I started my career as a designer when I wanted to create some designs for my church, I stumbled on Canva and couldn’t stop designing after that. I designed almost everyday, I really enjoyed it. I started watching videos and reading free resources online, I thought that was sufficient to build a successful design career so I didn’t bother taking a course.
Unfortunately, ASUU went on strike indefinitely so I was out of school. I found the I4GZuri scholarship program on social media and shared with my friends. I applied for the scholarship but I thought it was a scam so I didn’t give much attention to it until I saw the amazing designs my friends were creating. I was so shocked and immediately started my course too. Even while I was taking the course, I always expected that I4G would ask us to pay at some point because it was too good to be free! I realized there was so much I didn’t know about design. Everyday, there was something new to learn. The program was challenging too but it helped me develop my skills.
Some months into the program, I4G announced the 30 days of design challenge and I registered for it. I took the challenge seriously and created designs every day. Every time I designed something, I would share it on LinkedIn. Little did I know I was preparing myself for something unexpected!
A month after I graduated from the I4GZuri scholarship program, a Canadian company reached out to me on LinkedIn and offered me a job. They had seen my designs on LinkedIn and decided to offer me a role I didn’t even apply for. I’m still shocked at how much I have grown. Sometimes, I look at the designs I created before the scholarship program and compared to my current designs, the growth is very obvious.
My family is supportive of my career as a product designer, my mum was particularly excited that I had something to do during the ASUU strike. I’m sure if I wasn’t a part of the program, I would’ve been frustrated sitting at home.
I am back to school now but I don’t see myself building a career as an engineer after my undergraduate studies because I already have a thriving career as a product designer.
I’m so grateful to I4G for giving me this life-changing opportunity!