Cue in K1’s “Adé Orí Òkin”…
If you grew up watching Nollywood in the 90’s you’ve probably seen a movie about blood money, and you’ve also seen that ill-gotten money rarely lasts except of course you’re a Nigerian politician (bombastic side-eye). The popular expression “money answereth all things” rings true if you live or work in Lagos. I’m here to tell you how to make blood money with Information Technology AKA “Tech”.
Now for starters, I think this might be better shared as a series because Tech is too broad to cover in one blog post. Also, I want you all to have hella options by the time I’m done (if I ever get done).
In 2020, I felt deeply dissatisfied with law practice but it took a 7-month unemployment gap to get me back to it. I spent another year with a boss from hell in Oil & Gas, and that’s how I knew that I couldn’t build a career in law. Fast forward to a year later, I pivoted to cybersecurity; it’s been my best career move yet. One day soon I’ll talk about my pivot but today we’re focusing on a friend who japa’d to pursue a career in Data Analysis.
GC: What did your life in Nigeria look like before you left?
Ola: I was on a journey of self-development and self-worth. Looking back mehn, I struggled oh! Make I run you small background story, my guy. I used to work for a digital lender on the Island (Lagos Island) as a collection/recovery agent, I was dragging stubborn debtors lol and earning 100k a month. At the time, I couldn’t afford a place of my own (my parents lived in Ikorodu). I’d put up with my friends and at a point, I was crashing at the office then I’d go home on Fridays and be back on Sundays or Mondays. Story of my life!
GC: That must have been rough! (for context, Ikorodu to Lagos Island is at least a 4-hr commute if you’re driving). You had a background in Mathematics, what made you choose data?
Ola: Errm! That’s a good one. I’ve always had a thing for stats from Uni, I’ll fail my departmental courses but I’ll score A’s or B’s in stats. While working for my previous employers I witnessed how data was used to drive business growth and sustainability and that inspired me to become a data scientist/analyst.
GC: Did you get advice to make the switch or you researched?
Ola: I was advised.
GC: Run me through the process of becoming a data analyst, like how did you get here?
Ola: The story is long oh! oya lace your buckle make you run along. Sometime in 2018, my cuz advised me to take a data analytics course on Coursera. I was learning the course but it was hard to balance at that point because I just started working so I stopped.
I was always surrounded by people in tech! Awon ti MIT sho get? So my transition was easy thanks to my friends and a few of my supportive colleagues at work. In 2019, my cousin linked me up with a technical interview using Excel for a department that worked for NIBSS. I was tasked to do some calculations with Excel I bin go dey use calculator for the computer solve am but Excel cast me sha bc e go show calculated fields if the calculation was executed with Excel. Days later he called and shared his displeasure concerning my performance, which gingered me to learn Excel but I wasn’t consistent when Covid happened in 2020.
During covid lockdown, people started working from home then I realised a job can be taken from me but my career, never! A colleague advised me to upskill, another sent me free LinkedIn courses with certificates, and one of my best friends bought me an SQL course. I learned Python for data analysis on my own and I did more certified courses. All this happened till 2021, I would have had the opportunity to intern as a data analyst at my former place of work because they encouraged career progression but I left for my post-graduate studies in 2021.
GC: What were some of the beginner courses or tools you used to start out?
Ola: I started with Microsoft Excel, proceeded to learn SQL then Python for Data Analysis. The thing is one needs to be familiar with most of the industry tools and skills.
GC: Why the UK?
Ola: A close colleague advised me to do an MSc as this would help my career progression. I took his advice but I wasn’t confident with my applications because I had a 3rd class in my BSc. degree in Mathematics I no be Olodo oh lol. Thanks to God and good friends I was able to get admission for my MSc. in Data Science with my certified courses, and I had the opportunity to right my wrongs by graduating with a Distinction as a bad guy sho ye eh? Stay Wicked! God is the greatest.
GC: What’s the average entry salary of a data analyst in the UK?
Ola: That’s like £40k - £45k a year
GC: How about Nigeria?
Ola: Like 1.5m Naira ($3,500) a year
GC: What is the most fulfilling part of your work?
Ola: Using data to help make meaningful decisions, with data one can identify opportunities and risks, improve business operations and drive business growth,
GC: What’s the best way to build wealth while working in Data?
Ola: That would be developing on-demand skills, pursuing advanced courses or education, staying up-to-date with trends in the field and building networks.
GC: Since we’re on the matter of Blood money, is it possible to make a shitload of money in your line of work? Also, how long would it typically take to start earning on that level?
Ola: Experience! It all depends on the level of experience and how one can finesse. I know someone that makes £500 a day as a Data Scientist/Analyst that’s even small oh! Let me blow your mind yh, I know someone that earns £1000 - £1500 a day as a developer, he travels around the world to watch F1 races. Tech is the new blood money.
GC: What is the highest amount you see yourself earning at the peak of your career?
Ola: Stay wicked! Better 6 figures in GBP or USD
(end of interview)
This week was a bit rough for me but I hacked dealing with tough times by just showing up and doing something every day. I hope Ola’s story inspires someone to pursue that Tech dream by starting today. I watched Swarm and Rinsed Timeless by Davido btw, top tier enjoyment. A few parties are happening in Lagos this holiday like; One of those nights/South Socials on the beach so if you’re looking for something to do, you should go. I’ll be attending a wedding at the Brown-roof City (IYKYK), see y’all next week and until then…
Stay Jiggy
xx
Gist Curator