Chisom Nwokwu - On Making Giant Strides As A Young Woman In Tech
Interviewed by Blessing Onyegbula
In two years, our subject went from figuring out herself as a computer science student to earning a spot as a Software Engineer on Microsoft’s sustainability team. But her story is just starting as she recently became an author with the launch of her book for tech newbies while garnering recognition for her Igbo language learning app. I reached out to Chisom Nwokwu to get a clearer picture of how she navigates life as a woman in tech while pushing through with projects to help young persons like her.
Chisom Nwokwu
Blessing: Hi Chisom. Please tell us about yourself.
Chisom: Hi, my name is Chisom Nwokwu, I’m a Software Engineer and Author based in Lagos, and I work with the Sustainability team at Microsoft.
B: Okay, thanks for the introduction. So let's start with your experience as a software engineer at Microsoft. How has it been?
C: It’s been AMAZING. I celebrated my first work anniversary on the 3rd of November, and I have learned a lot within a year. I have grown in my technical abilities and gained a lot from the people I work with. Our goal is to ensure the company is carbon-negative in the year 2030, and this has exposed me to the advantages of building sustainable products.
B: Wow! That is a big goal your team has set. Let’s briefly touch on your career growth. From 2020, when you began building your career to date, how have people, especially friends and family reacted to your success?
C: Not sure I can describe it perfectly, but it has been an overwhelming pool of support from people around me, That encourages me and keeps me going.
B: Awwwwn, happy for you. So your bio highlights your other experiences like building apps and writing a book; how do you juggle all these with your work at Microsoft? Kindly share the secret.
C: I’m someone who loves being busy, and I also like creating new things. I’d say it's the passion to do more and inspire and help others that push me. My time management and organization skills are also exceptional. Like I know what comes first, which is my work, and then all other things can follow. Another secret is I always try to rest and relax, so I don’t get worked up.
B: That makes a lot of sense. What's your biggest achievement so far, and why? It doesn't have to be career-related.
C: Amongst other amazing achievements, my main achievement would be becoming an author this early. It's something I never imagined I would do at this age. Writing my book, A Techie’s Guide in to Big Tech Companies, was a fascinating journey. I learned a lot along the way, and I thank God for the wisdom and capacity to carry on the project. It is the first of many. So if you’re reading this and would love to work for an international tech company, this book is for YOU!
B: Copy that! Moving on to your Igbo language learning app, Igbò Amáká, which reached 10k+ downloads recently. By the way, congrats on that. What was the inspiration behind it?
C: It’s a two-way thing. So, I was a tech newbie when I launched that application, and I needed to build my first project. I remember doing something similar for an android tutorial I watched, so I decided to build upon the already existing application. I did this by adding more features, changing the layout, and learning about UI/UX, colour theories, app architecture, and some interesting android features. When the set-up was done, I decided to add voice-overs, I needed my mum’s help for this, and it was also an opportunity to learn how to speak Igbo. When all this was over, I shipped it to Google Play Store ( which was very tasking), and it’s making waves now, of which I’m super proud. The app also got recognized by a University in Canada a few weeks ago!
B: Wow. That’s something to be proud of. Before we round up, let's quickly touch on life as a woman in tech. Recently you made a tweet on how some guy refused to believe you're a developer because you're a woman. Is this the first experience you'll experience microaggression towards women in tech, and how do you navigate it?
C: This is certainly not the first, but it’s a stereotype. If there’s anything I am, I would say I’m confident. Confident in my abilities and the things I’m capable of doing. I feel all ladies should navigate such experiences in that manner and not let it discourage them.
B: Confidence is the key, noted. So your final advice for young ladies upcoming in the tech industry?
C: There is a place for you in tech. If you’ve started or you’re still figuring out how to start, please keep pushing. Look at women doing amazing things ahead of you, and see them as role models. It’s only a matter of time before you get to where they are, or where you'd like to be.
B: Thank you so much for making out time for this.
C: Thanks for having me.