You’re fresh out of university, armed with your degree and boundless enthusiasm, ready to take on the tech world. You’ve practised your elevator pitch and polished your CV until it shines, and you’re sure the job offers will roll in. Then reality hits harder than a Lagos traffic jam on a Monday morning.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics data, youth unemployment in Nigeria hovers around 42.5% – a staggering figure that hits remarkably close to home for many aspiring tech professionals. If you’re a Gen Z or young millennial trying to break into tech or go-to-market (GTM) roles, you’re probably nodding your head right now, thinking about those countless job applications that seemed to vanish into the void.
But here’s the thing – while the challenges are real, they’re not insurmountable. Let’s dive into the significant hurdles entry-level job seekers and young millennials face when trying to break into tech or go-to-market (GTM) roles in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem and, more importantly, how to overcome them. Whether you’re eyeing roles in sales, marketing, customer success, or operations, this guide is your roadmap to navigating the complex terrain of landing your first tech role.
The Experience Paradox: When Every Entry-Level Job Requires 2+ Years of Experience
We’ve all seen those job postings: “Entry-level position: Requirements 1 – 3 years of experience.” It makes you wonder if HR departments are dabbling in time travel! This is particularly prevalent in Nigeria’s tech sector, where companies often seek experienced professionals, even for junior positions.
The truth is that many companies use experience requirements as a filter mechanism, but this doesn’t mean you’re automatically disqualified. They’re looking for proof that you can handle the job responsibilities.
How to Override the Experience Barrier:
- Create your own experience through personal projects
- Volunteer for relevant roles in organisations or startups
- Take on freelance projects, even if they’re small
- Document your learning journey through a blog or portfolio
💡 Pro Tip: While traditional experience might be lacking, you can build relevant expertise through alternative routes. Have you considered joining professional communities where you can learn from industry experts? The Revsity Slack community is an excellent place to connect with GTM professionals, get mentorship, and find job opportunities. Join our thriving community today!
The Skills Gap: Bridging Theory and Practice
University degrees are valuable, but let’s be honest – they often don’t fully prepare you for the specific demands of tech and GTM roles. Many employers seek practical skills not typically taught in traditional education systems.
Key Skills Gaps in GTM Roles:
- Practical sales methodology and pipeline management
- Real-world marketing campaign execution
- Customer success metrics and relationship management
- Data analysis and reporting
- Technical tool proficiency (CRM, marketing automation, etc.)
The good news? This challenge has a clear solution. Targeted training programs focusing on practical, industry-relevant skills can help bridge this gap. At Revsity, we’ve designed our programs to address this need with courses to help you kickstart your journey.
Salary Expectations vs. Market Reality
Let’s keep it natural – those Twitter threads about tech salaries can be misleading. While the tech industry often offers competitive compensation, entry-level salaries might not match the figures on social media.
Understanding the Compensation Landscape:
- Entry-level GTM roles typically start lower but have steep growth curves
- Consider the total package, including learning opportunities and career progression
- Look for companies that offer clear advancement paths
- Focus on skill development that leads to higher-paying positions
Instead of fixating on initial salary, focus on roles that offer substantial learning opportunities and clear growth paths. Many successful GTM professionals started with modest salaries but experienced significant growth within 1-2 years.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
With the tech industry booming in Africa, competition for entry-level positions is fierce. Your CV might be among hundreds of applicants applying for the same role. But here’s where you can turn the tables: focus on building a unique value proposition.
Differentiation Strategies:
- Develop a personal brand through LinkedIn and Twitter
- Create content showcasing your understanding of GTM principles
- Build a portfolio of mock campaigns or sales strategies
- Network actively within the tech community
While others send generic applications, you could build practical experience by learning through structured training programs.
The Hidden Challenge: Navigating Company Culture
One often overlooked aspect of job hunting is finding the right cultural fit. African tech companies have diverse cultures; not all may align with your working style or career goals.
Cultural Considerations:
- Work-life balance expectations
- Remote work policies
- Learning and development opportunities
- Management style and team dynamics
Understanding company culture before accepting a role is crucial for long-term success. This is where networking and community involvement become invaluable.
The Way Forward: Taking Action
The road to landing your first tech role might seem daunting, but remember – every tech professional you admire started somewhere. The key is to be strategic about your approach and take advantage of resources designed to help you succeed.
With Revsity’s practical training, you’re not just learning but also building a solid network with GTM professionals to help you unlock career opportunities because the more connections you make, the more doors open. Apply now to join our community of successful GTM professionals.
Your Journey Starts Now
Landing your first tech role isn’t just about overcoming challenges – it’s about transforming them into opportunities for growth. While the Nigerian job market presents unique hurdles, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for those willing to invest in their skills and take strategic action.
Remember that success stories in tech often start with a single decision to take action. Whether joining a professional community, enrolling in targeted training, or building your portfolio, every step brings you closer to your goal.
The tech industry needs fresh perspectives and talent like yours. The challenges are real, but so are the opportunities. Keep pushing, learning, and, most importantly, keep believing in your potential to impact the GTM world. Your journey to success in GTM roles is a marathon, not a sprint – and with the right resources and community behind you, you’re already ahead of the curve.
Start your journey today – your future self will thank you for taking that first step.
