Skills. If you’re a young Nigerian, this is a word you probably hear a lot. For a lot of people, this word arouses feelings of fear and anxiety, especially because of the context it is usually used in. You’ve heard that you should get skills to give you a way to earn money because guess what? That certificate that you’re labouring over books for isn’t going to get you your dream job anymore. You’ve heard that the rate of unemployment is higher than ever at an astounding 33% and if you want to be able to pay bills, you must have a skill.
But maybe you’re like me and you’re not interested in learning to sew or bake or opening a high-end hair salon. You’re then wondering, “Does it mean I’m going to end up penniless?” No. How? Simple. Tech. Tech skills are hot on the market currently and are a sure-fire way to earn a living. Want to know what tech skills are all about and how to earn from them? Read on!
What are Tech Skills?
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Tech skills are hard skills that aid you in carrying out specific technology-related jobs. They are practical skills in the fields of mathematics, computer science, information technology, engineering, marketing, and design. These skills enhance the internet and technology as we know it today.
Why choose tech? Above, we saw the high rate of unemployment in Nigeria currently. Depending on the system for a job with just your educational qualifications is the most dangerous thing any young person can do in this present economic climate. Nigeria’s digital sector is one of the fastest-growing in Africa and is projected to create 3 million jobs by 2027. Why not take advantage of this opportunity while it exists? Some people might say, “Oh, everybody now is doing web development or app development or graphics design”. There are many unexplored, high-paying niches in tech, so let’s look at some of them below.
Rising Tech Skills in 2022:
1. Writing:
Yes, this is also a tech skill. Content writing, technical writing, copywriting….writing in itself is a huge space waiting to be maximized. Writers are more in demand than ever because as the popular saying goes, Content is king. Written content is among the most viewed content on the web.
Specifically, technical writing involves breaking down complex scientific or technological material into simpler, easy-to-read articles, while copywriting is writing that either advertises or coaxes people to take the desired action.
1. Blockchain:
With the rise of cryptocurrency and NFTs, demand for blockchain developers is skyrocketing. A core blockchain developer designs the security and architecture of a blockchain system. A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that contains transactions made on computers all over the world. This is a new, exciting technology, however, it is a little complex, and you need programming knowledge to hop on this train.
3. Robotics:
You’re in engineering or studying a tech course in school and you want a skillset that is close to your course of study? Robotics implements computer science and engineering knowledge in the design, building, and operation of robots. Robots are not the end of the human race as we’ve been told in the movies. While they replace humans in performing difficult or repetitive jobs, robotics has created multiple job opportunities, e.g; robot engineers, technicians, operators, and managers.
4. UI/UX Design:
Graphic designers looking to step things up or creatives can venture into user interface and user experience design. As the names suggest, these career paths work together to create a visually pleasing and functional experience for the user. It involves making interfaces more aesthetically appealing and workable to the user.
5. Project Management:
If you’re good at leading people, organizing, and ensuring deadlines are met, then project management is for you. It involves leading a team, managing projects from their beginning to completion, and achieving set goals and target results. Project management is a skill that is required in virtually every sector, so this skill gives you a sure edge.
6. Cybersecurity:
You’ve definitely heard of hacking. Cybersecurity protects systems against hackers. It is the practice of securing systems from outsiders that intend to access sensitive details of customers for destructive purposes or disruption of provided services. Cybersecurity is a wide field with sub positions like security engineering, security analysis, network security, etc
It should be noted that the skills listed above are not get-rich-quick schemes. You’ll have to put in the work, be consistent and become a professional in your field. This will cost you some time, effort, and a lot of data but will pay off in the end.
A lot of learning sites like Coursera, Udemy, or even YouTube offer beginner courses in these fields, so find one that suits your learning style and give it your best shot.
Monetizing Your Skill:
What’s the point of learning a skill if you can’t make money from it? In this section, we’ll discuss the channels you can utilize to monetize your tech skill.
- Social Media: This is the most obvious method. Social media is a great place to market your skill on the internet. Your most loyal clients will be strangers you meet online whose trust you’ve earned. Document your learning journey consistently, do some free jobs to boost your portfolio and increase your visibility on your social media pages. Network, reach out to people and watch as you start to get jobs.
- Freelancing: Freelancing is a great way to make money if you’re resilient. Sites like Upwork and Fiver connect you immediately to people in need of your skillset. With proper marketing and a well-written proposal, you can find customers who will pay you for what you offer either on a short or long-term basis. The best part is, that these jobs are remote, giving you the luxury of working from wherever you want and for any client you want, irrespective of geographical distance.
- Teaching: While this option may not be a glaring one, it has proven to be a trusted side hustle for a lot of people. Creating a course, an eBook, a podcast, video content on YouTube, an educational blog, or even physical classes are great ways to earn cool cash by teaching others what you know how to do.
Of course, you must be knowledgeable about your stack before you attempt to educate others about it. Be specific about your offer and how your teaching can help solve a problem for them, to encourage them to part with their money for you.
Summary:
The digital industry is wide and continues to expand daily. I strongly believe that everyone has a place in tech, no matter how small. These skills are only a small fraction of the numerous opportunities available in tech.
As a student looking for a way to earn extra cash, you have skills like graphic design or A professional looking for a skill to give him/her an edge over competitors in the workplace has a wide variety of options, from project management to business analysis. A small business owner trying to make sales has a place in digital marketing. Everyone can be carried along, so why not take the opportunity to make money for yourself?
Which tech skill above is your favourite? Leave a comment below.
