Nigeria Abroad
Tech is winning. Digitization has permeated nearly all aspects of human life, and those with the right skills are cashing out. In Nigeria, the catchup is slow, worsened by state unwillingness, if crackdown of some tech-related activities.
Yet, a lot of Nigerians are working for foreign tech firms from their homes in Lagos, Abuja Port Harcourt, etc.—though some are paid lower than their counterparts from other countries.
While medical practice remains a strong pull for educated Nigerians wishing to migrate, tech is the newest windfall. So, if you plan to move abroad—or wish to land tech jobs from Nigeria, Nigeria Abroad has this list of 10 tech careers you could consider. Oh, don’t mention—it’s our work.
- Data Scientist
This is one tech career switch you can make and be assured that whatever investment you put into grounding yourself in the field will not be in vain, as its median annual wage as of 2021 is $118,709 per annum.
It’s not for nothing that the Harvard Business Review calls data science “the sexiest job of the 21st century.” There is a high demand for individuals who can evaluate data to help companies make business decisions; however, there is a relatively low supply of qualified candidates at the moment.
According to a Burtch Works report, salaries for level-three data scientists/managers are as high as $250,000 per year. The report also notes that most data scientists have either a master’s degree or a PhD in mathematics/statistics, computer science, or engineering.
- Product Manager
This job involves looking after a specific product within a business—to enable companies balance customer need and profit, and what’s technically and operationally possible—which means coming up with product strategies, thinking about what to build (Product Development), and working out how to market and sell the product (Product Marketing).
The exciting about this path is that you can make the switch from any field, and demand for product managers has increased in the last five years.
- Software Developer
This is by far the largest number of job openings on the list, a growth fueled by high demand for mobile apps and technology-driven products. While some software developers design applications, systems software developers design operating systems and interfaces. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, or mathematics is usually a requirement. If you dedicate three years to grounding yourself, you could gather skills-set to land a job in a Fortune 100 company.
- Information Security Analyst
More than one billion records were breached in 2014, according to Gemalto, an international security company. These security breaches illustrate the urgent need for information security analysts. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or programming is the typical requirement, although some employers prefer an MBA in information systems. For Nigerians with degrees in computer science, this will be an easy switch.
- Web Developer
This is one of the few jobs on the list that you can get without a bachelor’s degree. There are three types of web developers:
Web designers—who create the layout and feel of the website—need an associate degree or some post-secondary certification in web design.
Webmasters—who maintain the website, may have a webmaster certificate, an associate degree in web development, or a bachelor’s degree, depending on the employer.
Web architects—who handle the technical construction of the site, usually need a bachelor’s degree in programming or computer science. You can easily get trained online or offline for this job, get your certificates and start earning big.
- Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts are needed to design and install new computer systems, and IT consulting firms hire most of them. Growth has occurred primarily in the following areas: cloud computing, mobile technology, and healthcare records. This tech skill is currently in high demand; if you can make the switch now, you will be looking at making remarkable growth in a few years. Candidates usually need a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, although the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that sometimes a liberal arts degree is acceptable.
- Sales Engineer
The demand for sales engineers in other industries is projected to increase only by 9%. However, growth rate is four times as fast for professionals selling computer software and hardware. Most sales engineers have a degree in business, science, or a technology field. They must also be well-versed in technology to present proposals, explain products, and answer questions. All you need to succeed in this field is sheer grit and hunger to learn. If you work hard you will get certified in two years.
- Information Technology Manager
Information technology managers go by a variety of other names: computer and information systems managers, chief information officers (CIOs), chief technology officers (CTOs), IT directors, or IT security managers. While duties may vary, these guys usually oversee an IT team and handle the organization’s technology needs. Annual earning is somewhere around $127,000 and sometimes more than that. A bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science-related major is required, though some employers prefer an MBA.
- Network and Systems Administrator
Companies need network and computer systems administrators to handle their day-to-day technology operations, which include installing and maintaining local and wide-area networks, intranets, etc.
The largest area of growth for network administrators will be in computer systems design, which is projected to increase by 35% this year. Typically, candidates for this role hold a degree in information science, computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. Although this particular field does not have a lot of demand compared to others, it is still a great career choice.
- Computer Support Specialist
It’s the lowest paying job on the list, but it also requires the least amount of time in school; most employers hire candidates with postsecondary certificates or associate degrees. There are two types of computer support specialists: computer network support specialists and computer user support specialists.
Computer network support specialists usually work with IT staff to troubleshoot problems. Computer user support specialists also work as desk techs, assist customers and non-technical employees. This is perfect for someone who isn’t looking to dive deep into the world of tech.
Further research your areas of interest.
Goodluck!
This story first appeared in Nigeria Abroad
