Building a Career in Data, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning.

In today's rapidly evolving tech landscape, careers in data, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and machine learning have become some of the most sought-after and transformative paths. These fields are redefining industries, sparking innovation, and creating opportunities for individuals around the world. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 33% growth in cybersecurity jobs between 2022 and 2032, significantly outpacing other industries. As of 2023, there were approximately 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally, highlighting a substantial skills gap.

The demand for data scientists is expected to grow by 35% from 2022 to 2035. Similarly, AI roles are also on the rise, with software engineering positions projected to increase by 25%. But what does it take to build a successful career in these areas?

Discussion With The Experts.

In a recent panel discussion hosted by motivational speaker, life coach, and mental health advocate Toyyib Adewale Adelodun, five distinguished professionals shared their insights on this topic. The panelists, Dr. Iretioluwa Akehele, a cybersecurity expert; Karo Orovboni, an IT consultant and property investor; Sadeeq Akintola, a data engineer at Google; Bukola Okiji, a project and program manager; and Oluwole Fagbohun, a senior AI engineer, each brought their unique perspectives and experiences to the table.

Throughout the conversation, they delved into their journeys, challenges, and the opportunities that await those willing to dive into these exciting fields. They also shared insight into skills that anyone desiring to venture into these fields should possess to be able to thrive in these niches. Whether you're just starting or looking to pivot into one of these dynamic careers, their stories offer valuable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the power of continuous learning.

Sadeeq Akintola, one of the panelists sharing insight on the skills stack you need to possess to enter into the field of Data said,

“You have to pick a struggle.”

Pick a Struggle. 

He explained that, for those who are older or have specific career goals, it's important to specialize deeply in one area rather than trying to cover all aspects of data, because that field is huge.

This is a good point, however, this doesn't mean you shouldn't explore. Exploration also broadens your knowledge scope and exposes you to lots of opportunities.

“About community and going to events going to conferences, I can't stress enough how this is helpful.”

He shared how attending conferences and networking events is crucial. Engaging with the community can lead to valuable connections, job opportunities, and insights into industry trends. Sadeeq shared personal experiences of how attending events and volunteering led to significant career opportunities, including internships and securing a job at Google after about 300 applications.

Bukola Okiji’s

“If you don't know how to communicate you will struggle.”

Imagine going to an event and you're not able to network and build good connections because you don't know the right thing to say. Aha! Bukola Okiji, one of the panelists, said developing your communication skills would help you engage effectively and build meaningful connections at events. Your skills are not what will sell you, but how better you communicate them.

Dr. Iretioluwa Akehele’s “If you can't afford to go for masters you can go for a boot camp or similar training”

Dr. Iretioluwa talks about the different ways one can transition into tech. That is either by a degree in a tech-related course or by training (bootcamps).

Both options can lead to success only if, you build your skills and experience by going for internships, volunteering and even taking some professional certificate courses

Dr. Iretioluwa also shared the importance of joining communities in your area of career pursuit, amplifying her initiative, CyBlack, a community that supports helping professionals in the area of cybersecurity advance their careers.

Oluwole Fagbohun

Are you going to be a local champion or…?

Oluwole established the fact that to be able to appeal to a great number of people both locally and internationally, you need to build a strong digital presence. 

Having an online presence, such as a LinkedIn profile or a blog, can help in getting noticed by recruiters. It is going to speak about you without you saying a word…Oluwole Fagbohun during his presentation said, “Businesses pay for value…”

You have to demonstrate value Identify gaps in companies and propose solutions that can enhance their processes or revenue.

You should also show genuine interest in the field and stay updated with recent developments and research.

Karo Orovboni’s

“One thing you should never take for granted is LinkedIn.”

Karo emphasized enhancing your LinkedIn profile to make it current and active. You have to utilize the platform to showcase your skills and certifications. Consider using LinkedIn Premium for a month to connect with potential employers and maximize your visibility. The stories each panelist shared about their tech journey show a bit of perseverance, hard work, continuous learning, and networking.

It’s crucial to develop deep expertise in one area to stay competitive. However, broadening your knowledge through exploration can open doors to new opportunities.

In essence, a successful career in these fields requires a blend of specialization, continuous learning, networking, communication, and leveraging digital platforms to showcase your value.

Watch the full video here;

Thanks for reading!