This is not like one of my usual articles, this was the advice I gave to my friend (real name withheld) but let’s call her Tessy. So my friend Tessy is a very intellectually sound girl; she is quick to learn and hardly goes for the easy ones. Tessy enrolled for a programming school in Lagos in 2020 and has graduated as a Backend Engineer; she is very proficient in Java.

However, I feel so bad each time we have a chat and she complains about no gigs. The last time we had a chat, I asked her a simple question, and I quote “if you were an employer, would you employ someone without any record of job experience, knowing this is a sensitive kind of job?”. Her words were “I will learn on the Job, Grace I know this thing”.

Well, here is my honest advice: a ‘professional’ without job experience is not far from being a novice. Now, does it mean that a new person in tech cannot get a gig? No. I simply mean that, you need to position yourself better for opportunities without being worn out with a million rejections due to poor job experiences or lack of it.

Here are 4 practical ways to position yourself for new gigs in tech

Join a Cohort

When I took interest in Data Analysis, I began to search for free learning opportunities on Instagram. I guess, with my interest, Google started to push sponsored posts related to data analysis to my feed. I came across both paid and free cohorts in that field. You can do the same.

Cohorts help you meet and mingle with people who are interested in what you are also interested about. Cohorts often present learning opportunities. Even if you know that thing already, learn it again for the sake of association.

Join Relevant Communities

This is not just about joining any tech community, join a community that is relevant to your skill and growth. Some of these communities organize programmes, meet-ups and related events. You also get the chance to contribute to or become part of a project.

There are no job opportunities as prestigious as a job you got through recommendation. Now how can someone recommend you if they do not know you, or what skills you have?

Be Eager to Volunteer

Don’t ever think you know too much to work for free. Because at this point, what is most important is to build your experience and portfolio. Real life job experience hit different from class projects because they are real problems.

When you volunteer, you practice your skill in a real job without being judged, you can only get critiques that can help you do better. You also stand a chance to polish your skill, work on new projects and build your portfolio.

Go for Excellence

Do not make the mistake of being too eager for money, strive for excellence. Let your mindset be growth oriented and let money be secondary at the entry stage. Learn, and unlearn and stay teachable.

This was my honest advice to my friend Tessy because it worked for me. You might want to ignore every other point here, but do not underestimate the power of joining a tech community.