Mistake 1: Choosing a Tech Path Just Because It’s Trending

If you hang around tech Twitter (X), LinkedIn, or even WhatsApp groups, the chorus is loud and convincing:

“AI is the future. Learn prompt engineering now.”
“Web3 is where the money is.”
“Cybersecurity experts earn in dollars.”

Some of that is true. A lot of it is incomplete. And for beginners, it’s dangerously easy to mistake hype for fit.

This first article in our series tackles the most common early-career pitfall: picking a tech path because it’s trending—not because it matches your strengths, curiosity, or long-term goals.

Why trend-chasing is so tempting (and risky)

Tech trends move in cycles. A breakthrough (or a viral success story) triggers sky-high expectations; then reality sets in, tools mature, and only the use cases with real value stick. Gartner literally maps this pattern as the Hype Cycle—from the “Peak of Inflated Expectations” to the “Trough of Disillusionment,” and ultimately the “Plateau of Productivity.”

If you jump in at the peak because everyone else is shouting, you’ll likely hit the trough with frustration: messy fundamentals, unclear job paths, or saturated entry-level spaces. Meanwhile, the folks who quietly built foundational skills will still be employable—no matter which tool is trending this month.

Global data reinforces this nuance. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs reports show fast growth for roles around AI, big data, information security, and business intelligence—but the emphasis is on capabilities and adaptability, not one short-term fad.

In Nigeria, multiple labour-market snapshots echo the same signal: tech and digital roles dominate postings (software dev, data, UI/UX, cybersecurity) but employers still evaluate foundations and proof of skill over buzzwords.

Bottom line: Trends change. Transferable skills + real projects don’t.

Two real paths: same starting point, very different outcomes

Path A – The Trend Chaser
Ada sees everyone tweeting about Web3 in 2021. She buys two “become a blockchain dev in 30 days” courses, skips core programming, memorizes jargon, and posts motivational threads. When the market cools, her confidence dips; without fundamentals or a portfolio, she struggles to pivot.

Path B – The Builder
Tomi is also curious about Web3. But first, she gets comfortable with JavaScript, data structures, and APIs. She experiments with simple smart-contract tutorials after she can already ship small web apps. Even when the hype dips, she keeps landing work—because she can solve problems across stacks, not only recite buzzwords.

Which one would you hire?

Employers (inside and outside Nigeria) repeatedly say the same thing: show me. The Stack Overflow Developer Survey and industry analyses emphasize hands-on evidence—projects, repos, shipped features—over aspirational bios.

Signs you might be picking a path for the wrong reasons

Your top reason is “it pays the most right now,” not “I’m curious and willing to practice daily.”
You follow motivational threads more than documentation.
You’re skipping foundational steps because “the tool makes it easy.”
Your learning schedule changes each time a new buzzword trends.
You can explain the hype, but not complete a small project solo.

If this feels uncomfortably accurate, you’re not alone—and you can course-correct.

A better way to choose your path (4 steps)

1) Start with how you like to think and work

Are you a pattern spotter (data), a builder (software, cloud), a guardian (security), a storyteller (UX, product, tech content), or a systems thinker (DevOps)? Aligning your path with your cognitive strengths increases grit when learning gets hard.

Quick exercise (10 minutes):

List 3 activities that make you lose track of time.
List 3 tasks you avoid (they drain you).
Match your “energizers” to roles:
- Love patterns → Data / Analytics / BI
- Love polishing user flows → UI/UX / Product
- Love breaking/fixing things → Cybersecurity / SRE
- Love building tools → Backend / Platform / Cloud

2) Validate with the market (but don’t marry the hype)

Check 3–5 job postings in your region for the role you think you want. Record recurring requirements (skills, tools, sample projects). You’ll quickly see that roles emphasize core skills plus a few tools—rarely just a trend.

(Nigeria tip: scan LinkedIn Jobs + Jobberman to see real demand patterns.)

3) Commit to fundamentals for 4–8 weeks

Before any advanced tool, lock in the basics:

Developers: Git, command line, HTTP basics, JS/TS, simple CRUD apps
Data analysts: Excel basics, data cleaning, SQL SELECT/JOIN/GROUP BY
Security: networking basics, Linux, threat models, OWASP Top 10
Designers: UX research 101, wireframing, Figma components, heuristics

You’ll learn tools faster because your base is strong.

4) Ship small, show proof

Replace “I’m learning XYZ” with links:

2–3 micro-projects on GitHub (with READMEs)
1 write-up explaining what you built (screenshots + lessons)
1 post showing how you debugged a problem

Across surveys and hiring posts, evidence beats adjectives.

Comparison: Hype vs. Fit

Approach	First 30 Days	Month 3	Month 6	Outcome
Trend-chasing	Buys 2–3 viral courses	Skips basics, stuck on errors	Hype cools, motivation dips	Restarts or quits
Strength-aligned	Picks path via interests + jobs	Practices fundamentals daily	Ships small projects	Portfolio + momentum

The productivity gap appears fast. One path burns excitement; the other compounds skill.

What to do if you already chose for the wrong reason

Don’t quit—pivot. Keep one hour/day for fundamentals that transfer anywhere.
Re-scope your goal. Instead of “blockchain dev in 30 days,” set: “ship 3 JS mini-apps.”
Blend your interests. Love storytelling? Explore UX writing or data storytelling.
Get feedback. Join a local or online community; ask for code/design reviews.
Measure weekly. Track hours practiced, not videos watched.

Nigerian reality check (and encouragement)

Yes, Nigeria’s market rewards in-demand tech roles. But it rewards competence even more. Reports and job snapshots point to sustained demand in software, data, UI/UX, and security, provided you can demonstrate genuine skill. Your safest bet isn’t the loudest trend—it’s the strongest base plus visible outcomes.

And globally, structural shifts (AI, data, cyber) will keep evolving. That’s good news for learners who build adaptable foundations and stay curious instead of trend-addicted. World Economic Forum

Quick checklist: are you picking fit over hype?

I can describe why this path energizes me.
I’ve reviewed real job posts and noted recurring skills.
I’m investing 4–8 weeks in fundamentals before fancy tools.
I’ve scoped 3 small projects I can ship in 30–60 days.
My social posts link to work, not just quotes.

If you can tick most of these, you’re choosing wisely.

Try this 30-day starter plan (template)

Week 1: Pick your lane + collect 5 job posts → list required basics.
Week 2: Learn the first 2 fundamentals + build a tiny project (no frameworks).
Week 3: Add one core tool (e.g., SQL for data, React for web) + second mini-project.
Week 4: Refactor both projects, write short case studies, and share for feedback.

Repeat. Improve. Don’t chase—build.

Final thought

Trends make noise. Careers are built in the quiet: practicing fundamentals, shipping small, and aligning your work with the way your brain loves to solve problems.

If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this:
Hype gets you started; fit keeps you going.

Keep reading the full series

Mistake 1: Choosing a Tech Path Just Because It’s Trending (you’re here)
Mistake 2: Skipping the Basics Because You’re in a Hurry → How to build rock-solid foundations and stop restarting every 3 months.
Mistake 3: Chasing Certificates Without Real Projects → Why portfolios beat paper—and how to build one fast.
Mistake 4: Expecting Instant Wealth From Tech → Setting realistic timelines and compounding small wins into big payoffs.
Mistake 5: Going Solo Without Community or Mentorship → How to find the people who accelerate your growth.