My Journey into Tech: From Content Writing to Product Design.
A chat with the AYOMIDE OKETOLA.
by Jewel.C
As the winner of the TECH JEWELS 2022, AYOMIDE OKETOLA is a product designer who transitioned from content writing and digital marketing. Writing and creating content for various platforms around the world was her passion until it wasn’t.
Let’s start from the very top, HOW THE SWITCH HAPPENED.
As a tech enthusiast or just being up-to-date on the latest trends, you know that content writing and some skills will, in time, be out-of-demand; with AI’s impressive & fast rise, it’s not very far off. Ayomide’s switch couldn’t have come at a better time for her.
She tells us about how her journey to becoming a product designer began and the reasons she chose this particular skill;
“I came across The Bulb’s page on Instagram through a sponsored ad. I decided to apply. I didn’t even understand what they were doing until I got a mail that I was shortlisted. “
The fellowship program at The Bulb Africa offers you different courses on in-demand tech skills. After being shortlisted and accepted, she picked PRODUCT DESIGN and expressed her need and drive to be part of something making an impact.
“I chose product design because I’ve always been interested in impacting people. And the one thing that stood out for me in product design is that I can create products centered around my users, creating things that make them and creating products that are accessible and usable, identifying their problems and solving them.”
During her training at the fellowship, it was a fantastic experience for her because she met some fascinating people and made friends, as the importance of surrounding yourself with other fellow creatives can’t be over-stressed.
“The Bulb has a wonderful facility; they have enabling environments where people help each other. So, the community for me is one thing that stood out during my experience,” she said.
She was able to, during the training, work on SHOPREE, an e-commerce store for ladies to shop for clothes, and also worked on PINLAWYER with friends, a lawyer application where we try to connect users with lawyers.
How did you cope? How did you work through the hard times? Did you have hard times?” are questions running through our minds… here’s what she says,
“When I started, self-doubt was one of the major challenges. Sometimes I still have a little self-doubt, but I have come to tell myself that the products I’ve designed are converting. So, I know that I know what I’m doing.”
Ayomide discloses that winning the award of TECH JEWEL 2022 has put her in the spotlight and created opportunities that have helped kickstart her career.
So far, she has had the opportunity to work with international clients on several projects, in different teams, and with people from various backgrounds.
The Bulb helped her understand that as an individual, you should be able to work in a team, have emotional intelligence, and listen to other people.
“Apart from all these things, winning the award has also allowed me to try to help other young women, like me, who want to enter Tech and build a name for themselves. I want to encourage them and make them see that they can do it.” she finishes off.
With her career switch, Ayomide is encouraging young women out there that now is the right time to start that life-changing switch.
The fellowship program helps you start your career correctly and with the right in-demand skills. You can take advantage of the ongoing open applications; click the link above to get started. We wish Ayomide all the best!