My TIIDELab Fellowship Experience (1.0)
From Failed Attempt to Thriving Success at TIIDELab!
“Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently.” — Henry Ford
In a world where success seemed elusive, I courageously reapplied to TIIDELab, a coveted software development training program. Despite a failed attempt the previous year, I refused to let failure define me. Fueled by determination, I faced fierce competition with the number of applicants skyrocketing to 7,890. Against all odds, I emerged triumphant. Join me as i walk you through my Journey to Self Reliance.
Entering the doors of TIIDELab, I was filled with anticipation and excitement, ready to embark on an intensive one-month software development training program. From day one, the experience has been nothing short of transformative.
The Onboarding
The TIIDELab onboarding ceremony marked the start of an unforgettable journey. Filled with enthusiasm and anticipation, we gathered, eager to embark on this transformative experience. Warm welcomes from the team and mentors set a positive tone. We were introduced to the core values that would guide us throughout our training: dedication, innovation, collaboration, and perseverance.
A notable highlight of the onboarding ceremony was the testimonies of previous graduates who shared their success stories, each a testament to the program’s impact. Their achievements ignited a flame of inspiration within us, fueling our determination to make the most of this opportunity.
The Journey Begins
During the first week at TIIDELab, we were introduced to the use of Git and GitHub in a live class by Ayodele Samuel Adebayo (unclebay). The highlight of that week was Mr. Shamsudeen Aderoju’s professional development class on “Attitude and Success: The Nexus,” he emphasized the importance of not only technical skills but also having the right mindset and attitude for success.
During Week 2 at TIIDELab, we were privileged to have a series of guest leaders from the industry join us for interactive sessions. These industry experts brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, enriching our learning journey. Each session was engaging and insightful, covering various topics relevant to the software development industry.
Mentorship played an integral part in guiding us through the program. The wisdom and experience shared by industry professionals not only enriched our technical knowledge but also provided insights into the software industry’s intricacies.
The First Physcial Meet up
The highly anticipated first physical meetup at TIIDELab finally arrived, and it was an exciting moment as I got to meet other fellows in person after two weeks of online interactions.
During this physical gathering, Mr. Shams, our program coordinator, conducted an engaging professional development class on team building. It was an invaluable session that emphasized the significance of effective teamwork in the software development industry. He shared practical strategies to enhance collaboration, communication, and problem-solving within a team.
The interactive nature of the class allowed us to participate actively, share experiences, and learn from one another. We were encouraged to embrace diversity within teams, recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes and creative solutions. Mr. Shams also stressed the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive team culture, where every member’s contribution is valued.
Leaving the physical meetup, I felt a sense of inspiration and motivation to collaborate and learn from my peers. It served as a reminder that in the ever-evolving world of software development, the ability to work effectively in a team is as essential as technical proficiency.
In Week Three, the Major highlight was the World Youth Skills Day Celebration which held on 14th of July, We the TIIDELab fellows were not exempted from the celebration as we had resource persons who are grounded in the Tech space with over 10 years of experience as guest speakers.
Fikayo Adepoju Oreoluwa’s words struck a chord, emphasizing the significance of both breadth and depth knowledge. He advised us to acquire a little knowledge about various aspects within our field (breadth knowledge) while also honing our expertise in a specific area (depth knowledge). This balanced approach would prove vital in our professional growth.
Celeste O’s statement left a lasting impact, urging us not to be solely driven by monetary gains. Instead, she encouraged us to focus on creating impactful work.
The importance of soft skills was underscored by Sumaiya Nalukwago. While technical skills may land us a job, it is the soft skills that enable us to thrive and succeed in our careers. Effective communication, teamwork, and adaptability are invaluable assets that help us excel and grow as professionals.
The Most Enriching week for me
In the fourth week, we delved into understanding the fundamentals of computers and the internet. Alongside, we continued our journey into basic HTML and CSS . The week took an inspiring turn at our second physical meet-up as we had the honor of spending a day with Mr. Kadir Salami, the visionary founder of TIIDELab. His lecture on “Securing Your Income To The Future” left a lasting impact. Through relatable real-life scenarios, he extensively guided us on various aspects of securing our future, in his words “Be a sugar” and you will forever remain employable.
Adding to the enriching experience, we received visits from representatives of one of our sponsors, the ITF (Industrial Training Fund) ) to check on our well-being and progress. The week was a whirlwind of knowledge and interactions, reminding us of the incredible support and mentorship available on our journey at TIIDELab.
Time seemed to fly as the weeks passed, and I found myself fully immersed in this intensive learning experience. The support from my colleagues was a constant source of motivation, pushing me to excel and embrace the process of continuous learning.
As I look back on this one-month experience, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of TIIDELab’s immersive training program. It has not only provided me with the tools to pursue a career in software development but has also taught me the value of resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence.
But this is not the end. It’s just the beginning.
As I step into the second month of this transformative training program, I promise to keep you all updated on my progress and share the insights and lessons that continue to shape my path.
So, stay tuned for TIIDELab 2.0! Together, let’s embrace the challenges, celebrate the triumphs, and embark on this journey to self-reliance.
Thank you for being a part of this incredible adventure, and I can’t wait to share more with you in the days to come!