“I believe that being a woman doesn’t hinder you from doing/knowing anything.”
If you’re in the Faculty of Technology, University of Ibadan and you’ve not heard of Temilade Adelakun, it’s either you’re a fresher or you’ve been living under a rock. Mercy recently interviewed Tech’s favourite girl, and this is one interview you want to read! Keep reading to find out what she has been up to lately( it’s mind-blowing, I assure you) and her advice to everyone.
M: Hi Temilade. How are you doing today?
Temilade: Very fine, thank you. And you?
M: I’m doing great. Thank you.
M: For those getting to know you for the first time, can you tell us a little about you?
Temilade: Hello everyone, I’m Temilade Adelakun. I’m a curious and amazing young lady. (Yes! I am amazing).
I recently completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Ibadan. I studied Mechanical Engineering. I am awed at the possibilities in the tech industry as well. I hope to work in one of the top tech firms in some years.
I love researching, learning new things, solving problems. I continually make an effort to improve myself and refine my skills.
I am passionately committed to leveling up the female representation in STEM Fields. I love to volunteer which is one of the things I enjoy doing.
M: Wow! You are truly amazing. If this is a little about you, I’m wondering how much you’ve got inside you (smiles)
Temilade: (smiles) Thank you.
M: Rumour has it that you wanted to study medicine and surgery. I’m curious about your journey into the tech world. Kindly enlighten us.
Temilade: While growing up, I had the idea that engineers are always male and females do not become engineers nor work in the technology space. I remember having a conversation with one of my male cousins studying computer science and he told me they had few ladies in class and they were often labeled as 'tomboys’.
My cousin concluded that he will not advise any of his female sibling study courses in the technology field because females do not thrive in such fields. All of these affected my reasoning and thoughts about females in STEM.
The day the myth broke its hold on me was when I had a conversation with one of my teachers and out of my ignorance, I told him females do not study engineering. He was surprised but was able to enlighten me by ensuring I research on exceptional females in engineering and technology via Google. This is the landmark of my career journey!
Following this discovery, I applied to study mechanical engineering at the University of Ibadan.
I did a lot of research on my own about the course I intend to study, thanks to the encouragement of my teacher, parents, and siblings. I had an offer to study mechanical engineering. Although in my class we were 5 females to about 36 males, I have taken it upon myself to demystify the myth and motivate more females to study and play active roles that would advance the STEM world.
This has spurred me to join some organizations and associations like STEMBelle, Yielding Accomplished African Women, Google Women Techmakers to mention a few.
M: This is an amazing one.
What would you say are the major challenges you’ve faced in the technology world and how were you able to rise above them?
Temilade: Well, I honestly won’t say I have faced major challenges yet. Maybe because I haven’t entered the "real" Tech world.
There was a time when I was always unhappy about people being surprised that I am a mechanical engineering student and asking me questions like "can you fix a car tyre", "Do you know how to gauge the oil of a car" and other annoying questions.
I believe that being a woman doesn’t hinder you from doing/knowing anything.
Also, imposter syndrome! It took me some time to overcome this.
Some of us are not comfortable bragging about our achievements, but unless we do, how will anyone know what a great job we are doing?
My siblings and close friends always encourage me to share my achievements and not be shy about it. They are my hypemen and we need such people in our lives
No doubt cultural norms need to change in employment, family, and educational settings to permanently eliminate the problem of gender discrimination, so every woman can feel confident, supported, and safe as they pursue their dreams. I try my best to ignore these challenges by focusing on my skills and staying current with tech trends.
Also, I am always my true and authentic self.
I don’t feel that a person should try to change their personality to be taken seriously. I hear people advising ladies to be more aggressive in the tech industry but if that is not you, then why do it? Please just be you and be smart
I know I talk a lot...(laughs)
You asked and I’m answering.
M: This is interesting. Thank you for your transparency. Be your true and authentic self!
M: What would you describe as your greatest achievement so far?
Temilade: You are trying to put me in a box ...I got a couple of achievements I consider "greatest".
Graduating from the University of Ibadan (laughs)Just kidding
I will say it is being one of the four Nigerians accepted for the Harvard Business School Crossroads Emerging Leaders Program (CELP) 2020
Also, being the project lead of an amazing summit holding next month for 5000 African students. You should all watch out for StudentBuild Summit 2020.
These two stand out.
M: This is amazing, keep soaring.
M: A lot of people are of the impression that being a techie you hardly have a fun time.
How true is this?
Temilade: Errrr...I think it’s more about your personality
Being a Techie does not stop you from having fun.
M: On this note, what will be your advice to someone new to the tech world?
Temilade: I have answered those particular questions a lot of times and I can relate because this was me when I wanted to start coding...I remember writing a medium post some years ago. I titled it: 'I’m a newbie in programming, what language should I start with?’
Other advice I have included:
1) Have an open mind and make some research about the different programming languages and their applications
2) Join Tech communities. Here are some I will recommend: Google Developers Group, Women Techmakers, Facebook Developer Circle, Data Science Nigeria, AI Saturday
3) Repitition is the mother of learning...Practice! Practice! Also, ensure to work on projects.
There are some time it becomes hard, don’t give up
4) Attend Tech meetups. Through these types of get-togethers, you’ll expand your hands-on knowledge and your personal and professional circles.
5) Ensure to have fun while learning and take a break where necessary. Do not be too hard on yourself.
Also, I will like to add that some tech careers require little or no coding. Product Manager, Project Manager, User Experience Designer, SEO/SEM specialist, Operations manager to mention a few.
M: Yes! Have fun while learning and take a break when necessary. Thank you for your time,Temilade.
To know more about Temilade, her thought process and latest projects; you can follow her on social media:
Facebook: Adelakun Temilade
Twitter: @temilad_
Instagram: @temilad_
LinkedIn: Temilade Adelakun
Medium:Temilade Adelakun
ABOUT US
WIE-UISB stands for Women in Engineering, University of Ibadan Students Branch. A community dedicated to empowering ladies in Engineering and other STEM fields.
Connect with us:
Twitter: @wie_uisb
Instagram: @wie-uisb
#womentechmakers #womenintech #nigeria #youngandgettingit #temiladeadelakun #universityofibadan #tech #digital #wcw #wie #ieee #womeninengineering
