Motivated to Pursue My Career: Insights Gained from Unemployment

My journey into the digital world began in 2007 in High School labs when I took the initiative to create a free website for my school using Webs.com (Now  www.wix.com)  This basic website served as an introduction to web design and allowed me to showcase essential information about the school. I found the drag-and-drop interface enjoyable, but I quickly realized that the limitations of the platform stifled my creativity. The predefined elements and the restriction on the number of pages made it clear that I needed a more robust solution to fully express my vision.

Professionalism

My academic path centered around Information Technology and Computing, which was essential for my admission to the right course at university. As a science student at Valley College in Bushenyi, I transitioned to pursuing a combination of Physics, Economics, Mathematics, and Arts (PEM/ART) to align with my aspirations in technology. 

I aimed to enter either Computer Engineering or Software Engineering at Makerere University. After being accepted, I became a resident student at Mitchell Hall and spent countless hours in the MAK Labs at Block B, taking full advantage of the free MAKAIR WiFi during the tenure of VC Prof. Baryamureeba. 

During my time at Makerere, I engaged in various projects and competitions, which bolstered my confidence, often finishing as a runner-up. Despite not always winning, each experience was a stepping stone toward my growth as a developer.

After graduating with an honors degree in Computer Science, I faced the harsh reality of unemployment. Despite my optimism that a skilled developer wouldn't remain jobless, the streets of Wandegeya became a daily reminder of the overwhelming number of brilliant graduates vying for limited opportunities. This experience humbled me, prompting me to accept even the least favorable job offers.

Emerging Successes

Determined to carve out my niche, I began providing affordable computing solutions for small businesses. I recognized the potential for growth in Web & Apps development and convinced local entrepreneurs of the necessity of having an online presence, by offering cost-effective hosting services and comprehensive development packages. I managed to build a loyal client base focused on annual renewals and referrals from my previous clients.

Today, I have established myself as a reputable and trusted consultant, developing impactful applications for small businesses. My hard work has led to opportunities to work on significant projects funded by government and foreign aid organizations. I take pride in my work and am eager to nurture the creation of a leading software firm that emerges from within Africa.
 

Challenges & Regrets

Despite my achievements, several challenges persist:

1. Job Market Saturation: Many institutions are unable to absorb the influx of young graduates, and the compensation often does not reflect their skills and contributions to projects.

2. Low IT Adoption: Africa's uptake of Information Technology remains low, and largely within government sectors which are very competitive. This deficiency hampers our capacity for innovation and problem-solving.

3. Lack of Support and Mentorship: Young professionals often lack access to mentorship and support systems that foster growth in their careers, particularly in the realms of enterprise and business.

4. Mindset Issues: The prevailing mindset that prioritizes formal employment undermines the potential for self-employment and entrepreneurship. Many brilliant youths excel academically but find themselves waiting for jobs that simply do not exist in sufficient numbers.

Conclusion

While my journey has been fraught with challenges, it has also been filled with invaluable experiences that shaped my career. 

I am committed to not only overcoming these obstacles but also to uplifting others in my community. Together, we can foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration that will propel Africa forward in the technology sector.