Sometimes, a simple conversation can change everything.
That was exactly the case for Chetachi Ihekwaba, a talented product designer. Transitioning into tech wasn’t always the plan, but it ended up being the best decision she ever made. Through grit, community support, and constant learning, she has navigated her way through the tech space. Here’s what Chetachi had to say about her tech journey, her challenges, and how being part of a community like ProDevs shaped her path.
1. Can you share what inspired you to transition into tech, and what was your biggest challenge during that period?
Honestly, it all started with a conversation I had with a friend. We were discussing career options, and tech came up. At the time, everyone believed tech was all about coding and how difficult it was. But my friend mentioned product design and suggested I look into it. He said, “It’s fun, it’s about colors and drawing, so you will like it.” And funny enough, I did!
My biggest challenge back then was finding people in the industry to learn from. I was interested, but I struggled because I didn’t have the right connections or enough information to guide me.
2. How has being part of our community influenced your growth and development in the tech industry?
Community has been very important in my journey, and ProDevs has been a huge part of that. I’ve met like-minded people, learned from them, and grown through networking. You can’t underestimate the power of learning from others, especially in tech. The ProDevs community has allowed me to grow and develop my skills.
3. What was the most significant turning point in your tech career, and how did it shape where you are today?
Two programs made a difference for me—Dev & Design Bootcamp and the Blvnk Mentorship Program. Those programs elevated my knowledge in design, and Blvnk taught me the storytelling techniques I now use in my portfolio. Honestly, those two programs changed everything for me. I’ll always be grateful for them because they really shaped my career in ways I didn’t expect.
4. Looking back, how did your early experiences in tech compare to your expectations, and what advice would you give to others transitioning into the field?
My early experience was tough, to be honest. I struggled a lot because I didn’t have the right connections or community to ask questions. It was the complete opposite of what I expected. I thought it would be easier to find guidance, but it wasn’t.
For anyone new to tech, my advice is simple: don’t start alone. Join communities, follow senior designers on LinkedIn and social media, and learn from them. Attend boot camps that give quality information. And one last thing—practice, practice, practice.
5. How do you see your tech career evolving in the next few years, and what role do you think our community will play in that journey?
In the next few years, I see myself working on products that solve real problems for users. I want to create meaningful designs that make a difference. And of course, ProDevs will play a role in that by posting more design roles—because right now, it’s the dev guys getting all the shine! 😅
Chetachi’s journey is a clear reminder that tech is not just about coding; it’s about finding your space and building from there. From starting unsure of the path to becoming a product designer and making a real impact, her story shows the importance of community, resilience, and staying curious. Through communities like ProDevs, tech talents like Chetachi are thriving and proving that with the right support, you can go far, no matter where you start.
Ready to hire top tech talent? Visit prodevs.io today! If you're a tech professional looking to sign up, head over to talents.prodevs.io and join a community that’s shaping the future of tech in Africa and beyond.
