In his book, “The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging,” by author Charles Vogl, he says, “A community is not a product that can be manufactured, but a relationship that must be cultivated.” Here at ALX, we believe in that sentiment wholeheartedly.

His book goes on to help define what community is and offers some key principles to guide in building them. We have taken his teachings head-on when developing the ALX community, and specifically when applied to the ALX Fellowship. This article will tease out the essence of community, outline Vogl’s 7 Principles for Belonging, and illustrate how ALX uses them to build strong and lasting communities across Africa.

The Essence of Community: Belonging and Shared Purpose

Humans are social creatures, wired for connection. This innate desire is met by communities, groups of people who share a sense of belonging and a common thread. A community can be defined by a shared geography, like a neighbourhood, or a shared interest, like a book club. Regardless of the form, genuine communities fulfil essential psychological and social needs.

At their core, communities provide a sense of security and belonging. We are wired to crave social connection, and communities offer a space where we feel accepted and understood. This feeling of belonging combats loneliness and isolation, fostering emotional well-being.  Furthermore, communities fulfil our need to contribute and feel valued.  Through shared goals and activities, communities allow us to feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves.

However, it’s important to differentiate between a genuine community and a simple gathering. A group of people waiting for a bus may share a physical space, but they lack the shared purpose or connection that defines a community. Similarly, social media groups can foster a sense of connection, but they often lack the deeper bonds and sense of responsibility that come from interaction and shared experiences.

True communities go beyond common interests or proximity. They are bound by a sense of shared purpose, mutual support, and a willingness to contribute to the collective good.

The Key Principles of Community Building

Building a strong and meaningful community doesn’t happen by accident. Author Charles Vogl, in his book, “The Art of Community: Seven Principles for Belonging,” outlines seven key principles that serve as a roadmap for fostering genuine connection and shared purpose. Let’s delve into each principle and explore how they can be implemented in practice.

The Boundary Principle

Every community needs a defined boundary, a clear sense of who is “in” and who is “out.” This establishes a safe space for members who share core values and fosters trust. 

For example, in order to access tech programmes with ALX, potential learners must be 18 years of age or older and of African origin. In order to be a part of the ALX Fellowship, learners must have successfully completed their tech programme.

The Initiation Principle

Meaningful entry into a community is crucial. Initiation rituals, whether formal or informal, signify commitment and mark the beginning of a member’s journey. 

At our many Hubs located across the African continent, we hold Karibu ceremonies to welcome learners into the ALX community. This is part of our initiation principle.

The Rituals Principle

Shared rituals are the heartbeat of a community. They reinforce core values and create a sense of shared experience.

We host many events at our Hubs, like guest speakers, socials, and competitions that help people stay engaged with one another. These rituals create a sense of community by reinforcing our core values and creating a sense of shared experience among our learners.

The Temple Principle

A physical or virtual space dedicated to the community fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose. 

Our Hubs serve as the “temple” of ALX, where learners and alumni can come together for many different reasons. Whether they are looking to socialise with their peers or are looking for support from mentors, these spaces are built for our learners’ needs. Our alumni use the Hubs for networking purposes, too, creating a space that serves a function for ALX members at all stages of their journeys.

The Stories Principle

Every community has a story – its history, traditions, and shared experiences. These stories, passed down through generations or new members, create a sense of identity and belonging.

Our Karibu ceremonies always start by retelling the story of ALX so that each member understands where we come from. We are always clear about our mission and vision for Africa to ensure that our learners and alumni push towards the same goals as us.

The Symbols Principle

Visual symbols represent a community’s values and aspirations.

The ALX logo is our symbol with the “x” signifying the endless potential of opportunity. Just as it is used in science to represent a variable, we understand the potential of each learner as an unknown variable. Each person has their own different idea of success and we provide people with the opportunity to reach whatever success they seek.

The Inner Rings Principle

Mature communities have established “inner rings” that offer opportunities for growth and leadership. Senior members can mentor new members, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and ensuring the community’s future.

In the ALX community, this happens all the time. At networking events at Hubs, junior members meet with alumni to help them find employment. Current learners meet with mentors to help them with their coursework. These inner rings are not meant to separate people, but, instead bring them together.

When our learners successfully complete their programme, they are inducted into the ALX Fellowship, opening up many doors of opportunity for themselves.

By understanding and implementing these principles, individuals and groups can cultivate strong and vibrant communities that provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and shared experience.

Building Community with the ALX Fellowship

At ALX, it is our mission to help each individual find their place in the world of tech. We understand that each individual has a different definition of success and we therefore provide many different pathways to help them reach their goals.

When learners successfully complete their tech programme, they are able to be a part of the ALX Fellowship. Fellows become part of a thriving professional network where they have lifelong learning opportunities as well as additional perks to accelerate their careers. This includes access to diverse tech networks that can help alumni kick start their career, masterclasses and seminars at our Hubs, and career mentors to help guide alumni in their career journey.

In short, the Fellowship propels learners towards long-term career success.

This ALX alumni communities provide the opportunity for all of our learners to find their place in the world of tech. Want to be a Fellow? Apply now for an ALX tech programme and start your journey today.

Summary

The ALX Fellowship builds a supportive community for aspiring young African tech professionals. The article emphasises the importance of community, highlighting its role in providing belonging and purpose. Author Charles Vogl’s seven principles are used as a blueprint to cultivate this community within ALX. These principles include having clear membership guidelines, initiation rituals, shared activities, and dedicated spaces, to name a few. 

The ALX Fellowship offers lifelong learning and career development opportunities for its members, helping ALX alumni succeed in the digital world of work.

By fostering a strong community, ALX empowers its learners to thrive in the tech industry. Apply now to an ALX tech programme and start your journey towards becoming an ALX Fellow today.

FAQs

1. What is the ALX Fellowship?

The ALX Fellowship is a program designed to support and connect tech learners in Africa after they graduate from an ALX tech program. It is designed specifically as a community for ALX alumni to help them build fruitful careers in tech.

2. How do I become an ALX Fellow?

After successfully completing an ALX tech programme, learners will be invited to become an ALX Fellow. Once you have become a Fellow, you will automatically gain access to an array of benefits that will help jumpstart your career.

3. What are the benefits of being an ALX Fellow?

The ALX Fellowship offers several benefits to members, including:

• Professional Networking: Fellows gain access to a network of other professionals, creating opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.
• Lifelong Learning: The Fellowship provides resources and opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.
• Career Support: Fellows receive help with their job search, including access to mentors and career guidance.

Read the article

The post Building Strong Communities with the ALX Fellowship first appeared on ALX Africa.

The big concern on the tip of everyone’s tongue in tech is that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will take our jobs. It is important, however, to recognise that AI also brings forth unique career opportunities and skills development to improve the way we work.

ALX’s AiCE programme is a pioneering platform that is dedicated to equipping learners with valuable AI tools and leadership training that can significantly enhance their professional lives. By understanding AiCE and the array of AI tools it offers, you can transform your career in ways you never thought possible.

Here we will explore the various types of AI tools that you will learn with ALX’s AI Career Essentials programme and the value they will bring to your professional life.

Writing with AI

AI has revolutionized content creation, making it easier and more sophisticated. One remarkable AI tool you’ll learn to use is ChatGPT, which possesses the ability to generate creative text formats, brainstorm ideas, and even help overcome writer’s block. With ChatGPT, you can tap into its immense language model to unleash your creativity and produce compelling content.

In addition to ChatGPT, Grammarly and Quillbot are powerful tools that cater to diverse writing needs across various industries. Grammarly assists with grammar checking, sentence improvement, and paraphrasing, ensuring that your writing is polished and error-free. Quillbot helps you rephrase content effortlessly while retaining the original meaning.

Throughout the AiCE programme, you’ll also learn to use the HemingwayApp. This tool focuses on enhancing writing clarity and conciseness, to make sure that your message is effectively communicated to your audience. HemingwayApp highlights complex sentences, suggests simpler alternatives, and provides readability scores, allowing you to refine your writing style and engage your readers more effectively.

With these tools, you can improve your writing content creation from start to finish. Whether you need help brainstorming or spell checking, AI tools can slot right into your workflow and help you work smarter, not harder.

Visual Content Creation with AI

When it comes to visual content, with Canva’s AI-driven graphic design capabilities, you can effortlessly create professional presentations, social media graphics, and other visual content. Its intuitive interface and vast library of design templates empower you to unleash your creativity and produce visually stunning materials.

Midjourney and Dall-e act as your artistic muse, transforming textual descriptions into stunning images. Need a captivating social media banner? Simply describe your vision, and these AI artists churn out options, sparking creativity and saving precious time.

Runway ML takes it a step further, making it easy to add special effects or seamlessly swap backgrounds, all powered by the magic of AI. This opens doors for dynamic and engaging video content creation without needing extensive technical expertise.

And for designers seeking a touch-of-magic, Galileo AI stands ready. Describe your ideal website or app interface, and watch as Galileo crafts a fully functional design based on your specifications. This empowers you to iterate on designs quickly, saving countless hours and frustration.

These AI tools aren’t magic wands, but rather powerful collaborators. By integrating them into your workflow, you can unlock new creative possibilities, boost efficiency, and ultimately, bring your visual content to life in ways never before imagined.

Research & Data Analysis Wizards

The power of AI extends beyond content creation and into research and data analysis. You’ll also learn how to use tools like Bing, for instance, which offers advanced search capabilities that provide insightful research in a fraction of the time it would traditionally take. By leveraging Bing’s AI algorithms, you can quickly gather relevant information and stay up to date with the latest research trends in your field.

When it comes to data collection and analysis, Julius.ai takes it to the next level. This AI tool utilizes speech-to-text and transcription features, enabling faster and more efficient data collection. With Julius.ai, you can extract valuable insights from interviews, podcasts, and other audio sources, accelerating your research and analysis process.

These AI tools represent just a fraction of the resources available to those seeking to enhance their research and data analysis skills. By harnessing the power of AI, you can streamline your research process, uncover hidden patterns, and make data-driven decisions with confidence. You will learn how to do exactly this using these tools with the AiCE programme.

Productivity & Workflow Masters

With AiCE, you’ll also learn how to use AI to transform your workflow and boost your productivity. One exemplary tool in this realm is Todoist. With its task management features, prioritization tools, and collaboration capabilities, Todoist empowers you to stay organized and efficiently manage your projects. You can also learn how to use this tool with whatever team you’re working on, as it helps each team member be on the same page, and facilitates seamless project management and efficient task completion.

Copilot AI acts as your coding co-pilot, suggesting relevant code snippets and completing lines based on your input. Imagine writing faster, catching errors on the fly, and exploring different possibilities seamlessly – all within your existing coding environment.

Plus AI takes project management to the next level. It intelligently predicts bottlenecks, automates repetitive tasks, and optimizes resource allocation, ensuring your team works smarter, not harder. Say goodbye to tedious scheduling and focus on achieving your goals.

10Web makes website creation a breeze, even for non-coders. Drag-and-drop functionality and AI-powered design suggestions allow you to build beautiful, customized websites without writing a single line of code. Focus on your content and brand message, letting AI handle the heavy lifting.

Framer pushes the boundaries of design collaboration. Work alongside your team in real-time, iterate on prototypes rapidly with AI-powered feedback, and seamlessly hand off designs to developers. This fosters smoother communication, eliminates ambiguity, and accelerates your design-to-development cycle.

These AI tools are not silver bullets, but they are powerful allies in today’s fast-paced work environment. By integrating them into your workflow, you can unlock hidden efficiencies, empower your team, and achieve new levels of productivity, freeing up valuable time and energy for what truly matters.

User Understanding Guru

In any industry you work in, it is important to understand your users. In the AiCE programme, you’ll learn to use specific AI tools that can help you gain deep insights into user behavior and preferences, enabling you to create personalized experiences that drive growth and success. Userpersona.dev is an AI tool that generates diverse user personas, providing you with in-depth user understanding and empowering you to tailor your marketing and design strategies accordingly.

By leveraging Userpersona.dev, businesses can go beyond surface-level demographics and tap into the emotional and psychological aspects that influence user decisions. This AI-driven tool enables you to segment your target audience effectively, identify their pain points, and design products and services that resonate with their needs and aspirations.

Connecting the Dots

The potential benefits of these diverse AI tools span across various career paths. Whether you are a content creator, writer, graphic designer, researcher, project manager, or marketer, incorporating AI tools into your skillset can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. AiCE, with its hands-on training, equips individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize these tools, enabling them to stay competitive in the evolving job market.

By embracing AI and leveraging the power of these tools, you can unlock new opportunities, streamline your work processes, and drive innovation in your industry. The future of work is here, and it’s time to embrace the limitless potential that AI offers.

Conclusion

Understanding AiCE and the array of AI tools it offers can be a game-changer for your career. By equipping yourself with these career-boosting AI skills, you can stay ahead of the curve and thrive in the rapidly evolving job market. To explore the world of AI tools and enhance your professional journey, visit the AiCE website or attend an information session. Embrace AI and elevate your career to new heights as the future of work unfolds before us.

The ALX AI Career Essentials programme is still accepting applications. Don’t miss out on the AI revolution and apply today!

FAQs

1. What are some AI tools for writing?

• ChatGPT: A tool that generates creative text formats and helps overcome writer’s block.
• Grammarly: Assists with grammar checking, sentence improvement, and paraphrasing.
• Quillbot: Offers advanced paraphrasing capabilities while retaining the original meaning.
• HemingwayApp: Focuses on enhancing writing clarity and conciseness.

2. Which AI tools are useful for research and data analysis?

• Bing: Offers advanced search capabilities for insightful research in a fraction of the time.
• Julius.ai: Utilizes speech-to-text and transcription features for faster and efficient data collection.

3. How can AI boost productivity and workflow?

• Todoist: Empowers task management, prioritization, and collaboration for efficient project management.
• CopilotAI: Suggests and writes code in real-time based on your context, helping you code faster and with fewer errors.
• PlusAI: Helps with project management and scheduling for teams.
• 10Web: Makes website design easy.
• Framer: Helps with design collaboration to make working together easier.

Read the article

The post How to Use AI Tools to Boost Your Career with AiCE first appeared on ALX Africa.

2024 is our year to DREAM BIG, and what better way to set off the year than with a double dose of inspiration? Our community in Johannesburg and Kigali set the stage for an inspiring start to 2024 with … goal-setting events.

Johannesburg Unleashes Creativity: “Year Planning and Vision Boards” Masterclass

In the bustling city of Johannesburg, ALX witnessed an electrifying kickoff for 2024 with the “Year Planning and Vision Boards” masterclass. Val Wigget, a member of the African Leadership Group and the Senior Director of Career Programs at ALA, led the charge, sharing invaluable insights and practical tools with a dynamic gathering of 60 in-person ALX learners and Fellows, alongside 40 virtual participants eager to carve their path to success.

The room pulsated with creative energy as each attendee meticulously crafted their vision boards, manifesting bold career aspirations and personal milestones. What set this event apart was the  diverse dreams and visions that came to life on those boards, bringing a unique energy to the event. To wrap up the day, a lively networking and games session was organised, featuring top-notch refreshments that left everyone buzzing with excitement.

Kigali Delves into Science-Based Goal Mastery with Samir Khan

Meanwhile, in the picturesque city of Kigali, Leadership Development Specialist Samir Khan offered ALX learners a profound session on “How to Set Goals You Will Stick To.” This science-based workshop equipped our learners with the latest research-backed methods to conquer personal and professional goals.

The event also featured a fascinating experiment, illustrating the power of focus. It was a subtle reminder that with targeted attention, we can achieve our goals by staying unwaveringly focused. Samir Khan’s wisdom blended seamlessly with the tranquil Kigali atmosphere, leaving attendees inspired and ready to conquer their ambitions.

Join the ALX Thrill – Your Journey Awaits!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of a community that’s all about growth and connection. Join ALX Africa today, where dreams take flight, and ambitions find their wings. Your journey to success begins here – because at ALX, we’re not just setting goals; we’re achieving them together!

Ready to embark on a transformative journey? Enrol in one of our 2024 programmes now!

Learn more

The post Setting the Tone for 2024: Goal-Setting Adventures in Johannesburg and Kigali first appeared on ALX Africa.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the tech industry, driving transformative changes in the way we work. From automating routine tasks to enabling groundbreaking insights, AI unlocks new possibilities and powers cutting-edge technologies. As the future unfolds, AI’s role in the tech industry will be pivotal, redefining work paradigms and fostering a world driven by innovation

Now read that back again. Did you notice that AI wrote the first paragraph of this article? Probably not. All that was written there is factually correct. It sounds good on paper and is compelling enough to include in this article. But it was written by an AI engine called ChatGPT after being asked to, “write an introductory paragraph for an article about AI being the future of work in the tech industry.”

Aside from writing introductory paragraphs for blog articles, AI is used in a wide range of applications, from automating tasks to analysing data and making predictions. The technology used in self-driving cars, personalised customer support experiences, and remote medical diagnoses is also powered by AI. It is fundamentally changing the way we work, and essentially, the future is here. 

AI tools are projected to generate over $2.9 trillion in corporate value over the next few years. To get a piece of that pie, it’s important to reskill and upskill to keep up with the rate of change.

AI is Changing the Way We Work

I’m sure you’ve seen the articles with headlines that read, “AI Will Take Your Job,” or something to that effect. The truth is, if you learn to use AI to your advantage, AI can take your career to reach new heights.

By 2025, it is projected that around 85 million jobs will be replaced by AI. This is a scary prospect until you realise that, over the same period of time, AI is expected to create roughly 97 million new jobs. In order to tap into the jobs that “the robot revolution” will create, workers need to learn how to master these new technologies by upskilling or reskilling. It can be as simple as doing some research on your own or taking an online course, like those offered through ALX Africa.

The professionals who can adapt, upskill and reskill successfully will be rewarded with an abundance of work opportunities. The key is keeping your ear to the ground and to be aware of changes as they happen.

AI and the Healthcare Industry

In healthcare, AI is being used to improve medical diagnosis and treatment. AI algorithms can analyse medical images, predict patient outcomes, and even suggest treatment plans. Job roles in this field include AI healthcare specialist and medical data analyst, whose task is to leverage AI to enhance patient care and hospital operations.

AI healthcare specialists work closely with medical professionals to develop AI models that can assist in diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring. These professionals need a deep understanding of medical data and AI algorithms to ensure that the AI systems are accurate and reliable.

Medical data analysts use AI techniques to analyse large volumes of medical data, such as patient records and clinical trials, to extract meaningful insights. They help healthcare organisations make data-driven decisions and improve patient care overall.

AI and Finance

In finance, AI is used for investment analysis and risk management. AI algorithms are able to analyse financial markets, predict stock trends, and identify investment opportunities on their own. Job roles in this industry include AI financial analyst and algorithmic trader, who use AI to make informed financial decisions and optimise trading strategies.

AI financial analysts leverage AI models to analyse financial data, identify patterns, and generate insights that can inform investment decisions. They work closely with investment teams to develop AI-based investment strategies and improve portfolio performance.

Algorithmic traders utilise AI algorithms to automate trading strategies and optimise trade execution. Using AI models, they analyse market data, identify trading opportunities, and execute trades with speed and precision.

AI in Manufacturing

In manufacturing, AI is used for automation and predictive maintenance. AI algorithms optimise production processes, predict equipment failures, and reduce downtime. Job roles in this field include AI engineer and manufacturing data scientist, who use AI to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

AI engineers in manufacturing develop AI systems that automate various aspects of the production process. By leveraging AI algorithms, they can optimise production schedules, monitor equipment performance, and ensure efficient resource allocation.

Manufacturing data scientists analyse large volumes of manufacturing data to identify patterns and trends that can help improve product quality and optimise production processes. They develop AI models that can predict equipment failures, detect anomalies, and recommend maintenance actions.

Customer Service and AI

In customer service, AI is used to develop chatbots and virtual assistants. (Check out ALX’s own LEA (Learner Experience Assistant).) These AI-powered tools can handle customer queries, provide personalised recommendations, and improve customer experience. Job roles in this field include AI customer service specialist and chatbot developer.

AI customer service specialists work on developing AI systems that can understand and respond to customer queries effectively. By using AI algorithms, natural language processing techniques, and machine learning models, they provide personalised and accurate responses to customer inquiries.

Chatbot developers design and build chatbot applications that can simulate human-like conversations and assist customers with their queries. They utilise AI technologies such as natural language processing and machine learning to train chatbots to understand and respond to customer needs.

Future Trends and Opportunities in AI

AI’s potential impact on the job market is immense. It is expected to create new job roles, automate routine tasks, and increase the demand for AI skills. Emerging areas in AI, such as autonomous vehicles and robotics, are set to offer exciting career opportunities. To seize these opportunities, continuous learning and upskilling are essential for staying relevant and achieving long-term success in the AI field.

As AI continues to advance, it is essential for professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Continuous learning through online courses, attending conferences, and engaging with the AI community will ensure that professionals are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the AI-driven job market.

Learning and Developing AI Skills

There are several ways to learn and develop AI skills. Online courses and certifications can provide a structured learning path and validate your AI expertise. 

ALX Africa offers a free AI career skills programme called AiCE – AI Career Essentials. This programme combines an introduction to various AI tools with key features of essential soft skills training. Some of these soft skills include leadership, communication, entrepreneurship, and career success training that forms you into a well-rounded professional.

Applications are now open, so be sure to secure your spot in our next cohort! Apply now on our website.

There are other ways to learn and develop your AI skills aside from training programmes. Participating in AI competitions and hackathons can offer hands-on experience and an opportunity to apply your AI skills to real-world problems. Platforms like Kaggle host AI competitions where participants can solve challenging problems and showcase their skills to the AI community.

Joining AI communities and attending conferences can provide networking opportunities, exposure to the latest AI trends, and insights from AI experts. The ALX community also provides mentorship and networking opportunities for AI skills advancement.

Summary

The future of work is here. AI is changing industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and customer service, and more, creating new opportunities alongside automation. But to take advantage of these exciting possibilities, upskilling and reskilling are crucial.

ALX Africa’s AI Career Essentials (AiCE) programme is your gateway to mastering essential AI tools and key soft skills like leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship. Applications are open now! Don’t miss out on shaping your future in the AI-powered world.

Apply for AiCE today!

FAQs

1. Will AI steal my job?

The short answer is not necessarily. While AI automates certain tasks, it often creates new ones. Jobs requiring creativity, critical thinking, and social skills will likely remain in high demand. However, some routine and data-driven roles might transition to AI, requiring workers to adapt and reskill.

2. What skills will I need to succeed in the AI era?

The future of work demands a focus on soft skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability. Additionally, skills in data analysis, coding, and understanding AI principles will become increasingly valuable. Continuous learning and upskilling will be crucial to stay relevant in the evolving job market.

3. How can I prepare for the AI-powered future?

Here are some ways to get ready:

• Stay informed: Learn about AI and its potential impact on your industry.
• Develop your soft skills: Enhance your communication, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities.
• Embrace lifelong learning: Take courses, attend workshops, and seek new challenges to keep your skills sharp.
• Network with others: Build connections with people in your field and other relevant industries.
• Consider upskilling: Explore opportunities to learn new skills related to AI and data analysis.

The post AI and the Future of Work first appeared on ALX Africa.

What is ALX Foundations?

Every ALX programme starts with ALX Foundations, a that prepares you to thrive in the digital workforce. The basis of the module teaches you foundational skills that will not only help in your upcoming specialisation programme, but also in your career after graduation. Throughout the course of this module, you will learn critical communication, leadership, and career-building skills to develop you into a well-rounded professional.

For a more comprehensive idea of what exactly you can expect to learn from Foundations, you can check out part 1 of this article.

In short, this module was developed in response to the changing climate of work. With hybrid and digital work taking over in tech and other industries, it is important that all learners can adapt. With a strong enough foundation, it’s easy to adapt to whatever is thrown your way.

Hear From Our Learners: 4 Reasons Why Foundations Is Great

Don’t take our word for it – hear from our alumni who have successfully completed the Foundations programme. Below, some of our alumni have shared their experience with Foundations. Here are 4 of the biggest benefits of this module:

1. It’s difficult, but in a good way.

According to Nontsikelelo Cekiso, “My experience with ALX has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I found myself crying because I was overwhelmed in some weeks and celebrating my accomplishments in others. ALX is truly challenging us to do hard things. I have learned so much in these 13 weeks of being in the Foundations programme, in both emotional and educational aspects.

Following the recommended schedule helps a lot because it keeps me on track with the content. I cannot wait to start my tech specialisation.”

As you can see, Foundations has its challenges. It’s important to remember, however, that “doing hard things” means expanding the limits of our comfort zones, feeling challenged, and doing it anyway.

2. It helps you find and nurture your support network.

Itohowo Lawrence Paulinus notes, “There is an Igbo adage that says, ‘a child’s training is a communal effort,’ hence the reason for the name ‘Nworah’ – meaning community child or everyone’s child. 

This is a thank you message to ALX and its partners for providing this wonderful platform, with quality content [to help build] the African child. I must confess, the content is rich and reformative. Kudos to the ALX team.”

Together, we can accomplish much more than on our own. Part of the Foundations process is connecting you with learners in your cohort to learn and grow together. By working together, you can collaborate on creative briefs or help one another when you get stuck at roadblocks.

The idea of community carries over into your specialisation as you engage with other learners online or in-person at our Hubs. This network-building infrastructure is what will help jumpstart your career after graduation and give you others to rely on as you progress in your career.

3. You learn real, tangible skills that benefit you long after your specialisation programme.

“I was able to build my first website at milestone 14! I’m truly grateful for the help and support the ALX Foundations team has provided in gaining hard and soft skills.” 

– Mercy Akpan

The things you learn in Foundations are meant to be useful in the long-term. Before learning the technical skills of your specialisation, it’s important to beef up your professional skills too. These hard and soft skills combine to make you a well-rounded professional, which you can show off in your own personal website.

Your website acts as a portfolio and interactive CV that potential employers can look at to get a sense of what you can do. As you progress through your specialisation, you can constantly update your website to include any and all skills you’ve gained in order to keep your online CV up to date.

The skills training you get in Foundations is not just good for now, but good for life.

4. It prepares you for the digital workforce.

“My experience with ALX has been enriching, impactful, and incredibly beneficial. Through this journey, I’ve acquired skills in optimising my social media presence, connecting with like-minded individuals, engaging in the three daily activities, and implementing effective strategies to overcome imposter syndrome. 

Previously, I might have disregarded sharing my LinkedIn profile on a platform and continued leading a secluded and reserved life. However, thanks to ALX and the #doinghardthings mindset, I’ve gained a deeper understanding.” 

– Grace Kalu

The tech world is constantly in a state of change. New technologies mean new ways to work, new ways to interact, and new ways to get stuff done. Without proper training in how to adapt, this landscape can easily become overwhelming.

By working with change rather than against it, you’ll learn how to roll with the punches and come out on top. Whether that’s keeping LinkedIn up to date or using other social media to boost your skills, you’ll learn how to take a holistic approach to career-building that will set you up for success.

Summary

The ALX Foundations module is a challenging but rewarding part of our many tech training programmes. It is the basis for which the mantra “do hard things” becomes second nature to all. Register your interest for our next cohort in any of our training programmes today. Applications open in January – are you ready to do hard things? Register now!

The post ALX Foundations: The Importance of Doing Hard Things first appeared on ALX Africa.

The Importance of Skills Development

Having a successful tech career requires more than just technical knowledge. There are important professional skills that are important to learn as well.

Technical knowledge, often called hard skills, refers to things you learn. As an example, software engineers know how to code and program and can build software with those skills. The things they’ve learnt through study are hard skills that create a software engineer’s specific expertise.

Professional knowledge, often called soft skills, refers to interpersonal skills that become part of your behaviour patterns. Soft skills include communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership which define how you interact with others in a professional space. The software engineer who knows how to code and program, for example, must also understand how to communicate their work to their team, too.

Learning both hard and soft skills will make you a well-rounded worker and learner. When going for interviews, it is the soft skills that you learn in Foundations that will help you stand out as an exceptional candidate above the rest.

The ALX Foundations Module

Whether you decide to specialise in our Cloud Computing, Salesforce, Data Analytics, Front-End Development, Back-End Development, or Data Science programme, you will start your coursework with Foundations. The Foundations module is meant to help you build a strong base of professional skills to help you tackle any challenges that lie ahead. This includes your programme, but these skills extend their usefulness all the way through to your future career.

To give you an idea of exactly what soft skills you will learn in Foundations, here is a brief look at the syllabus for the module:

ALX Foundations Syllabus

The first part of Foundations is all about your own self-awareness. After being loaded into our online systems, you’ll meet your peers and participate in workshops that help you articulate your own growth. In order to be successful, you need to understand where you are and where you’re going. This first part is dedicated to helping you figure that out.

The second part of the programme shifts its focus to teamwork. You’ll be put into teams where you will work together on entrepreneurial projects, wireframing, and building prototypes. This will teach you critical teamwork, management, and communication skills that you’ll carry with you in your studies and your career.

In part three, there is a major emphasis on your chosen specialisation. During this phase, you will spend time looking at different career paths you could take in your area of interest and understand what you need to do to find success.

This all culminates in the end with your own personal portfolio and personal website that showcases your skills. As you go about your programme afterwards, you can add projects to your portfolio so that you are ready to apply for jobs once you’ve finished.

During your specialisation, you will be able to access all Foundations information as part of your professional developmental toolkit. With skills like how to interview, how to build your resume, and how to update your portfolio, this toolkit will be invaluable during your tech specialisation and beyond.

8 Meta Skills You’ll Learn

Throughout the course of Foundations, you will learn several critical skills listed below in the order you focus on them:

1. Leading self – Understanding who you are by figuring out what you want to guide yourself toward your goals.
2. Leading others – How to be a proper leader with good communication and management skills.
3. Critical thinking – Learning how to tackle complex problems in creative ways, or analyse situations to gain important insights.
4. Entrepreneurial thinking – You will learn how to find opportunities, create solutions, develop unique and creative ideas, in order to create innovations and become an entrepreneur.
5. Quantitative reasoning – How to use maths, logical thinking, and statistics to gain insights from data and learn new information.
6. Communicating for impact – Learn to communicate with co-workers, clients, and managers to effectively get your message across.
7. Managing complex tasks – Time management is key to completing your programme tasks on time and is crucial to your job performance, too.
8. Navigating tech ecosystems – The key to success in tech is adapting to changes in the market. Knowing how to do this successfully will help you in the long-run.

Why Foundations?

Our goal with Foundations is to make our learners truly future-proof. This means that they are equipped with malleable tools and knowledge to be able to adapt to whatever changes might happen as tech advances or the job market changes.

When applying for a job in tech, you will likely be competing with a pool full of technical talent. What many of those applicants may not have, however, are the proper soft skills to really stand out.

For employers, going through a module like Foundations proves that you are someone who has learnt how to learn. They see someone who is adaptable and who can give and receive feedback effectively. Those 8 meta skills you learn in Foundations are additive. They enhance and expand on the technical skills you might have mastered, making you even more desirable as an employee and worker. 

By combining world-class tech education with important communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, you position yourself as a well-rounded professional, ready to take on any challenge.

Summary

By the admission of some industry experts, soft skills may be more important than hard skills these days. As the world of tech continues to change, building a proper foundation for your knowledge prepares you for whatever gets thrown your way.

The ALX Foundations module prepares you for your specialisation by teaching you exceptional soft skills that you can carry with you throughout your career. Our next cohort starts again in February, where you will have the opportunity to build your foundation nice and strong. Register your interest today!

FAQs

1. What is ALX Foundations?

ALX Foundations is a module that all learners participate in before starting their chosen specialisation. We call it “Foundations” because it helps build a strong base of soft and hard skills that will help you in your programme and in your future career.

2. What will I learn during Foundations?

You will learn a combination of soft and hard skills that apply to your specialisation directly after and that you can use in your future career. Some important skills you’ll learn include: Google Suite, research, test-taking skills, career-readiness skills, and how to create your portfolio.

3. Is Foundations required?

Yes, all ALX learners are required to take the Foundations module before starting their chosen specialisation.

The post The ALX Foundations Module: Building a Strong Foundation in Tech first appeared on ALX Africa.

Becoming a professional in any industry requires a healthy combination of technical knowledge and social skills. Technical knowledge is commonly referred to as hard skills, while the interpersonal attributes associated with collaborative work are referred to as soft skills.

Honing and maintaining both hard and soft skills is essential to a long, successful, fruitful career in industries like software engineering and beyond. This article will break down both the hard and soft skills associated with software engineering to illustrate the importance of learning them simultaneously.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in software engineering, ALX Africa offers both an Introduction to Software Engineering programme, as well as a Software Engineering Plus programme for learners of all skill levels.

Hard Skills of a Software Engineer

Hard skills in any industry refer to the techniques, abilities, and skill sets that someone has that are learned and can be demonstrated in a measured way. The simplest way to understand what is a hard skill is something that you can learn and improve on through practice. Teachable, measurable abilities like reading, writing, coding, or math fall into this category.

For software engineers, there are many specific hard skills that you must possess in order to be hired and excel in your field. These skills help software engineers navigate the dynamic and complex tech landscape they inhabit, while being the mechanism for their ability to innovate effectively.

Hard skills help software engineers develop robust and efficient software solutions. Without them, they could not be considered software engineers at all.

Some of the key skills that every software engineer should possess include the following:

• Programming languages: In order to code, you must be proficient in several programming languages, including Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript. With these languages, software engineers can build and run complex algorithms and parse through large sets of data.

• Data structures and algorithms: Data structures refer to the organisation of data in a virtual system, while algorithms are steps that a computer executes in order to transform an input into a target output. These functions are used by software engineers to build computer programs with optimised, efficient code.

• Software development methodologies: By using methodologies like Scrum or Kanban, software engineers can follow a structured process to help them effectively work through a programming obstacle.

• Web development: Mastery of coding languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript allow software engineers to develop websites for various purposes.

• Database management: With proficiency in SQL or NoSQL, software engineers can handle large sets of data effectively.

• Version control systems: This category of software tools helps record changes a software engineer makes in the code of a specific file to keep track of the different versions of a file an engineer is working with.

• Testing and debugging: A software engineer should know how to write comprehensive test cases and to resolve software issues as they come up.

• System architecture and design: Here, architecture refers to the blueprint for a system. Software engineers must be able to define structured solutions to meet technical and operational requirements of a system.

Soft Skills Matter, Too

While technical skills are crucial for software engineers to do their jobs properly, the development of soft skills are just as important. In highly-collaborative roles like software engineering, hard skills and soft skills tend to complement each other.

Soft skills are interpersonal skills and character traits that revolve around someone’s relationships with others. They are less focused on what a person knows, and more focused on who they are.

Some examples of soft skills that are useful for software engineers include:

• Problem-solving: Learning to think analytically helps software engineers come up with innovative solutions in software and beyond.

• Effective communication: Software engineers will often have to convey highly-technical concepts to people without any technical knowledge. Knowing how to do so clearly and effectively is an important skill that is useful in any industry.

• Adaptability & flexibility: Technology changes all the time. It is therefore essential for software engineers to become adaptable and willing to embrace change quickly.

• Teamwork & collaboration: A software engineer typically is one part of a much bigger team. In order to make sure everything works together, they must work in tandem with other departments and learn to value diverse perspectives with good lines of communication.

• Time management & organisation: Software engineering usually involves juggling multiple projects and tasks at once. Learning to efficiently manage projects, meet deadlines, and prioritise tasks is a vital soft skill you will inevitably learn.

• Attention to detail: Writing code and developing software usually means meticulous testing and debugging to make sure it functions properly. In order for your work to be reliable and accurate, you must have a strong attention to detail.

• Emotional intelligence: As you will likely be working with a team, you must be able to navigate conflicts, resolve issues, and maintain positive relationships with your coworkers.

• Continuous learning: Working in tech means keeping up with its rapid pace of advancement. You will naturally learn as a software engineer how to stay up-to-date with emerging trends, committing yourself to lifelong learning.

By mastering key soft skills, you can, ideally, collaborate effectively with others, easily adapt to changing dynamics, and thrive in diverse work environments. When you combine soft skills with technical expertise, software engineers are best set up for success in their careers.

Summary

Learning software engineering is much more than just perfecting technical skills. Though those hard skills are essential to becoming a successful software engineer, there are a multitude of soft skills that are equally as important to master. 

By combining both hard and soft skills, you can set yourself up for future success as a capable software engineer who is technically talented, with interpersonal skills to match.
ALX Africa offers software engineering programmes that focus on teaching learners both hard and soft skills together. Sign up for our Software Engineering Plus programme today and get a head start on becoming a tech professional.

FAQs

1. What are some hard skills software engineers learn?

Hard skills software engineers learn include: programming languages like Python, Java, C++, and JavaScript; understanding data structures and algorithms for efficient problem-solving; knowledge of software development methodologies; mastery of web development techniques including HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks; competence in database management using SQL or NoSQL; proficiency in version control systems like Git; skill testing and debugging software.

2. What are some soft skills software engineers learn?

Software engineers learn to be proficient problem-solvers and communicators. They know how to convey technical concepts and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to get their point across. They are adaptable and flexible, always embracing change and learning new technologies.

Other soft skills include teamwork and collaboration to contribute effectively in a team environment, time management, and organisation to efficiently manage projects and meet deadlines, attention to detail for accurate testing and debugging, continuous learning to stay updated with emerging trends, and emotional intelligence to navigate conflicts and foster positive relationships.

3. Is coding a soft or hard skill?

Coding is considered a hard skill. It is a technical discipline with specific rules and procedures that you can learn and improve upon as time goes on. An example of a soft skill would be your ability to communicate complex code to an untrained person on your team.

The post Software Engineering: Hard vs. Soft Skills first appeared on ALX Africa.

Can you share a bit about your background?

I have a background in Psychology and HR, with a specialisation in Talent Development and Recruitment. My passion has always been in supporting young people to realise their potential. Before joining The ROOM Gold Fellowship, I worked with young people from diverse backgrounds, providing educational, technical and soft skills training​ to maximise their chances of getting jobs in Investment Banking and Asset Management. I also volunteer as a career coach and mentor, and was recently a Rise selector for the Rise program.

How do you define your role as a Pathfinder?

I define my role as being a partner, career coach and the biggest supporter of the young professionals I work with. This entails collaborating with them to map out their career goals and ambitions, connecting them with opportunities that fit their profile and supporting them to realise their potential.

What inspired you to become a Pathfinder with The ROOM Gold Fellowship?

Hearing the stories of the winners of the 2022 ALX SE Students challenge inspired me to become a Pathfinder with the Gold Fellowship. These stories showed me there is an abundance of top talent on our continent who just need support to accelerate their careers. The Gold Fellowship provides a great opportunity to support the next generation of tech leaders in Africa through mentorship, coaching and building relationships, and I’m excited to be a part of that.

What are some of your key responsibilities as a Pathfinder?

My primary responsibility is to provide mentorship to Gold Fellows, partnering with them to develop their career goals and create a plan to achieve them. I also offer guidance in essential job preparation skills such as CV writing, networking and interviewing. Additionally, I help the fellows identify job opportunities that align with their profiles and serve as a sounding board for them throughout their career journeys. Finally, I encourage fellows to attend networking events, and support them in building relationships that can grow their careers.

What do you love most about your job?

I really enjoy connecting with the young professionals. It’s always inspiring to hear their stories and how they have overcome challenges to get to where they are.

Why do you think mentorship and career coaching is important? What role does it play in accelerating the growth of a young professional’s career?

Mentorship and career coaching provides an opportunity to learn from someone who has experience navigating the complex and challenging world of work. A mentor and career coach can provide guidance on career decisions, keep you accountable to your own goals and ambitions, and provide networking opportunities. A lot of young professionals lack access to experienced industry professionals and have limited exposure to the world of work. This impedes their ability to get jobs, not due to the absence of talent, but as a result of their struggle to navigate the system. Mentorship and career coaching addresses this issue, and can accelerate the growth of a young professional’s career by providing the tools, resources and support needed to realise their potential.

What do you think is a key resource for a young professional looking to ignite their career?

Networking! Building and creating a professional network can provide opportunities for career growth. By connecting with people in their industry, young professionals can learn about job openings, gain mentors and build relationships that may lead to future collaborations or partnerships.

What value does the Gold Fellowship hold for young professionals? What difference will it make to their lives?

There is great value in the Gold Fellowship because it gives young professionals access to a Pathfinder who can provide mentorship and support. The Gold Fellowship also provides co-working spaces for the fellows – not only does this enhance productivity, but it is also an opportunity for fellows to connect with startups. More importantly, Gold Fellows get to connect with other talented tech professionals and be a part of The ROOM’s talent community. In short, the Gold Fellowship is building the next generation of influential African leaders; I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to be part of it!

The ROOM Gold Fellowship connects top ALX tech graduates with Pathfinders who mentor, coach, and support their career growth. Apply today to one of ALX’s world-class programmes so you can gain entry into the Gold Fellowship and unlock a range of benefits and perks reserved exclusively for Gold Fellows.

The post What Does a Pathfinder Do Anyway? Kutchi Katatumba Explains. first appeared on ALX Africa.

To engage our ALX community and hear your thoughts on this topic, we ran a poll on Instagram. Drawing on insights and advice shared by girls and women in tech across the African continent, here are our Top 10 Do’s and Don’ts women can follow to conquer the African tech ecosystem.

DO your research

There are so many fields in tech and it can be quite overwhelming for us!

Tech is a vast field with hundreds of options to explore, and at first glance, it can be incredibly overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. All you need to do is to take some time to do thorough research and start fishing out the options that are best suited for you. Not every shoe will fit, and that’s okay. The beauty of tech lies in its diversity.

DO start building your network

On any path you decide to undertake, it is always better to walk the road with someone else. We cannot emphasise enough how crucial it is to find a support system to motivate you throughout your journey, especially in the tech world. Tech can feel lonely, isolated and downright scary, but the burden is significantly lighter with the right community. Building a network begins with putting yourself out there and communicating with others. Let people know who you are and what you’re interested in, and build loyalty by adding value consistently from there. Remember, your network is your net worth.

One of the biggest barriers women face in tech is finding people, especially women, who are as enthusiastic about their tech journey so that you can have people to go through the ups and downs with you.

DO find mentorship in your field of interest

Like a lighthouse, a mentor is a necessary guide for your journey through the murky waters of career development. An excellent mentor will help you navigate your newfound career interest and assist you in seeking opportunities. Besides that, you get to learn first-hand from a specialist who already has experience in the industry. Once you connect with someone who has trekked the path you endeavour to pursue, you’ll find comfort knowing that they can guide you to victory too.

DO think positively

A lack of confidence acts a gatekeeper to a woman’s success.

“I am not good enough” is not an option. Taking your first few steps to pursue tech is testament that you are more than capable. Remember that as human beings we are designed to adapt, learn and grow — all of which you will do as you embark on this new journey. Rid yourself of any toxic thoughts that tell you that you’re inferior to others. Walk into your field of choice with a can-do spirit and commitment to learning and you’ll set you up for success. Remain determined and expectant of favourable outcomes. It all starts with the mindset!

DO take advantage of resources and opportunities

The cost of training, resources and certification really deter women from pursuing tech.

Many women are unaware of the vast number of resources and opportunities available for their taking. There are several options to help you kickstart your career if you look in the right places. Our very own ALX is the perfect example to plug into. There are several free and subsidised courses and scholarships that aim to promote women’s participation in STEM. You can access motivation, inspiration and knowledge right at your fingertips.

DON’T get stuck

The internet is a limitless resource, and what should be one hour of research could turn into a four-week exploration. Do not get caught up in the theory; simply start. Begin building your portfolio to help get your career off the ground. You will have more impact learning as you go, rather than catching yourself in a whirlwind of could-be’s and should-be’s. And again, if you hit a roadblock, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You’d be surprised how many others can relate to your struggle and help you overcome it.

Women need to support women and create communities and mentorship to show how those who have gone ahead did it and pave the way for the incoming generation of women changemakers.

DON’T take failure as a setback

Understand that you cannot be perfect or work at optimal capacity 100% of the time. As much as you will progress, there will be times where you will slide back down, but that’s human and that’s okay. Failure is not a measure of your capability or lack thereof. It is simply a learning experience that redirects you to greater output, value and impact. The same goes for criticism — it’s a gift to fuel you to strive for success and gives you a chance to work on your blindspots and improve. It’s through failure that you come out stronger and wiser than ever before.

DON’T stereotype

Women constantly question themselves with, “ Are you sure you’re cut out for this? It’s a man’s world!”

This goes for two things: stereotyping gender and the African continent. You have to shed the idea that women are more inclined to behave or perform a certain way. It will only lead to boxing yourself in, which won’t get you very far. It is also very easy to fall into the negative belief in “African problems” and place yourself at the tail-end of the race. It’s true that Africa has its unique set of challenges that may impact your journey, but they are not a recipe for your doom and gloom. Familiarise yourself with the stories of African women in tech like Sarah Menker, “the woman who knows what the end of the world looks like”, Tarneem Saeed, “the entrepreneur at the forefront of Sudan’s economic renaissance”, and a host of others who are breaking boundaries on the continent, and know that if they made it, so can you. Like them, be a part of the solution, not the problem.

DON’T settle

Salary disparities are a major hindrance to women who want to explore tech.

As a woman, society will have many opinions about you — from how you should live your life to the career paths you should take. It is up to you to rise above any low expectations and prove yourself. Never settle for less than you deserve. Always negotiate a salary that reflects your experience and talent. Never get so comfortable that you do not allow yourself room to grow and flourish. Lastly, don’t allow anyone to dictate your pathway or patronise your values. You are your own entity and you are in charge of your career.

DON’T burn out

Being in a novel and fast-paced world can drain the energy out of you before you even realise it. Don’t get caught up in deadlines and blue screens without taking time out for yourself. Regularly recharge your battery and re-energise your spirit. You can do this by creating the habit of setting aside a short amount of time each day to unplug from your work and screen. And when possible, you can take longer vacations and retreats to reset completely. What’s important to remember is that this career journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace your workload and trust that little progress is better than no progress.

As you embark on your new and revolutionary journey, we urge you to remember who you are and how far you’ve come. Always remember to navigate your path with patience and kindness to yourself. Above all, stay true to your purpose and take up space where you belong.

ALX is offering up to 50,000 women across Africa the opportunity to launch their careers in one of the most exciting and in-demand fields on the planet. Sign up for our first-ever women-only Software Engineering cohort here.

The post Breaking into Tech: Top 10 Pieces of Advice for Young Women in Africa first appeared on ALX Africa.

Can you share a bit about your background and career prior to joining ALX?

I was born in Mauritius, growing up in a family that was completely nonchalant about materialistic possessions. This gave me a minimalist approach to life and a strong love for nature.

My professional life prior to ALX was mostly in the non-profit sector — firstly with educational NGOs in Latin America, where I focused on the design of learning programmes — and later on with a global anti-human trafficking organisation working in Haiti, Ghana and India, where I focused on the assessment of community-based projects.

What drew you to work at ALX?

A little bit of a cliché: the mission and the people. In terms of the mission, I was strongly drawn by the possibility of working on the design and delivery of learning programmes that could positively impact the lives of millions of youth across the African continent. Being part of an organisation that operates at such a large scale and that has the ability to offer transformational experiences to an entire generation of young leaders is truly a privilege.

In terms of the people, I had heard from individuals in my network that ALG (African Leadership Group), and not only ALX, brought together incredibly passionate human beings and embedded them in an exciting work culture. I can now say that after having joined ALX over 3 years ago, I have been amazed by everyone’s drive to achieve excellence in every aspect of their work. Everyone at ALX seems to have the remarkable ability to get the most complicated things done in record time, but most importantly, everyone is able to do so with an incredible level of humility and collaboration.

“Our team strives to deliver magical and transformative learning and community experiences that help drive engagement and long-term retention of learners.”

As the Director for Talent Readiness, can you share what your role entails and what your team does?

The Talent Readiness department is in charge of designing and delivering ALX’s different learning tracks, such as our Data Analytics and Data Science programmes, our Cloud Computing programme, our Salesforce Administrator programme, and our Software Engineering programme. Our team’s interaction with our learners starts from the moment they have been accepted into one of our learning programmes. From that point, we start engaging with them by launching their learner journey and getting them onboarded and activated into the ALX community. Once onboarded, they have access to our whole community support ecosystem, which comprises our learner platform where they get to interact with their peers and get their questions answered from industry experts, as well as participate in carefully crafted community events.

Our learning model follows the 70–20–10 model: 10% formal coursework and training, 20% learning from their peers, mentors, and industry professionals, and finally 70% from learning by doing (i.e. undertaking practical projects by applying what they have learned).

At every point of the learning journey, our team strives to deliver magical and transformative learning, and community experiences that help drive engagement and long-term retention of our learners.

My role specifically is to lead the development of these programmes and ensure that our team is effectively delivering high-quality learning experiences for the thousands of customers that we serve. This entails managing operational and programme teams in the roll-out and implementation of digital cohort-based learning programmes. Additionally, I closely collaborate with other department leads on devising a common organisational strategy and operational plan to prepare our young professionals for dignified employment opportunities. Finally, I also manage partnerships with key institutional stakeholders with whom ALX partners to deliver these programmes at scale.

“Young professionals will need to reinvent themselves multiple times throughout their careers to remain up to speed with the latest technological developments.”

What are the crucial skills and competencies that you think young professionals in Africa will need to thrive in the future of work?

The most critical skill would likely be the ability and agility to learn. There is plenty of research showing that the key skills that were required 5–10 years ago across major industries are no longer relevant today, and that most jobs that will exist by 2030 have not even been invented yet. Such rapid changes mean that our young professionals will need to reinvent themselves multiple times throughout their careers to remain up to speed with the latest technological developments.

In addition, there are also numerous essential soft skills, such as the ability to problem-solve, effective communication, and collaboration, that are applicable across the majority of industries, and that recruiters often look for. These skills are the cornerstone of every tech programme at ALX, providing ALX graduates with the key proficiencies that will ensure long-term career success. Lastly, a strong foundation of core digital and tech competencies would undeniably be an essential piece that young professionals should continuously build upon to thrive in the future of work.

Why do you believe it’s important for young Africans to gain digital and technical skills?

A recent report by McKinsey mentioned that while the proportion of occupations that can be fully automated using current technology is less than 5%, within approximately 60% of all occupations, roughly a third of their activities can be automated using existing technology. As a result, most people entering the workforce will require a significant degree of digital and technical skills to simply navigate and perform in existing occupations.

While jobs requiring digital and technical skills are growing rapidly, the latest reports also indicate a significant unmet demand for such tech skills. For example, prior to the pandemic, the US alone had close to 1 million unfilled tech jobs. Moreover, the pandemic has dramatically accelerated digitally-enabled independent work, which is bound to keep growing over the next decades. By upskilling themselves, young Africans have the opportunity to fill that gap in the supply of tech roles.

What excites you about the work that you’re doing with your team?

Being at the forefront of the rapid transformations happening in the educational space. Our team operates the furthest away from rigid traditional learning models within archaic educational systems that are only accessible to the most privileged individuals. We work on delivering fast-paced, market-relevant, flexible, tech-enabled, community-driven hybrid learning that is highly accessible to millions of youth.

From your experience, what does it take for young people to fulfil their potential and embark successfully on their careers?

On an individual level, certain key mindsets, such as a “growth mindset”, can be extremely powerful in helping individuals transcend themselves. A growth mindset is not something innate, but can actually be learnt at any point in life. It helps establish an openness and love for learning, as well as the appropriate resilience to continuously improve oneself.

Beyond the individual level, especially in the markets that ALX serves, it is also critical to recognise that there are some heavy infrastructural barriers limiting young people’s ability to fulfil their potential. For example, a large number of young people we serve struggle to access reliable internet and tech tools that are essential in their learning journey and to launch their careers. These structural barriers have nothing to do with individual resilience and perseverance, and act as major limiting factors for youth on the continent. ALX constantly strives to find innovative solutions to such barriers, with the hope of increasing young people’s ability to fulfil their potential as much as possible.

“Young people who participate in our learning programmes are equipped with essential mindsets as well as generalist and technical skills and tools that are pivotal in helping them find meaningful job opportunities and succeed in their new roles.”

What value does ALX hold for young professionals? What difference will it make to their lives?

Our young professionals who we interview or survey after they have gone through our learning programmes consistently share with us that ALX was a transformational experience for them, helping kickstart their career. Young people who participate in our learning programmes are equipped with essential mindsets as well as generalist and technical skills and tools that are pivotal in helping them find meaningful job opportunities and succeed in their new roles. Additionally, our young professionals also forge deep connections with their peers through our learning community, which provides them with a strong support ecosystem as they navigate the early stages of their careers. Moreover, once they have completed their respective learning programme at ALX, our young professionals have lifelong access to invaluable career opportunities through their Fellowship at The ROOM.

Find out more about how ALX is helping young Africans kickstart their careers in the most in-demand technical professions – and check out the stories from some of our talented young leaders.

The post How To Accelerate Your Career in Tech: A Q&A with Kavi Ramburn, Director of Talent Readiness at ALX first appeared on ALX Africa.