At just 14, Ore-Aruwaji was captivated by technology’s potential to transform lives. This early passion ignited his determination to pursue a career in the field.
He enrolled in an Electrical and Information Engineering degree at Landmark University, eager to gain the technical foundation needed to turn his dreams into reality.
Recognizing the importance of practical experience, Ore-Aruwaji actively sought opportunities to expand his skillset.
He immersed himself in the university’s tech community, joining clubs and volunteering at industry events. However, his ambition to make a more significant impact led him to take on a leadership role. In his third year, he successfully secured the position of Google Developer Student Club Lead, where he mentored and inspired over 3,000 students.
As a driving force behind the club, Tola Ore-Aruwaji organized numerous developer events, fostering a thriving tech ecosystem on campus. His commitment to empowering the next generation of developers was further exemplified by his roles as a Microsoft Student Partner and Campus Director for the Hult Prize Foundation.
Leveraging his exceptional leadership and technical expertise, Tola Ore-Aruwaji transitioned into a Developer Relations role upon graduation. Over the past four years, he has honed his skills at renowned Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups worldwide. Currently, he contributes to the innovative work at Axiom, a San Francisco-based startup.
Tola Ore-Aruwaji recently shared his inspiring journey from a young tech enthusiast to an emerging industry leader and plans for the future in this interview.
TE: Tola, can you tell us how you got involved in tech early on?
Tola: I was introduced to tech when I was 14 because I was inquisitive. I have always liked electronics and would spend hours pondering how they work. On my 14th birthday, I got a laptop from my mom and started learning how to code with it. I was learning from Scratch, YouTube and seminars before I finally pursued a degree in engineering. I’m grateful I was exposed to tech at a young age because it helped me prepare for the future.
TE: What exactly is developer advocacy, and what attracted you to this field?
Tola: In simple terms, Developer advocacy, also known as developer relations (DevRel), is a field focused on fostering strong, beneficial relationships between a company and the developer community.
This involves helping developers be successful with the company’s products, providing valuable feedback from the community to the company, and advocating for the developers’ needs within the organization.
Developer advocates often create content, engage with developers through events and online platforms, and work to build and support vibrant developer communities.
I am very driven and passionate and care deeply about learning new things and challenging myself. Developer Advocacy is still a relatively new field in the software industry, and the first time I knew about it, I was immediately drawn to its unique blend of technology, community-building, and storytelling.
I realised that this role would allow me to combine my technical skills with my passion for sharing knowledge and empowering others, and I knew I had found a new love.
TE: What are some highlights that you have experienced from your career as a developer advocate?
Tola: Throughout my 4+ year career, I had significant highlights that have fueled my determination to do more.
To mention a few, I have helped built community for Fortune 500 companies like Microsoft and Google as a student lead.
I have also spoken at international conferences and met diverse developers worldwide.
Another significant achievement is creating and leading developer communities with thousands of members, where I’ve cultivated a culture of collaboration and learning, empowering developers to grow and thrive together.
I love seeing my work influence the industry, so I often contribute to open-source projects that benefit the broader developer community.
TE: I’m assuming there must also be some challenges. Can you share how you overcame them?
Tola: Definitely, there have been challenges, but as the saying goes, ‘Fall seven times, stand up eight.’ I’ve learned to accept challenges as opportunities for growth.
One major challenge was creating effective communication between developers and the internal engineering team. Developers often have specific needs and feedback, and it can be quite challenging to relay this information accurately. To overcome this, I established regular meetings and feedback sessions to ensure continuous dialogue between both parties.
As a developer advocate, you wear multiple hats, and sometimes, it can also be quite challenging to balance various responsibilities like community engagement, content creation, and technical troubleshooting.
To ensure I’m on top of every deliverable, I utilise project management tools and techniques to prioritise tasks and manage my time efficiently.
TE: What are some things you have learned in your career along the way that you wished you had known at the beginning?
Tola: One of the most humbling aspects of growth is reflection. In hindsight, I would have understood the importance of fostering strong partnerships with engineering teams from the outset. Through experience, I’ve come to appreciate the significance of collaborating closely with engineers to design and implement effective solutions, a lesson that has greatly enriched my approach to developer advocacy.
TE: What does your day-to-day look like as a Developer Relations Engineer?
Tola: Every day is different, but most days, I start by checking and responding to any urgent communications from developers.
Next, I meet with the engineering team to discuss ongoing projects and any new requirements or developer feedback. This collaboration helps us design and implement solutions tailored to meet specific client needs. Another essential part of my day involves community engagement.
I lead and contribute to community initiatives, create educational content, and interact with developers on social media.
My day is usually a blend of technical problem-solving, resource creation, community engagement, and continuous learning.
TE: How would you describe yourself outside of your work?
Tola: Outside of my work, I’d say I love connecting with people and learning about their experiences.
Work can sometimes be hectic and can come in the way, but I try as much as possible to find activities that help me achieve this.
This is why I love to mentor and guide people navigating their tech careers. I also believe in the power of community, so I often conduct workshops and training sessions to help people adopt best practices in solutions engineering.
This allows me to give back, stay connected with emerging trends, and continuously learn from others. I am also a Lead at the Apache community group in Nigeria, where I organise and participate in events that promote open-source development and collaboration.
TE: What advice do you have for people trying to pivot into developer advocacy?
Tola: Interesting question. Developer Relations is an exciting field at the intersection of coding, teaching, and community building.
If you’re looking to pivot into this role, I’ll advise that you first identify your passion and strengths within the field, whether it’s writing, speaking, or community building. Next, build your experiences by actively involving yourself with different developer communities.
Networking is vital, so attend conferences, meetups, and online events to connect with industry professionals and learn about opportunities.
Develop communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills, and be prepared to learn and adapt continuously. Finally, be authentic, persistent, and patient, as pivoting into a new field takes time.
TE: Do you have any final advice for readers?
Tola: I’ll just say, stay curious and never stop learning. Embrace the community aspect of your work—build strong relationships, actively participate, and be willing to share your knowledge generously. Don’t underestimate the power of community.
