Despite the surge in the tech sector, over 300,000 additional roles annually, the gender gap is still jaw-dropping with a 35% to 65% difference between male and female techists.
The underrepresentation of women is reducing but at a sluggish pace. Dara Olayebi, a Software Engineer at Spotify, is one of the many professionals working to bridge this gap by mentoring the next generation of female engineers across the continent.
With over six years of experience across various sectors including finance, media, and social impact, Dara is not just excelling in her career, but also making a huge impact through mentorship.
TE: You’ve had a diverse career spanning finance, media, and social impact sectors before joining Spotify. What led you to transition into tech, and specifically into your current role as a Software Engineer?
Dara Olayebi: My journey into tech started back in university. Although I studied a media-focused degree, which included subjects like photography, film, and animation, it exposed me to the tech side of things. After graduation, I found myself dabbling in web design and began teaching myself to code.
I downloaded templates, experimented with them, and gradually learned how to code. This led to freelance opportunities, including building my first website for a family member.
Over time, I became a freelance web developer. It wasn’t the typical computer science route, but it set the foundation for my career in software engineering, which I’ve been pursuing for about six years now.
Women in Tech & Mentorship
TE: Despite the rapid growth of the tech industry in Africa, women are still underrepresented. From your experience, what are the biggest barriers to entry for women in tech, and how can these be addressed?
Dara Olayebi: There has been some progress in providing opportunities for women in tech. However, the biggest barriers include societal norms and stereotypes that have historically limited women’s participation.
Discrimination and finding opportunities that promote women’s confidence in the workplace also remain challenges.
Nonetheless, programs focused on training women like Black Girls in Tech and Code First Girls are making strides, but more progress is needed. Organizations need to prioritize hiring women and facilitating an inclusive culture.
Women themselves should focus on building self-confidence, seeking out opportunities, and leveraging available programs designed to support their growth in the tech industry.
TE: You’ve mentored over 20 young women through initiatives like CodeCollabs and Black Girls in Tech. What inspired you to take on this role, and how have you seen these mentorship efforts impact the careers of the women you’ve worked with?
Dara Olayebi: I started my career in 2018 without a mentor, learning on my own and navigating my career solo. As I gained more experience, I recognized the value of mentorship and began mentoring others. My goal is to share my knowledge and help others avoid the mistakes I made.
Mentorship programs I’ve been involved in focus on not just skills but also interview preparation, CV crafting, and standing out in the job market. Encouraging mentees to work on side projects and showcase their unique skills has been essential. This approach has helped many women stand out in interviews and secure roles in the industry.
Industry & Community Engagement
TE: As a Web Development Instructor at BrainStation and an active contributor on platforms like Dev Community, how do you balance your full-time role at Spotify with your teaching and community engagements? What drives you to stay so actively involved?
Dara Olayebi: I’m fortunate to have a full-time job that offers a great work-life balance, which allows me to engage in other activities without feeling overwhelmed. My involvement in teaching and community work is driven by my passion for sharing knowledge and supporting others. I manage my time by being intentional about the opportunities I take on and ensuring I don’t overextend myself. This balance is key to maintaining efficiency and effectiveness in all my roles.
TE: You recently moderated a panel on AI at the Lagos Leather Fair. How do you see AI shaping the future of the tech industry in Africa, and what should young engineers, especially women, focus on to stay ahead in this dynamic industry?
Dara Olayebi: AI is a major simulant for businesses worldwide and is transforming various processes, including those beyond the tech industry. For young engineers, it’s essential to learn and leverage AI technologies.
Right now, understanding prompt engineering and developing skills in data science and machine learning is highly valuable. AI’s ability to handle large data sets and simplify processes is becoming more important, so staying updated with these technologies is needed for career advancement.
Personal & Professional Growth
TE: Looking back at your six years in the industry, what personal qualities or skills do you think have been most key to your success? How do you continue to develop these?
Dara Olayebi: Curiosity and continuous learning have been vital to my success. Being adaptable and having strong problem-solving and communication skills are also key. I continuously seek new knowledge and embrace changes in the industry. Staying curious and committed to learning helps me stay ahead and effectively tackle various challenges.
TE: What are your future aspirations within the tech industry, both personally and in terms of your mentorship and community work? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you’re particularly excited about?
Dara Olayebi: I’m currently working on some projects and I’m excited about ongoing and future projects that align with my passion for tech and mentorship. I aim to continue contributing to the tech community and supporting the next generation of engineers. Continuous learning and staying engaged with new technologies will remain central to my career.
TE: Finally, what advice would you give to young women in Africa who are just starting their journey in tech?
Dara Olayebi: I would advise young women to build self-confidence and not let gender limitations hold them back. Seek out mentorship and take advantage of the many opportunities available specifically for women in tech.
Embrace continuous learning, stay curious, and be proactive in finding and pursuing opportunities. The tech industry is evolving, and there are endless possibilities for those who are willing to put in the effort and stay committed.
