Technology has become one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity in today’s world. From Lagos to London, from Silicon Valley to Yaba, new doors are opening every day in fields like artificial intelligence, blockchain, data analytics, cybersecurity, and app development. The salaries are attractive, the demand is exploding, and the promise of building a career that touches millions of lives has never been brighter. It’s no surprise that more young people across Nigeria and beyond are eager to join the tech revolution.
But while the opportunities are real, the journey is not as straightforward as it looks on social media. Too many beginners step in with high hopes, only to lose their way because they made mistakes at the very beginning. Some waste months chasing trends that don’t fit their skills. Others collect certificates but have no projects to show for it. Many underestimate the importance of building a foundation or the role of community, leaving them discouraged and stuck. These mistakes may not seem obvious at first, but they often become the reason so many abandon tech careers before they’ve even begun to bloom.
At Mita School, we’ve seen this story play out repeatedly. A student walks in, excited by what they’ve seen online, but also confused by the countless options. Some dive into coding without asking themselves if they even enjoy problem-solving. Others enroll in cybersecurity because someone told them “hackers earn in dollars,” only to drop out weeks later. Yet, we’ve also seen those who took the time to align their strengths, build on the basics, and find mentors, those are the students who not only survive but thrive, turning learning into real opportunities and even jobs before graduation.
This is why understanding the common mistakes matters. In a country like Nigeria, where the tech sector is projected to contribute over 18% to GDP by 2026 and where competition for roles is fierce, making the wrong decision early can cost you more than just money, it can cost you years of your life. Globally, the story is the same: whether you’re in the US, India, or Kenya, those who rush without clarity often get stuck, while those who plan carefully build sustainable careers.
This series is not just a warning, it’s a roadmap. We will walk through the five mistakes we’ve seen most often, why they are so damaging, and how you can avoid them. Each article goes beyond theory to give you real-life stories from Nigeria and across the world, practical advice you can apply immediately, and inspiration to keep you moving forward even when the journey feels tough.
Think of it this way: starting a tech career is like building a house. If the foundation is weak, the structure won’t last. If you copy someone else’s design without knowing your own needs, you’ll end up uncomfortable. And if you decorate the outside while ignoring the inside, it won’t serve you for long. The same applies to your career. These five mistakes are the cracks that weaken the structure. If you can spot them early, you can avoid the frustration that derails so many beginners and instead set yourself up for long-term growth.
By the end of this series, you’ll not only know what to avoid but also how to approach your journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose. The goal is simple: to help you build a tech career that lasts, one that excites you, sustains you, and positions you to stand out in Nigeria’s booming tech ecosystem and the global digital economy.
Continue Reading the Full Series on Tech Career Mistakes
This article is part of our “5 Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Tech Career” series. Explore all the mistakes and discover how to avoid them:
