Navigating Tech as a Young Person

September 6, 2024

Challenges faced by young people in tech and ways to stay afloat

Joseph Chisom Ofonagoro

Getting Started in Tech

Getting into tech can be really challenging, and as funny as this seems, some people have this false narrative that young folks have it easier when entering into a tech career, but they are quite far from the reality.

As much as older people have their hassles when transitioning into tech, younger folks have it worse for a number of reasons.

And, yes, tech seems to be dominated by the younger population, especially those under 25, but that does not in any way mean it is any easier for them than their older counterparts, though they may all have different edges and obstacles.

Coming into tech, I myself, came across these ups and down pulls, accentuated by the quite unstable life youngsters find themselves, and reminiscing on this experience and that of others, I have decided to bring this out.

Why It May Be Hard For Young People In Tech.

The Age Factor

One prominent reason why young people find it hard to navigate in tech is the very thing which is supposed to be their advantage—their age.

They are young, inexperienced, ambitious, relentless, in fact, everything about them screams ‘Youthful vigor’, and thus they are more predisposed to make very consequential and time draining mistakes at the beginning of their careers.

This often results in them switching and transitioning from one tech career to another, never staying so long to build solidity in one area as they experiment with different tech waters, looking for the one that really resonates with them.

Take me for example, I have always loved cybersecurity, but I started off as a web developer, learning HTML, CSS & JavaScript and even some PHP back then, before abandoning it to chase App development with Python and Kivy. I later paused tech out of frustration and when I came back, I stuck with Technical Writing, in a bit to bring in my natural propensity for writing into tech while doing it side by side with Cybersecurity and I have retained it for over a year now.

For some, it’s like my own, or perhaps a little bit less. For others, it is worse, but we can all relate to this, to an extent.

Funds

Another reason is funds. These young people are at a point in their lives where they depend on older people for the majority of the things they need; food, clothes, education and even their tech careers.

Many who started tech quite early can attest to the fact that their first PC was either as a gift or their parents bought it for them, or someone else.

Young people don’t have money, for a start, and tech consumes money. Courses, internet data, good PC, good phone, etc. no one gets into tech for the passion alone. Money is by the side, but to get that good money, you still need money.

This is something adults could easily get for themselves.

The Factor of Clarity

Yet another reason why youngsters find it hard to stay in tech is access, coaching and mentorship.

These things are hard to come by these days, in their real authentic self.

There aren’t many people to mentor these young folks. This can lead them to making very terrible mistakes that could be as extreme as venturing into the wrong side of tech, sometimes as a result of frustration and in a bit to survive before they ‘hit’ it.

How You Can Actually Navigate Tech As A young person

Time : Give yourself time. Understand that tech is wide. Where you started may not be where you might find yourself in later days.

Seek Mentorship : “There are no shortcuts to life, but you can always take a faster vehicle.” - John Obidi Look for people with proven excellent track records to guide you. Good things take time, but with proper guidance, you can accelerate your way quicker.

Join Community : One of the irrefutable things that can really help you as a person in tech is communities. In schools, churches, around your residence, if you find a tech community, especially one that resonates with you, do well to join. Your potential booster, mentor or even employee might be from there. Don’t underestimate what these communities can do for you, online and offline. Techgix community is also one of the best tech communities you can belong to.

Understand It won't come Easy : Tech is blood money, like they say, but

can we all also agree that that blood is your blood? You have to put in the work. Burn your midnight candles, take courses, read books, watch videos, practice, get your hands working. That’s the main skill acquisition. Also, get certifications.

Attend Events and Network : You can’t sit behind a computer all your life. You’ve got to attend and mingle with others. While some events happen virtually, I will recommend you attend physical ones. EventBrite is a good place for finding such events.

Volunteer : As a beginner, volunteering gives you early access to very valuable stuff in tech. For this, you need foresight to discern which is more ideal to volunteer and which you shouldn't. It is also one way of getting industry experience in your skill.

A Pro Tip: Volunteering might burn you out, be careful.

Conclusion

Tech is versatile, and such versatility will likely give young folks an overwhelming feel, but not to worry, tech is also fun along the way.

If you are coming into tech as a youngster, lower your expectations, keep a clear and open mind, it is hard, but enjoyable and worth trying!

If you have any advice for anyone, use the comments button, thanks.