One of the most common pitfalls in tech learning is skipping the basics. It is easy to look at job descriptions that demand Python, SQL, TensorFlow, or full-stack development and immediately rush into those courses. The problem is that without a solid grasp of foundational concepts, advanced learning feels like climbing a mountain with no footholds.
In Nigeria, many beginners start directly with data science or cybersecurity because these areas are well-paying and trending. But after a few weeks, frustration sets in when they cannot understand why an algorithm works the way it does, or how networks are structured. At this point, many quit, not because they are not smart enough, but because they skipped the very building blocks that make the journey smoother.
Think of it like football. A young player who dreams of being the next Victor Osimhen cannot start from international tournaments. He begins with dribbling, short passes, and stamina training before moving to full matches. The same applies in tech. You cannot handle machine learning if you have not understood statistics, data types, or logical thinking.
Real-life Examples
A student at Mita School once enrolled directly in our Data Analytics program. Within two weeks, he was struggling because he had never touched Excel before. Something as simple as creating a pivot table or understanding rows and columns felt overwhelming. He paused, took our basic Excel class, and within a month came back stronger. By the time he re-entered Data Analytics, he was flying. Today, he’s working with a microfinance firm in Uyo, helping them manage customer data.
Globally, we see the same patterns. In the US, a survey by Stack Overflow showed that over 60% of beginner developers who failed within their first year admitted they skipped the basics of HTML and JavaScript, diving straight into frameworks like React or Angular. Those who paced themselves with foundational coding concepts reported higher success and job satisfaction.
Lesson Learned
Skipping the basics is like building a house without a foundation. It may look fine at first, but the moment rain comes, it collapses. The basics are what give you confidence to learn more complex tools later. They slow you down in the beginning, but they speed you up in the long run.
Practical Tips
- Start with the simplest tools: If you want to go into data science, begin with Excel. If you want to go into cybersecurity, start by learning how operating systems work. If you want web development, begin with HTML and CSS.
- Learn the logic behind the tools, not just the buttons. For example, don’t just memorize formulas in Excel, understand why they solve problems.
- Be patient with yourself. It is better to spend two months mastering the basics than to waste six months struggling with advanced concepts you don’t understand.
- Use layered learning. After you grasp the basics, immediately test them by taking on a small project. Then add the next layer. This way, you are always building on something solid.
Comparison
The person who starts with basics may feel slow at first, but in a year, they will be confident and employable. The person who skips basics may look fast at the beginning but will get stuck quickly and waste time trying to fix knowledge gaps.
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:
