Professionals from various industries can successfully transition into technology careers by acquiring the right skills and leveraging their existing experience, according to Ore Badmus, co-founder of TEMSI Africa.

Speaking with The PUNCH, Badmus shared her inspiring career shift from education to tech marketing, underscoring the importance of strategic planning, identifying transferable skills, and embracing uncertainty in the transition process.

From Teaching to Tech: A Journey of Growth

Badmus, who began her professional journey as a drama teacher, recalled the financial struggles that motivated her to seek better opportunities.

“Teachers don’t get paid a lot,” she said. “I had side streams of income, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted more for myself but wasn’t sure where to turn.”

Her breakthrough came in late 2020 when a friend tagged her in a Twitter post from the CEO of Ulesson, an education technology platform, advertising an opening for a creative lead.

“The job description felt like it was written for me. It was exactly what I had been doing in the classroom, but this time I would be doing it in a tech environment,” she explained.

After securing an interview, Badmus received an offer letter with a salary six times higher than what she earned as a teacher. However, the job required her to relocate to Abuja, marking the beginning of her tech career.

Overcoming Setbacks and Finding New Opportunities

At Ulesson, Badmus played a crucial role in infusing storytelling and creativity into educational content, helping design engaging video lessons.

However, just six months into the role, she was laid off. Despite the setback, she remained undeterred.

“It was a setback, but it wasn’t the end,” she said. “I knew my transferable skills could help me in another area of tech.”

This realization led her to tech marketing at TEMSI Africa, where she applied her creative experience in a new capacity.

Lessons for Career Changers

Badmus highlighted the importance of recognizing transferable skills when transitioning into tech.

“Sometimes, you don’t realise the value of your own skills until someone else points it out,” she remarked. “For me, that person was someone who saw potential in me and helped me connect the dots.”

She also emphasized that resilience and adaptability are key to thriving in a new industry.

“It’s a huge shift, but it’s also an opportunity to grow,” she said.

Her journey serves as inspiration for professionals looking to break into the tech industry, proving that with the right skills, mindset, and willingness to embrace change, success is achievable.