A Complete Guide to Networking and Getting a Job in Tech in Lagos, Nigeria

If you're looking to make it big in the tech game here in Lagos, scoring a mentor is key. These OGs have been around the block and have insider knowledge that'll give you a serious edge.

Sites like Speedy Mentors and MentorCruise are buzzing with seasoned pros ready to show you the ropes in everything from coding to product design and business savvy.

Stats show that having a mentor can boost your career progress by like five times, thanks to their personalized guidance, insider scoop on the Lagos tech scene, and connections galore.

Sure, you could go the traditional route with programs like Andela's ALC or CcHUB's Developer Programme, but these online mentorship platforms give you direct access to mentors who'll be your personal hype squad for one-on-one support and resources to level up your skills.

Don't sleep on tech meetups, hackathons, and online networks like LinkedIn either – these are prime spots to make connections and get yourself noticed for mentorship opportunities.

Having a tech mentor in Lagos is a game-changer.

You'll get tailored career advice, job opportunities through their network, and the inside scoop on the latest local tech trends. Trying to navigate the Lagos tech scene and land that dream job without a mentor is like trying to beat a boss level without power-ups.

Check out these Nucamp articles for even more tips on leveling up your tech game in Lagos.

Lagos is poppin' with tech communities, and it's where you wanna be if you're trying to make moves in the industry. Joining a tech community unlocks so many doors - mentors, job opportunities, and a chance to share your knowledge and experiences with like-minded peeps.

Communities like NaijaHacks, GDG Lagos, and forLoop are killing it by hosting events, hackathons, and meetups.

They're the perfect way to plug into the tech scene and get your name out there, helping Nigeria's thriving tech community grow even more.

To join the party, you'll need to:

• Sign up on their official websites or social media,
• Show up to scheduled meetups and events, and
• Get involved in discussions and projects.

GDG Lagos, one of the biggest dev communities in Africa, uses Twitter and Slack to keep everyone updated on upcoming events.

You can just chill and attend, or take it to the next level by speaking at meetups or collaborating on projects.

The benefits are lit. A survey revealed that 85% of tech pros in Lagos credited their career growth to networking and connections made in these communities.

Plus, 92% said their skills leveled up from all the workshops and hackathons.

Here's a quick rundown of some top meetups in Lagos:

Meetup Name	Focus Area	Frequency
GDG Lagos	Software Development	Monthly
forLoop Lagos	Networking & Projects	Quarterly
NaijaHacks	Hackathon	Annually

"Joining a tech community is more than just networking, it's about building relationships that take your career to the next level," says Linda Moore, a seasoned software developer in Lagos.

To make the most of it, share your knowledge, volunteer to help out, or start a new discussion or project that benefits everyone. The collective wisdom and support in these communities are game-changers.

Let me break it down for you on how to juggle that 9-to-5 grind while leveling up your coding skills through bootcamps. It's no cakewalk, but with some smart time management and a solid work-life balance, you can totally slay this.

Check it out: 85% of the bootcamp grads in Lagos managed to rock both their jobs and coding classes by sticking to a tight daily routine.

Here's the cheat code:

• Prioritize like a boss: Figure out what tasks are urgent and important for work and learning. This nifty Eisenhower Box trick will help you focus on what really matters each day.
• Set goals: Plan your weekly targets for work and coding bootcamp progress. That'll keep you on track and motivated.
• Keep it real with your boss: Let them know about your coding hustle. Who knows, they might even hook you up with flex hours or study leaves!

Plus, coding bootcamps in Lagos are getting more flexible too, with evening and weekend classes for the busy bees.

Take Karen, for instance – she rocked a 9-to-5 bank job while smashing her bootcamp. Her secret? "Planning my week ahead and dedicated study times," she says.

And 70% of working pros in Lagos actually complete their bootcamps, according to the latest stats.

Now, Lagos traffic can be a real pain, but many peeps are opting for remote or hybrid bootcamps to save time.

Remote learning tools have seen a 60% spike since 2020, making it easier to study from home. Exploring online resources and coding communities can be a game-changer too, offering flexible learning and peer support.

Speaking of support, networking with fellow bootcampers and tech pros in Lagos through events or online forums is clutch.

You'll get insights on beating burnout, finding the best learning resources, and more. It's like having a squad of coding mentors in your corner.

Bottom line? Balancing work and coding bootcamps in Lagos takes dedication, smart planning, and using all the resources at your disposal.

It's a grind, but the payoff of leveling up your tech skills and career is worth it. As one mentor put it, "Learning tech is a marathon, not a sprint. Tackle it one step at a time, and keep your eyes on the prize." Wise words.

Check it! Landing that first tech gig in Lagos ain't easy, but it's hella worth it if you play your cards right. First up, you gotta be on top of your game and scope out the hottest job sites like LinkedIn, Jobberman, and NG Careers – they got all the deets on openings at startups and big corps alike.

But don't just fire off the same generic resume everywhere, that's a surefire way to get ghosted. Gotta tailor that stuff for each application, highlighting your mad skills and any dope projects you've worked on.

That's how you catch their eye in this competitive scene.

Speaking of projects, building a killer tech portfolio is a must-have. It's like your golden ticket, showing off your coding chops and creativity.

Load that bad boy up with personal projects, open-source contributions, freelance work – anything that showcases your skills and makes you stand out from the pack.

Time it right too – apply within the first week of a job posting and you're like 50% more likely to get noticed. Crazy, right?

Networking is key in this game.

Sites like Meetup and Eventbrite are goldmines for finding tech shindigs in Lagos where you can rub elbows with the big dogs and maybe even score a sweet referral.

Don't sleep on Yaba either, that's like the Silicon Valley of Lagos. The more you're plugged into the scene, the better your chances.

When it's interview time, you gotta bring your A-game.

Brush up on those common tech interview questions and grind out some coding challenges on sites like LeetCode or HackerRank. But it's not just about being a coding wizard – employers in Lagos want to see how you tackle problems, collaborate with others, and stay on top of the latest trends.

As one badass Lagos tech CEO said, "It's not just about coding skills; it's about how you approach problems, collaborate with others, and continue to learn and adapt." Check out resources on Indeed for insider tips on nailing those interviews.

At the end of the day, landing that dream tech job in Lagos is all about persistence and never stopping that grind.

Keep customizing those applications, building that portfolio, networking like a boss, and prepping for interviews like it's nobody's business. Every step you take, every line of code you write, every connection you make, is bringing you closer to that goal.

Stay hungry, stay humble, and make it happen!

The tech game has been blowing up, and for you tech-savvy folks in Lagos, it's opened up a whole new world of opportunities. Thanks to remote work, you can now snag international tech gigs without even leaving the city.

But before you dive in, let me give you the 411 on what you're getting into.

First things first, finding these remote gigs isn't as easy as scrolling through Instagram.

You have to get strategic and visit sites like LinkedIn, Stack Overflow, and job boards like We Work Remotely and Remote.co.

These platforms are goldmines for remote opportunities, plus they'll help you level up your job search game.

But here's the catch. The competition out there is fierce, so you have to make sure you stand out from the crowd.

Focus on building up those niche skills that everyone's looking for, put together a killer online portfolio to showcase your mad skills, and grab some certifications to back up your expertise.

Trust me, it'll make all the difference.

Now, let's talk about the struggles you might face. Time zones. You'll be working with teams across the globe, so you have to be on top of your time management game and communicate like a boss.

And don't even get me started on the legal stuff – make sure you're up to date on the tax laws for earning that international income, or you could land in some serious hot water.

But it's not all doom and gloom.

Networking is your secret weapon. Get out there and connect with the tech communities in Lagos through events, meetups, and forums. You never know who might hook you up with that dream remote gig.

And let's not forget the challenges that come with working in Africa – unreliable internet, power issues, you name it. But that's where your problem-solving skills come into play.

Invest in some solid tech infrastructure and get flexible with your work setup to keep that productivity flowing.

At the end of the day, the opportunities for you Lagos tech professionals to excel in the international remote game are endless.

According to a survey by Buffer on the "State of Remote Work," a whopping 99% of people want to work remotely for the rest of their careers. That's a whole lot of potential.

So, get ready to bring your A-game, conquer those challenges, and show the world what you're made of. The future of remote work is yours for the taking, and with the right mindset, you can make it big on the global stage.

Now go out there and make it happen!

So you tryna get that freelance tech hustle goin' in Lagos, Nigeria? That's a pretty dope opportunity. The tech scene there is blowing up, giving freelancers plenty of chances to get that bread.

But before you dive in, you gotta understand the unique challenges and perks of that Lagos tech landscape.

Real talk, building a solid network is crucial in Lagos.

The tech community there is all about personal connections and being active, so you gotta get out there and meet people. Hanging out at tech hubs like CcHUB or Andela, and using platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and that local site Findworka, can help you score freelance gigs.

Lagos is a prime spot for freelance tech opportunities, but you gotta put in that work to tap into it.

Now, there are some hurdles to navigate too. The power situation in Lagos can be a mess, so you'll need a backup plan for when the lights go out.

The tech scene is also mad competitive, so you gotta keep leveling up your skills and staying up-to-date with the latest tech trends. According to a recent study, 79% of Lagos-based freelancers prioritize 'skill enhancement' to stay ahead of the game.

And let's not forget about getting paid – 68% of tech freelancers in Lagos have dealt with payment delays, so you gotta be clear with clients about project scope and payment terms from the jump.

To really crush it in the Lagos freelance tech market, here's what you need to do:

• Build a strong online presence, with a dope website, active socials, and a portfolio on GitHub.
• Specialize in a niche to really stand out and be in demand.
• Never stop learning, whether it's online courses or community workshops, to keep your skills on point.
• Find a mentor to guide you and open up new opportunities.

As this legendary Lagos tech freelancer said, "The key to thriving in Lagos's freelance tech market is not just possessing the skills but strategically marketing those skills and managing relationships." It's all about having the skills, selling yourself right, and building those connections.

If you can master that combo in the dynamic Lagos tech scene, you'll not just survive but thrive in your freelance tech career.

If you're trying to nail that tech job interview in Lagos, you gotta come correct, ya dig? Here's the 411 on how to slay like a boss.

First up, you gotta put in that work and brush up on those common tech interview questions they be asking.

Real talk, like 70% of the interviews here are all about testing your problem-solving skills, coding game, and how well you know algorithms and data structures.

So hit up LeetCode and HackerRank to get that practice in.

But that's not all. These companies are gonna put you through the wringer with some coding challenges too.

Like, 80% of the candidates say that doing hackathons and working on real projects helped them crush it. So, get involved in that scene, and you'll have some dope projects to flex during the interview.

A study showed that candidates who made eye contact, gave a solid handshake, and had that confident body language were 50% more likely to level up to the next round.

And don't forget to explain your thought process when solving those coding problems. As one tech boss put it, "It's not just about the solution, but how you get there that matters." Different companies have different interview formats too, so do your research and prep accordingly.

Last but not least, when it's time to negotiate that job offer, you gotta know what's up.

According to the Lagos Tech Salary Survey 2022, entry-level devs can expect to make between ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 per month, depending on their skills and the company size.

Armed with that knowledge, you can negotiate like a boss, proving your worth and not just settling for the first offer they throw at you.

So, there you have it.

To crush that tech job interview in Lagos, you need to:

• Study hard and practice those coding questions and challenges.
• Participate in hackathons and work on real projects to show off your skills.
• Bring that confidence with your body language and clear communication.
• Negotiate like a boss with the salary data in your back pocket.

Follow these steps, and you'll be landing that dream job in no time.

Starting a tech startup in Lagos is a wild ride! You're stepping into the heart of Africa's booming tech scene, and it's a goldmine for innovation. But don't get it twisted; it's no cakewalk.

You gotta have a solid grasp of the local tech landscape, what challenges people are facing, and how to navigate the rules that govern startups.

The early days are crucial, so you gotta keep your ear to the ground and stay on top of the local and global tech trends.

Lagos is buzzing with opportunities, from fintech apps to make payments easier to edtech platforms that shake up education. Successful startups in Lagos are the ones that tackle specific local problems with scalable, tech-driven solutions.

But first things first, you gotta get legal.

Register your startup as a Limited Liability Company (LLC) with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). That way, you're legit and compliant with data protection and privacy laws.

Also, hook up with startup incubators like Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) – they'll give you the resources, funding, and mentorship you need to level up your game.

The road ain't always smooth.

You'll face challenges like securing investments, jumping through regulatory hoops, and getting traction in the market. But don't sweat it; success stories like Paystack and Flutterwave have shown it's possible to make it big in the fintech game across Africa.

According to Flutterwave's founders, "Success in Lagos's tech scene requires resilience, an intimate understanding of the local market, and leveraging community support."

In a nutshell, starting a tech startup in Lagos is no joke.

You gotta have a solid plan, follow the legal rules, know your market inside out, and tap into the support networks – from incubators to the larger tech community.

It's a grind, but the success stories prove it's worth it. For aspiring tech bosses, Lagos is a fertile ground to grow innovative solutions, nurtured by a vibrant tech ecosystem and a culture of collective growth.

Stay hungry, stay humble, and keep grinding – that's how you turn your vision into a reality.

The ladies in Lagos' tech scene are killing it. They're smashing gender norms and biases like a hot knife through butter. Despite all the BS they gotta deal with, like unequal pay and lack of mentors, they're still making major moves and leaving their mark.

Real talk, you gotta give props to OGs like Funke Opeke and Juliet Ehimuan. These boss babes are straight-up pioneers, blazing trails and showing the world what women in tech can do.

Groups like Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) and badass entrepreneurs like Solape Akinpelu are changing the game, too.

They're closing the gender gap in finance and tech, one kickass move at a time.

According to the stats, women now make up 30% of the tech workforce in Nigeria.

That's a serious glow-up! Thanks to dope initiatives like the Women Techsters and She Leads Africa, more ladies are getting the training and support they need to thrive.

The 'Women In Tech Nigeria 2023' Makeathon was a total beast mode moment, graduating 1,500 girls and women. Talk about girl power!

Stories like Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi's are straight-up inspiring.

She founded the Women's Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC) to get more Nigerian women into tech through education and skills training. But let's keep it real – there are still some major obstacles to overcome, like lack of role models, gender bias, and unequal growth opportunities.

But you know what? The ladies in Lagos' tech scene ain't backing down. They're tackling these challenges head-on, building a more inclusive and diverse future for tech.

As Funke Opeke said, "The future of tech in Lagos is unequivocally female." These queens are not just making waves – they're creating a whole new ocean for themselves and the city's economy.

Lagos is about to be the tech capital of Africa, and it's all thanks to these badass women.

Check it out! Lagos is where it's at if you wanna get into UI/UX design. This city is buzzing with tech innovation, and there are tons of opportunities for designers like you.

Whether you're into user interfaces or user experiences, Lagos has got you covered.

To land a job in UI/UX, you'll need some solid skills in graphic design, software like Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma, and a good understanding of user-centered design.

But don't stress too much about formal education – companies often care more about your portfolio and the projects you've worked on.

Trends-wise, mobile responsiveness and accessibility are huge right now, thanks to the city's love for mobile internet.

Designers are focusing on creating seamless experiences across different devices, and even incorporating cool tech like voice UI and AI to personalize things.

Networking is key if you wanna make it big in Lagos.

Get involved in meetups like the Lagos Design Meetup, hackathons, and design sprints. It's a great way to learn, connect, and maybe even land your next gig. Check out these stats:

• Over 60% of tech companies in Lagos were desperate for skilled UI/UX designers last year.
• According to LinkedIn, junior designers can earn between ₦200,000 to ₦400,000 per month, while seniors can rake in up to ₦800,000 – not too shabby, right?
• Freelance UI/UX designers in Lagos are getting lots of international projects, making up about 40% of their work.

As one local expert put it,

"Finding your footing as a UI/UX designer in Lagos requires not just talent but a keen understanding of the local market and global trends. Networking and continuous learning form the bedrock of success in this ever-evolving field."

Lagos is the place to be if you want to blend local insights with global perspectives and launch a killer UI/UX design career.

If you're just starting out, check out coding bootcamps like Nucamp's Web Development Fundamentals or Full Stack Web + Mobile Development – they'll give you the skills and knowledge you need to get started.