A Letter to an Aspiring Tech Sis

Dear aspiring tech sis,

I see you.

The late nights spent watching free YouTube tutorials, the courses you keep enrolling to take, the endless tabs open with job roles that seem way out of reach, the nervous excitement when someone says, “you’d be great in tech”, followed by the overwhelming question: Where do I even start?

I’ve been there. I didn’t come from a computer science background. I didn’t have a tech degree or a clear roadmap. I was just a girl with curiosity, a big heart for problem-solving, and the audacity to try out something new aside from health, even though I didn’t “want to code”

Now, after years of navigating the tech space, as a Product Manager, a team leader, and a mentor to others, I’ve had my fair share of stumbles and lessons. And if I could sit across from you, sis, over a cup of coffee, here’s exactly what I’d tell you.

1. You Don’t Have to Know It All to Start

You don’t need to know how to code, design interfaces, develop a product roadmap or understand cloud architecture before you claim your space in tech. Learn as you grow. Curiosity should be your strongest currency; let it lead you. You just need to show up every other day to learn continually.

2. Soft Skills Will Carry You Further Than You Think

Your ability to communicate, lead with empathy, manage time, give and receive feedback; these are superpowers, and they will come in very handy for you. Tech isn’t just about building products, it’s about building people-centred solutions. Your hard skills will get your job done, but your soft skills will help you shine and lead.

3. There’s No “Right” Path Into Tech

Some people start in design, others in customer service or community management. I came from a non-tech background and found my way into data analysis before finally transitioning to product management. Your path is yours, own it and stay open to new adjustments. And remember, as you’re continuously learning, you should be open to unlearning and relearning as well.

4. Imposter Syndrome Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Ready, It Means You’re Growing

Even now, I still feel it a lot of times. The key is learning to move forward with fear, not waiting for it to disappear. The most confident tech professionals you see today? They felt it too. So, track your wins, no matter how little, and talk about your impostor feelings with trusted peers or mentors. You’ll be surprised how many successful women feel the same. Vulnerability builds connection and confidence.

5. Find Community Early

Tech can feel isolating, especially if you don’t see people who look like you. Join communities, online or offline, that affirm your identity and growth. Support systems matter more than you know.

6. You Will Make Mistakes and That’s Okay

You will mess up a presentation, forget to speak up,  you’ll run into issues while writing code or ship a feature that doesn’t work. That doesn’t make you a failure, it makes you human. Learn, adjust, and keep it moving.

7. Advocate for Yourself

Ask for that role. Negotiate that salary. Share your wins. Document your achievements. The world won’t always hand you recognition; you have to learn to raise your hand, then your voice.

8. Choose Mentors, But Also Be One

Mentorship isn’t a one-way street. While you look up to those ahead of you, don’t forget to reach back and lift others. And trust me,  you don’t have to be an expert to be impactful.

9. Rest is Productive Too

Burnout won’t get you further; it’ll set you back. Take breaks. Log off. Prioritise your wellness. You’re not a machine; you’re a builder, thinker, dreamer. Protect your spark because nobody is coming to save you except you.

10. You Belong Here

You may be the only woman in the room or the only beginner in a sea of experts. Still, you belong. Your voice, perspective, and contribution are not just valid, they’re needed. You deserve a seat at that table.

Tech is more than an industry, it’s a space of possibility. For every problem that needs solving, there’s a woman like you who can build something powerful.

So, to the aspiring tech sis still figuring it out, hear this loud and clear:
You are enough. You are becoming. And the future of tech needs you.

With love,

Halimah