Category: Career Growth

Job prep & soft skills

  • Finish 2025 Strong: The Ultimate Guide to Tech Networking & Upskilling for Women This December

    December often feels like a winding-down month. The “Out of Office” auto-responders are on, and the focus shifts to holidays. But for professionals especially women-in-tech this quiet period is actually a strategic goldmine. It is the perfect time to make one last high-value connection, learn a new skill without the pressure of a busy work week, or set your vision for 2026.

    If you are looking to network with other professionals or attend one last webinar to boost your portfolio, I have curated a list of the most relevant opportunities happening this month.

    Whether you are looking for an in-person meetup in Lagos or a virtual class you can take from your couch, here is how you can close out 2025.

    1. Community Spotlight: The In-Person Experience (Lagos, NG)

    Nothing beats the energy of a physical room filled with like-minded women. If you are in Nigeria, this is the can’t-miss event of the season.

    MumsWhoCode Community End-of-Year & Networking Event

    Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025

    Hosted annually by MumsWhoCode, this isn’t just a tech meetup; it’s a celebration. It is designed for mothers and women in tech to connect, celebrate their wins from the year, and create their vision boards for 2026. It’s a rare opportunity to move your networking from LinkedIn and WhatsApp DMs to real-life conversations.

    Get your tickets here:

    https://selar.com/y74lbj6783

    2. Virtual Networking: Connect Globally from Home

    If you can’t travel, the world can come to you. These virtual events are excellent for finding mentors, hearing “real talk” about the industry, and expanding your circle beyond your local geography.

    WomenTech Network Global Events

    Dates: Dec 16 & Dec 17

    The WomenTech Network is hosting two key sessions this month: Leading Tech Transformation in the AI Era and a Fireside Chat focused on confidence. These are perfect if you are eyeing a leadership role or a pivot in the new year.

    View the calendar and RSVP:

    https://www.womentech.net/women-in-tech-events

    WITI (Women in Technology International) Connect & Collaborate

    Dates: Dec 13 & Dec 20

    WITI hosts structured, casual networking sessions. If you find “open networking” awkward, these events are great because they are facilitated to help you actually meet people and find potential collaborators.

    Register here:

    https://www.witi.com/events

    3. One Last Skill: Free High-Value Training

    Want to add one more certification to your LinkedIn profile before the year ends? These options are free, virtual, and high-impact.

    Microsoft Virtual Training Days

    Dates: December 10–16

    These are expert-led sessions covering Azure, AI, and Cybersecurity. The best part? They often include free vouchers for certification exams that usually cost money. Look specifically for the “AI Fundamentals” track.

    Find a training session:

    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/events/category/microsoft-virtual-training-days

    SheCodes Free Coding Class

    Dates: Rolling (Dec 11, 14, 15)

    If you have been thinking about entering technical development but haven’t taken the leap, this 60-minute session covers the basics of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It is beginner-friendly and low-pressure.

    Join a free class:

    https://www.shecodes.io/free-class

    FutureLearn: Digital Skills – Artificial Intelligence

    Status: Self-paced

    Created by Accenture, this course is ideal for non-technical professionals who need to understand how AI is impacting business roles. It’s self-paced, so you can finish it over the holidays.

    Start learning:

    https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/artificial-intelligence

    4. The Global Stage: In-Person Summits

    For those of you traveling or based internationally, the global tech scene is ending the year with some major summits:

    Don’t let December just be a month of waiting for the new year. Pick one event—whether it’s the physical meetup in Lagos or a 60-minute virtual coding class and show up. Your 2026 self will thank you for the connections and skills you build today.

  • Tech Stacks Explained for Newbies

    Tech Stacks Explained for Newbies

    If you have ever been confused by the concept of “tech stacks”, you’re not alone. I have been there too. 

    As someone who was unsure about the relevance of my skill sets, it took some days of deliberate research to gain the understanding that I needed. This helped me regain my confidence to continue developing my skills.

    This blog post aims to clarify any confusion you might have and provide a starting point for your web development journey.

    In this article, I break down some popular stacks, making it easier for you to choose the right one as you journey into the field of web development.

    What are Tech Stacks?

    A tech stack includes the programming languages, frameworks, databases, and other tools that are used to create a functioning website or web/mobile app. Imagine it as a recipe; you need the right ingredients to create a mouth-watering dish.

    In order to build a functional website/app, you need a set of technologies that work well together to achieve your goal.

    Popular Tech Stacks:

    Here is a breakdown of some popular web development stacks, highlighting their strengths and how they can fit your unique needs as a *newbie* web developer.

    1. MERN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js): This stack uses MongoDB, A flexible database for storing website data, Express.js, Node.js and react. All 3 web technologies use JavaScript as the core language making it a good choice if you want to learn one programming language for both front-end (what users see) and back-end (server-side logic).
    • On their own, Express.js is a framework that simplifies building server-side applications. 
    • React is a popular JS library, helps create smooth and interactive user interfaces (what users see). 
    • Node.js is a runtime environment that allows you to run JavaScript on the server.

    MERN is great for dynamic websites and apps, like social media platforms. In summary, JavaScript as the only language makes it efficient to learn and a good reason to adopt the MERN stack.

    2. MEAN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js): Similar to MERN, but uses Angular (a framework from Google) instead of React. Angular is a comprehensive tool for building complex applications. Angular is a full-fledged framework, best for large, complex applications, especially when using TypeScript and needing a complete, structured solution with long-term support. It has a steeper learning curve.

    P.S: Angular provides a complete, structured approach, while React offers more flexibility and a quicker start. The best choice depends on your specific project needs, team skills, and preferences.

    3. MEVN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, Vue.js, Node.js): This stack swaps React/Angular for Vue.js, a lightweight and easy-to-learn framework. MEVN is a good choice for projects where simplicity and adaptability are key.

    4. PERN Stack (PostgreSQL, Express.js, React, Node.js): Almost identical to MERN, but uses PostgreSQL, a robust database known for its data integrity and reliability, often preferred for applications handling sensitive data like in healthcare or banking.

    5. LAMP Stack (Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP): A classic and reliable stack that’s been around for a long time. It’s cost-effective and good for building websites and web applications. Many popular platforms like WordPress use LAMP. Here’s what it includes:

    • Linux: A free and open-source operating system.
    • Apache: A widely used web server.
    • MySQL: A relational database for structured data.
    • PHP: A server-side scripting language for building dynamic web pages.

    6. The Python Stack: Python is known for its clear and concise syntax, making it a great choice for beginners. This stack offers a variety of frameworks for web development, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your project. 

    Here are some common options:

    • Python: The core language, easy to learn and read.
    • Django: A full-featured framework for complex web applications.
    • Flask: A lightweight framework ideal for smaller projects.
    • PostgreSQL or MySQL: Popular database options for Python projects

    How do you choose the right stack:

    There’s no “one size fits all” answer. However, it is important that you consider these factors when making your choice:

    • Project Goals: What kind of website or application do you want to build? Is it a dynamic website? What are the functional requirements? Answering the questions will help you make the right decision
    • Community: It should have a strong community of users and supporters.
    • Organizational need: If you already work in a different role at an organization and looking to pivot internally, then you should definitely consider the programming language currently in use by the team.
    • Learning Curve: It should be beginner-friendly – easy to learn, even if you’re new to coding.
    • Scalability: It should support scalability on the long term
    • Time Commitment: How much time can you dedicate to learning new technologies.

    Tips for Success:

    Web development like every other tech field requires resilience and dedication. By following the tips below, you would be well on your way to becoming a successful web developer.

    • Start Small: Don’t try to learn everything at once. Choose a beginner-friendly stack and focus on building a simple project first.
    • Find a Supportive Community: MumsWhoCode is here for you! Connect with other mums who are learning to code, share your experiences, and get encouragement.
    • Embrace Mentorship or Get a Coach: Decide early enough how you would want to learn. Through a coach in a structured format or self-learning. Either way, you need to find a more experienced web developer to teach you and provide feedback on your work. This will help you identify gaps and learn faster
    • Utilise Online Resources: There are many free tutorials, courses, and coding challenges available online. Look for resources designed for beginners.
    • Celebrate Your Progress: Learning to code takes time and effort. Acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small.

    Conclusion:

    Choosing the right tech stack is an important step in your web development journey. Remember, there’s no perfect stack – the best one is the one that works for you. By considering your goals, learning style, and time constraints, you can choose a stack that empowers you to build amazing things as a mum coder. 

    Get started today and if you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MumsWhoCode community for support

  • Level Up: How Women in Tech Can Become Indispensable

    Level Up: How Women in Tech Can Become Indispensable

    It is not just enough to land a job in a dream company, to truly thrive and secure your future, you need to continually impress your employer and become an invaluable member of the team. 

    You would agree with me that the competition is sometimes fierce in workplaces and it is not always the hardest worker that gets the most applause.

    It is important to work smart and to be intentional about our actions.

    Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your tech career to the next level, following the tips below will help you to succeed and become an indispensable member of your team.

    1. Expertise & Knowledge Sharing:
    • Develop a unique skill set that distinguishes you from your colleagues.
    • Be willing to share your knowledge and train others, becoming a valuable asset to the team.
    1. Building Relationships:
    • Cultivate strong connections with decision-makers in the company.
    • Treat everyone with respect, regardless of their position.
    1. Work Ethic & Productivity:
    • Follow directions and demonstrate your ability to be a team player.
    • Generate new ideas and actively contribute to problem-solving.
    • Focus on important tasks and look for ways to increase productivity.
    • Strive to accomplish more than the minimum and always offer solutions.
    1. Proactiveness & Attitude:
    • Take the initiative and be a self-starter, requiring minimal supervision.
    • Be reliable, especially during challenging situations.
    • Show enthusiasm and maintain a positive attitude towards your work.

    Additional Tips:

    • Make your boss’s job easier by taking on tasks they can’t or don’t have time for.
    • Focus on the company’s bottom line by identifying cost-saving opportunities.
    • Gain a competitive edge by setting high standards for yourself and consistently exceeding expectations.

    Do you have any more tips to add? Drop it in the comments.

    Click here to sign up and join our closed group.

  • Highlights from our Community Call (May Edition)

    Highlights from our Community Call (May Edition)

    The May edition of our community call was a blast. We connected, learnt and got inspired.

    The amazing Arit Amana was present and as usual, she demonstrated her passion to see more mothers in tech; emphasizing the importance of setting tech goals as mothers and a minority in the tech ecosystem.

    The goal of our monthly community calls is to promote knowledge sharing and inspiration in a relaxed virtual atmosphere. MumsWhoCode Community Calls or Hang-outs hold once every 3 weeks. Register to attend the June Edition here and make sure to invite another mom.

    As part of our discussions, Aghama Jesurobo highlighted the importance of realistic expectations as newbies in tech and how accountability partners are helpful to staying on track as mums embark on their journey.

    Also present was Maryam Gbemisola, an Alumni of the Digital Women Bootcamp who started her journey into the tech world about 2 years ago and is now a multi-certified tech mom teaching newbies the ropes of Data Analysis Fundamentals.

    New connections were made, insights were shared, and we all left the 1-hour session feeling rejuvenated to continue putting in the work as women and mothers in tech.

    Here is what one of the attendees had to say:

    It was great; it gave me clarity and a mindset that I can achieve going into tech if I put my mind into it. I hope to attend more sessions

    We hope you join us soon or invite a mom you know.

    If you are an experienced tech coach (especially a mother), we will be excited to have you come speak or teach at one of our sessions. Kindly send Aghama an email here.

    Till next time…

    Aghama.

  • Personal Tech Skill Audit for Career Growth in 2023

    Personal Tech Skill Audit for Career Growth in 2023

    Personal Tech Skill Audit for Career Growth in 2023

    Author: Aghama Jesurobo

    As a tech professional and an employee, one of the things I do often is a Personal Skill Audit. This has helped me a great deal over the last years.

    I believe a Personal Skill Audit should be an important new year activity whether for an employee or a freelancer desirous of growth.

    Personal Skill Audit simply means taking inventory of your skill set and level of skills proficiency.

    With a Personal Skill Audit, you get to know what skills you have, the skills you need to hone or acquire for your current or desired role.

    Professional growth demands that an individual be intentional; therefore, a Personal Skills Audit is important. While this article is focused on technical skills, soft skills are just as important. So, it is also useful to consider assessing your communication, networking and writing skills, to mention just a few.

    A Personal Skills Audit (PSA) will clearly show all your skills, help you identify skill gaps and make it easy for you to determine steps to take in your job or career as well as formulate a roadmap to securing your relevance, pay increment, promotion, desired job.

    Here are the few and simple steps to conduct your Personal Skills Audit:

    1. On a piece of paper or e-notepad, write down all the skills you have acquired and note the level of proficiency by the side. Preferably, put it in tabular form or use a spreadsheet. Feel free to critically rate your proficiency for each skill you have listed. Additionally, I recommend you do one or both of the following:

    • take tech assessment tests (examples of sites to find tech assessment quizzes include linkedin, pluralsight, datacamp)

    • have a trusted mentor, coach or supervisor assess your work.

    2. consider your current job description and deliverables or that of a desired role in another organization.

    To be competitive in your industry, research job descriptions and skills requirements from 4-7 different organizations, looking out for similarities and uniqueness.

    3. based on the above, identify any skill gaps and note the skills you need to gain or hone. Another way to identify skill gaps is to utilize feedback from reviews. Organizations perform yearly review exercises; what was your assessment report for last year like? What were the recommendations for your improvement?

    You would be doing your career a disservice if you haven’t started working on the stated recommendations for improvement if you desire a higher ranking or are working towards a promotion.

    Once the skill gaps have been identified, depending on the skills to be learnt and other factors, you will have to decide between going the self-taught route or attending a training school/bootcamp requiring fees.

    Worth considering is the time frame needed to acquire or develop a skill especially if you are eyeing a promotion or a new opening. It is advisable to set a deadline.

    If you are able to learn on your own then you only need to set time and money aside for bandwidth and/or course bundles.

    Otherwise, you would need to know the cost of paid training and set some amount of money aside to pay for the required training.

    You may also need to enroll with a career coach and pay for the services.

    So, make enquiries about costs, create your budget for personal development.

    Depending on the total amount and your income level, you might need to put out a certain percentage of your income each month to help you cover the cost.

    If your organization covers the cost of professional training, you are in luck. If not, take responsibility for your career growth and invest in it. 

    An investment in personal development will always yield a good return.

    It is important not to forget that nurturing and developing skills require an environment that allows for use and constant practice.

    If you are developing skills not required in your current role, I recommend you seek out challenges and communities that will allow you to grow the skills you have acquired.

    With most tech skills, you are bound to lose it if you don’t use it.

    Have you done a #newyear skills audit in the past? How did it shape your professional growth for that year?

    Feel free to share if you found this useful.

    #skillsdevelopment #skillsaudit #elearning #techmum