clearly
- LinkedIn: Use relevant keywords, post consistently, and engage with tech communities
- Personal Portfolio: A simple website with your skills, resume, and past work adds huge credibility. A tech community I'd recommend Developers to check out is AWS Community Builders.
Hiring managers will Google you. Make sure they find something valuable.
The Power of Certifications (Backed by Real Skills)
Certifications can help you signal capability, especially when you're early in your journey or changing fields. Some standout options include:
Cloud:
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (great for beginners)
- AWS Solutions Architect Associate (for aspiring cloud engineers)
- Google Cloud Digital Leader
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
Data & AI:
- AWS Certified AI Practitioner
- AWS Certified Machine Learning Engineer – Associate
- AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
- AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
- IBM Data Analyst
- Google Professional Data Engineer
Security:
Remember, certs are useful when backed by hands-on practice. Combine learning with labs, projects, or internships.
Where to Find Remote Tech Jobs
You don’t need to wait for opportunities to come to you; know where to look:
Remote Job Boards:
Freelancing Platforms:
Look for clients who value long-term relationships and have verified payment methods. Start small, build reviews, and grow gradually.
Resume & Interview Tips for Remote Roles
Your resume should showcase more than just technical skills. Show that you're remote-ready:
Mention tools like Slack, Zoom, GitHub
Highlight remote work experience or team collaboration
Link to your portfolio and GitHub
Prepare for video interviews and live coding sessions (HackerRank, CodeSignal, etc.)
Remote interviews are often asynchronous or over video, practice speaking, sharing your screen, and managing your environment.
Common Challenges in Remote Tech Work
Working online isn’t all sunshine and flexibility. Here are real challenges to prepare for:
- Isolation & Burnout: Build routines and connect with online communities
- Distractions: Design a focused work environment
- Connectivity: Invest in stable internet and backups (like mobile hotspots, UPS)
- Time Zones: Learn to collaborate asynchronously and manage calendars smartly
Create Your Personal Growth Plan
Set yourself up for long-term success by having a roadmap:
- Define 3–6 month goals (example, finish a course, build a project, apply to X jobs)
- Join tech communities (example, Slack groups, Discord, Twitter/X, Meetup)
- Track your learning and reflect regularly
“Consistency beats intensity. Progress compounds over time.”
You’re Closer Than You Think
The future of work is already here. Companies want talent, not geography. If you’re willing to learn, build, and show up, there’s space for you in the global tech economy.
Whether you're in Nairobi, Accra, Kigali, or anywhere else you belong in tech. Your skills, story, and effort matter.
Bonus Resources
Here are a few resources I mentioned during the session:
AWS Skill Builder
AWS Educate
Coursera
FreeCodeCamp
Buildspace
LinkedIn Learning
Kaggle
I’d love to hear your thoughts, whether it’s a question, insight, or your own experience. Let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep the conversation going!
“Opportunities are global. Your skills can be too.” – William Mukoyani
image source: Behance.net (Kelly KTKL & Travis Hunt)
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