If you’ve been keeping up with Moniepoint in the past 48 hours, then you’ve seen the news that the 5th year of the Moniepoint Women in Tech internship is live. When I joined Moniepoint, the Women in Tech Internship Program immediately caught my eye. I was impressed that Moniepoint was doing the work and not just talking about the importance of more women being equipped to excel in tech roles.

But for a fully remote company, I wanted to know how the women fit in and get the best out of this initiative. That curiosity led me to Feranmi. She joined Moniepoint in 2022 as a Women in Tech Intern and has steadily progressed through multiple roles. So, I sat with Feranmi to hear her story - one of grit, determination, and taking ownership of her success.

Meet the woman behind the success

Feranmi: Hi, my name is Olorunferanmi Joel. I’m from Oyo state, Nigeria. I studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Ibadan, but I’ve always been obsessed with building things. My childhood toys? Books. I read everything, which made school a breeze. I spent most of my free time in the science lab in secondary school and joined the Robotics Club. I used to imagine working with a team of robots.

How did a mechanical engineer end up in product management?

Feranmi: Funny enough, I picked Mechanical Engineering because I thought it would give me the best shot at creating things. During holidays, I’d intern at mechanic shops to see how cars were built. However, in my first year at university, I met senior colleagues who were building digital products and organising TEDx events. I joined them out of curiosity and ended up managing partnerships, logistics, and teams—without even realising I was developing product management skills.

By the time I graduated, I had three years of real-world experience that had nothing to do with my degree.

at a TEDx event

The life-changing Moniepoint internship

Feranmi: After graduation, I worked at a digital product agency in Ibadan for seven months. It was meant to be a stopgap until I found a role more aligned with Mechanical Engineering. Then, a graduate trainee opportunity at Nigerian Breweries came up; the ‘dream job’ - stability, career progression, the whole package.

Then, I got the call that changed everything. A friend, Ruona, told me about an internship opening at Moniepoint for a Technical Product Manager role. He wasn’t even working at Moniepoint then, but he was convinced I’d love it. I was sceptical. I had just moved to Lagos for my Nigerian Breweries job. But after much convincing, I applied just to see what would happen. Spoiler alert: I got in.

Celz: Hol’up! You had just moved to Lagos for Nigerian Breweries when you applied to Moniepoint. How did your parents take it?

Feranmi: They weren’t thrilled but always trusted my choices.

Celz: Okay, so let’s talk about your internship. If you could describe it in three words, what would they be?

Feranmi: Life-changing, hands-on, results-driven. 

From intern to product manager: the Moniepoint journey

Over the last four years since this initiative kicked off, over 80% of these women have been retained and successfully transitioned into full-time roles, some with multiple promotions. Feranmi is one of them, and here’s what that transition was like for her. 

Celz: Six months after your internship, you got a full-time contract. What was the transition like?

Feranmi: Intense. It was both scary and exciting. As an intern, while I had a seat at the table and got to share my ideas and work with a team, I wasn’t directly responsible for outcomes. Now, I had to take ownership of features/projects and deliver results. I also had my team of developers to manage.

Celz: I can imagine. So, since becoming a full-time staff member, you’ve been trusted with many products and features. What are some of the most significant projects you’ve worked on, and what impact have they had?

Feranmi: Celz! I can’t share so much because of the details of those projects, but I have worked in at least four teams. For context, I’ll just drop a list of some major projects I’ve worked on:

• POS Transfer Feature – I was on the team that ideated, planned, and executed this. Every time I make a POS transfer, I get a thrill knowing I helped bring it to life.

• MPOS Terminals & Device Repair Management Tool – Helping optimise payments and merchant support.

• Cards & Payment Features – Making transactions seamless for millions.

Celz: You’ve been promoted multiple times. What’s your secret sauce?

Feranmi: Grit. I’m obsessed with learning, solving problems, and finishing what I start. I always push myself to go the extra mile.

Why Moniepoint?

Feranmi: My growth rate here is unreal. In three years, I’ve gained experience that could take 10 years elsewhere. At Moniepoint, you don’t just work—you solve real problems that impact millions of Africans. There’s no time to check the time.

Celz: How do you stay ahead of the trends?

Feranmi: YouTube. I prefer learning from world-class experts through videos rather than taking long courses. Right now, I’m deep-diving into AI.

Celz: Got any advice for women looking to transition into product management?

Feranmi: My advice? Don’t ‘break into tech’ just because it’s trending. Choose a role that matches your skills and strengths. Product Management isn’t ‘tech without coding’ - it requires strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. Pick it because it suits you, not because it sounds easy. I had to learn to code also, so do proper research before making that decision. 

What does her boss think?

In a chit-chat with Osita, Feranmi’s current line manager, I found out how instrumental she’s been on the team and here’s what he had to say

Osita: She has an insane work ethic. She’s determined, gets results from her team, and is 100% reliable. If Feranmi is managing a product, I have zero doubts about success and timely delivery. If I could describe her in three words, they’d be ‘Intelligent, results-driven, reliable. 

hanging out with teammates

Beyond work: life outside Moniepoint

Feranmi: When I’m not working, I hang out with my dog, Layla. I wasn’t a dog person, but she understands me - she knows when I’m working and respects my space. I also go to the gym, watch movies, read, and spend time with friends. I’m part of a Black Community Book Club - I don’t always attend meetings, but I read every book on the list. I play tennis too.

So, is she breaking boundaries?

Breaking boundaries means going beyond what’s comfortable, facing challenges head-on, and never relenting. By that definition - yes, Feranmi is breaking boundaries. If you’re a woman, and that sounds like you, the women-in-tech internship is perfect for you. Visit womenintech.moniepoint.com to get started.