13 minute read
Meet the Architect
My name is John Robert Okongo Ochola. I work as a Software Developer in Test or QA as some know.
I am a self-taught developer, no STEM degree or formal education in tech. Been working with Safaricom since February 2021] and this is my first formal job in tech.
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I am currently attached to Retail Digitization Squad, where I ensure the quality of the EQMS platform used to run Safaricom shops and Skyline Squad, where most of the time, we deal with SIM Swaps.
Were you always attracted to the tech industry?
As a kid, I was always fascinated by the tech industry especially with how it was changing the world. In primary school and high school, I would read the technology columns on Sunday and Monday Nation and Standard newspapers because those were the only ways to get tech news for me. It was more about reading the news to be in the know of what’s happening out there than to want to work in the tech industry. Later when I got my first smartphone, it was websites like Mashable, Wired, TNW and TechCrunch. However, in Campus, I studied something else; Film Production and Animation. Focused on that career line before finally making the switch to tech
John Robert Okongo Ochola
WHEN DID YOU REALIZE YOU WANTED TO SWITCH CAREERS?
When the pandemic hit in early 2020, the company I was working for wound up and could no longer afford to pay us. Things were just not working out; everyone was cancelling or not hiring. That’s the point I decided to try something new.
I had 2 former classmates who were selftaught and had gone ahead to join Andela and Microsoft. So, I thought to myself that if they could work in tech then I too could work in tech just like them.
I tried an Introduction to programming course using Python that was on Microsoft’s YouTube channel then gave myself a target of getting a job in tech by June 2021.
Watching people use a product that I was involved in its creation, especially when they give positive feedback, must be the most satisfying bit.
How did you begin your journey in the industry?
My journey in tech started when the Pandemic hit after I had lost my stable income stream. I first tried an Introduction to programming course using Python language on Microsoft’s Youtube Channel. I then did some courses on Cloud Computing using the free resources on Microsoft learn and Google Cloud Platform’s websites. Taught myself a few Maths topics to help me understand some concepts better and Algorithms and Data Structures, a topic which I think helped me land my current role.
During this period of learning I was applying for jobs trying to see if I could land internship or entry level positions but was not always successful. In the last 2 months of 2020 I landed a couple of interviews, but none went through. Finally, in December, Safaricom invited me for an interview after countless applications to them, did well and they gave me my first job in tech.
What are some of the key lessons you would share with someone who wanted to switch careers?
The best advice I received “One day someone will believe in you and give you a chance, but that someone will never find you if you give up.” Don’t give up if you get application or interview rejections, use the lessons learnt to improve for the next interview or application. Have a mentor or so meone to keep you accountable when learning.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can ask for help when stuck on learning some concept or maybe help with writing a better CV or maybe help with answering interview questions. For tech, I think going above and beyond to learn other related topics and not just programming helps. E.g. learning how a computer works or topics like Algorithms and data structures. Don’t just focus on the niche you have selected but also some basics of related topics. Sometimes you have to stop sharpening the saw and just start cutting things. You will never be 100% ready, so just apply for jobs or start creating things.
What are some of the challenges you encountered as you were switching careers?
Mostly financial, trying to learn a new skill while also trying to make money to sustain me during a pandemic was the hardest bit of my switching journey. Had lost my stable income stream in March then at some point my laptop stopped working and a friend bought me one. Getting a good easy to understand free learning resource. A lot of the good learning resources are locked behind paywalls. Another challenge with this job was imposter syndrome where sometimes I got scared and thought that I don’t belong here. To a point, I was even scared of sharing my opinion in meetings. I still get scared sometimes, especially when asked to lead in some sessions. But I am glad that I have awesome managers and colleagues who are patient with me and always willing to teach and guide me.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
CAREN OWUOR SOLUTIONS ARCHITECT
Introduce Yourself
I am the first born in a family of 6 siblings, with one brother who gets all the love (smiles jealously), My mon is the Churchill of our home and my dad is just the coolest dad (The one who gives everything you ask for, lol). I’m a proud fur parent of the most gorgeous puppies, Kai and Pitch, they literally make my world so much fun and lots of learning from these extremely loyal buddies.
Highlight your education background
Growing up I was never really exposed to computers and stuff, not even a TV for a long time (sounds odd? I know). That was luxury for us. However, my interest in computers grew as a result of my interaction with our Sunday school religious teacher, who was a geek and I loved seeing him in action- repairing computers, coding etc. In high school I got an awesome opportunity to do computer studies and this triggered more interest towards the subject. Along the way, like many of us, oops, maybe just me (rolls eyes), I chose French because who doesn’t want to go to the Eiffel tower and experience the overhyped French love (Guys, I event acted in a play at Alliance Francais! I was so serious about it). Anyway, here I am now, graduate of computer science from Egerton University.
Do you think your education background prepared you for your current job?
Handsomely, and for a while I didn’t see it until I revisited the syllabus. I was interested to know how well the industry is preparing the students for workplace in order to come up with a better campus outreach program and voila. The only missing element which had to be a personal initiative was the practical. Employment history – did you always want to work in the technology industry? – If not, how did you end up there?
When my interest in computers grew, I was adamant in ensuring that I end up in the IT field though ambiguous, not exactly sure of the specific roles within IT. I was hired and interviewed as a developer, then assigned architecture role on joining, rude shock, right? I had never heard, nor did I know of the responsibilities for this role, only to discover I was expected to lead a team of developers to implement solutions from scratch, even more shocking. I had a lot to learn in no time and this sparked endless sessions with my assigned peers in the architecture team and when I look back, I couldn’t have done it any other way because I LOVE IT. I have gone over the years to now digital channels lead which is where my heart is, driving the company’s mission of digital first at the front.
Story time: In my first year at Safaricom, I did a splendid job on the Masoko project and got an opportunity to join business on permanent basis, I was a contractor then. I turned down the offer, crazy, right? Everyone I spoke to thought I was mad. To be honest, I am a very focused person and sometimes I set very high objectives and I felt like this chance was swaying me off my radar even though it sounded very lucrative, the offer was so good btw. I talked to almost 20 people and I think it’s only my dad who told me to focus on the journey I want and not be lured in the direction of money. I’m so glad I listened to my inner person and dad (Although he always tells me to do whatever I want). What I did instead was intentionally become business savvy so that I could help represent all their needs within the business engagement as an architect. This has really helped me to work in tandem with the business teams and deliver to their expectations.
Solution architecture equals solving problems, that is the best part of my job, you came in sick not even understanding your symptoms, I was able to analyze them and give you a solution and now you’re feeling better. Alaaar, what more do you need to call me the “doc”? I feel so elated when I’m able to solve even the problems you didn’t know you had.
What CSR activities and associations you are a member?
I have been part of several initiatives, like the coding for kids’ hackathons, Campus outreach programs by Safaricom WIT, Church feeding program for children’s’ homes in Ruai and Njoro. I also mentor girls from very humble backgrounds, to steer positive deviance towards life in general and show them they too can, regardless of many obstacles.
What do you wish you could change about your job?
Nothing because I believe without them, I wouldn’t be where I am. The failures built me. Fashion! Fashion! Fashion! And obviously I need a way to show off the fashion, so this comes as a package with travelling. I have come to realize my artistic side outside of work has oozed its way into my work which makes me think outside the box always.
Millennials (Young Women) – What would be your career advice to them?
There is no shortcut baby girl, you must work for what you want in life. Do not hope that everything will be delivered on a silver platter, in as much as there are initiatives all over to bridge gender gaps, diversity and inclusion, you need to master your craft. Be the best in your area and if an opportunity comes you will be an obvious pick. Tap the ability in you, take up space, cement yourself in whichever role you play.
What does the future look like for you?
The future I thought of a few years back was to always have 3 meals a day, a loving family, a job and even where I am right now, I didn’t dream of it. For that reason, I believe my future in brighter than I am currently envisioning it and all I want is to be happy and successful in my area.
Would you rather be a genius and know everything or be amazing at any activity
you tried? Emotional intelligence is better than knowing everything (genius, right?), because I get to understand what people want and deliver to their expectations, that significantly makes me amazing, amayzing (I prefer it this way)!
Would you rather be the richest person in the world or be immortal?
Immortal because I believe I will have all the knowledge to immerse wealth and be ahead of people.
Would you rather live by “Hakuna Matata” or “Yolo”
Hakuna Matata because if hakuna matata, I can YOLO.
INTER CHAPTER BOOST
Building a Culture of forever learning even during unprecedented times of COVID-19 and remote working
Monicah Nyaga
Senior Agile Coach
“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn” Alvin Toffler
BIRTH OF CARE TRIBE
In 2019, Care Tribe was born, this was the first tribe to be formed, and we took it upon ourselves to introduce the culture of chapter boosts through sensitization and awareness sessions across the Tribe and in IT.
We operated on faith and trust that teams would pick up the execution and share knowledge among themselves. After all the wearer of the shoe knows where it pinches the most.
‘’Reflecting on the powerful words by Alvin Toffler, we began a journey to ensure that the culture of learning was deeply rooted at Safaricom. In 2018, when we started our agile journey with just five squads, we set out to ensure that this – learning culture as well as agile culture- would be a success.
The goal was very clear, the execution not so much. With our engagements at Vodafone, we learnt about the chapter boost concept. ‘’Interesting’’ we thought. Now this is what we want. Bringing interested people together to share knowledge across different emerging topics. Enough said, we set out to make it a reality. Joseph Centre. Early agile adopters showed up in large numbers, mainly from the pioneer squads i.e. Home Squad, Masoko, Tunukiwa, Digifarm & Mysafaricom App, to spice it up, we extended the invite to some of our partners that we had been collaborating with, this was Mezzanine who are based in SA, but it so happened that they were around during the chapter boost week.
We set up a Manila paper Kanban boards and divided the attendees into three groups i.e. Product Owners, Scrum Masters & developers. We then issued the groups with post it cards, this enabled an easy process for topic selection. Our mindset was simple – introduce the idea and perfect delivery with time incorporating feedback from the squad members after all isn’t that what agile is all about? We hoped that the thirst and hunger for knowledge would keep the fire burning. Teams did not disappoint, and this picked up at quite a pace.
As the then founders of Agile studio, we organized our first product owner chapter boost that was held at Michael In 2020 despite the Covid-19 pandemic, we celebrated the launch of DIT culture, this culture was packaged in four pillars i.e. language, symbols, rituals and stories. Coincidentally, four Agile Studio members were nominated to lead DIT Culture, three of them volunteered in the rituals pillar.
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GROWTH
We got into our first meetings to define what activities would fit to make real the Rituals pillar, during our discussions, an idea was given to scale the chapter boost concept to incorporate different topics across different domains in a single session , and this was the birth of the Inter-chapter boost concept, which later evolved to DIT Inter-chapter boost.
At this point we quickly realized the need to identify chapter boost champions who represented different domains, it was obvious that this was a call that needed collaborative efforts, we simply could not do it on our own as the Rituals core team. The chapter boost champions job was very clear, attend our regular meetings and participate in suggesting emergent topics from their domains as well as prepare for presentations for the said topics or identify other able individuals to do the presentations.
Within the first two meetings, we could feel the concept was slowly taking shape. It was not until we successfully organized and executed our first DIT inter-chapter boost on 6th November 2020 with over ten MS Teams virtual stages covering the following topics ; DXL Architecture, SIP/E1 PABX Hacking, Machine Learning text classification model, Agile coaching leadership mindset,
