For Damilola Davids, tech was not just a career shift, it was her lifeline out of unemployment. Today, she is a thriving product manager with over four years of experience, but the journey to this point was anything but straightforward.
Damilola studied chemical engineering at university but upon graduating, she faced the harsh realities of Nigeria’s job market. Despite getting a second degree, opportunities were scarce, and the sense of disappointment was overwhelming. She had spent nearly six years in school, only to find herself stuck in limbo.
Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, and with it, a moment of pause that allowed her to reassess her path. Curious and determined, she turned to the internet and began researching tech careers. That was when she discovered product management, a field that immediately piqued her interest. She could draw parallels between her engineering background and the principles of product management: both required problem-solving and cross-functional teamwork
She enrolled in the Women Techsters Fellowship, committing six months to learning and mastering the craft. She learned to be consistent, to show up even on hard days, and to never take a learning opportunity for granted. What she initially saw as a skill-building program turned out to be the launchpad that would change her life.
Her transition into this field wasn’t easy. Being an older graduate came with expectations. Her family couldn’t quite understand why she wouldn’t just take any job and earn something. But Damilola knew she needed to build something sustainable. Starting from scratch was daunting, but she stayed the course.
After completing the fellowship, she landed an internship with SystemSpecs, where her initiative and adaptability helped her stand out. She quickly earned the trust of her team and was entrusted with critical tasks. As she advanced in her career, Damilola also began mentoring others. She points her mentees to resources, encouraging them to stay the course. Many of them have gone on to become full-fledged product managers themselves.
Today, Damilola earns a seven-figure salary, but she is the first to remind others that tech isn’t a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes grit and patience. For those feeling uncertain, she offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: Do it afraid. Also, whatever skills you bring from past experiences are not wasted. Skills are transferable. It’s all about connecting the dots.
To hear her journey in her own words, click here
