Hi! I’m Daniela, a Systems Administrator with Moniepoint. How did I get to this point? Well, it all started when I applied to the Moniepoint Women in Tech Program two years ago. 

Before going any further, let me give you a small preamble about myself: 

I studied Electrical Engineering at the University of Nigeria Nsukka, and while I had always been that kid who loved to tinker with gadgets and fix things around the house, I never imagined my career path would take me into the world of IT. After all, I wasn't a computer science major. But as it turns out, the tech world doesn’t put you in a box.

Somewhere along the way, thanks to my endless curiosity, I started diving into networking, troubleshooting, and all things tech. And once I got started, there was no turning back.

How it all started 

The Women in Tech (WIT) internship at Moniepoint came at a perfect time. I was wrapping up my NYSC, eager to transition into a role where I could get my hands dirty. I had already taken some certifications in networking and IT, but I felt like I was missing something important: real-world experience.

Before Moniepoint, I had a part-time IT support role but wasn’t getting the depth of experience I truly wanted. I needed a place where I could not just learn but actually do. When I stumbled upon the Women in Tech internship opening, something clicked. This was precisely the kind of opportunity I had been searching for. I wanted an internship that wasn’t just about coffee runs and observation but about real work, real challenges, and real career growth.

I learned about the program through one of the many job and internship platforms to which I had subscribed. At first, I wasn’t very familiar with Moniepoint’s WIT initiative, but as I researched the company, read about its previous WIT cohorts, and explored its culture through LinkedIn, I became even more convinced. This was a company that valued talent, provided an environment for learning, and believed in investing in people. So, I applied.

The application process – nerve-wracking yet exciting

If you’ve ever applied for a competitive role, you know it can be a mix of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and a sprinkle of anxiety. Moniepoint's selection process was rigorous but fair.

First, I had to submit my resume and cover letter, ensuring they reflected my technical skills and hunger for learning. Then came the aptitude test, which tested technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and logical reasoning.

But my real highlight? The interview.

I’ve been through my fair share of interviews, but this one stood out. It wasn’t a robotic Q&A session where they asked me, “Where do you see yourself in five years?”. Instead, it was engaging, structured, and insightful. They genuinely wanted to understand my thought process, problem-solving approach, and willingness to learn. There were technical questions, of course, but also meaningful discussions about my experiences and how I would handle real-life IT challenges.

I left the interview feeling good. Even if I didn’t get the role, I walked away with a positive experience. But a few weeks later, I got a call from the Talent and Acquisitions team. I  made it into the Women in Tech internship at Moniepoint!

Day one: hitting the ground running 

From the moment I stepped in, I knew this wasn’t going to be a “sit back and observe” kind of internship. I still remember the Women in Tech Mixer (our official welcome into Moniepoint). It was such a warm and exciting event, filled with inspiring women in tech, all ready to share knowledge and cheer us on. It was clear that Moniepoint wasn’t just running an internship program for the sake of it - they were genuinely invested in our growth.

Once the internship began, I was immediately integrated into the Infrastructure team. It wasn’t a case of “Oh, she’s just an intern, give her the easy stuff.” I was assigned real tasks like troubleshooting network issues, analysing infrastructure performance, managing security protocols, and even handling IT support tickets. It was initially overwhelming, but my team was always there to guide me.

I also had a work buddy/mentor (shoutout to Gabriel!) who was instrumental in helping me navigate my role. The team was incredibly supportive, but they also encouraged independence. I learned quickly that at Moniepoint, you don’t wait for someone to spoon-feed you information. You ask questions, do your research, and take ownership of your work.

Work, life, and everything in between

One thing I had to figure out quickly was work-life balance.

Working remotely most of the time meant no clear “clock-out” time. Unlike a physical office where you pack up and leave at 5 PM, remote work can blur the lines, making it easy to overwork yourself. But I learned to set boundaries.

Some weekends, I completely unplug. Other times, I go out, eat good food (because, yes, I love food!), or catch up with friends. Music also plays a big role in keeping me sane. My Spotify Wrapped exposed me as a full-on Afrobeats girl, and I’m not even ashamed of it. What’s life without some good vibes?

Another thing I love? Team bonding sessions! Now and then, my team picks a spot, and we just hang out. It makes working together so much easier because you know you’re part of a team that genuinely supports one another.

What I love about Moniepoint 

If I had to sum it up in two words, it would be growth and support. The culture here is built on openness, and no unnecessary hierarchy stops you from reaching out to anyone, even the CEO. There’s also this unspoken rule: you’re not just here to do the work; you’re here to grow.

My team has knowledge-sharing sessions weekly, where different team members teach something new. I’ve even hosted a few myself! I’ve grown to enjoy the learning culture. 

I also love the fact that I get to work on real-world challenges. From day one, I wasn’t treated like an intern. Instead, I was treated like a full-time employee. And now, I am one! I’ve gained confidence in handling IT challenges, problem-solving, and even speaking up in meetings. I’ve also learned that you don’t have to know everything from day one but must be willing to learn.

Looking to apply to Moniepoint’s Women in Tech program? 

If you’re thinking about applying for Moniepoint’s Women in Tech (WIT) internship, my biggest advice is that you come prepared. This isn’t just any internship where you’re expected to sit back and observe. Moniepoint is fast-paced, and from day one, you’ll be given real tasks and responsibilities. To thrive, you need to have a solid understanding of the role you’re applying for. While you don’t need to be an expert, having basic knowledge and relevant skills will make your transition much smoother. Before applying, take the time to brush up on your technical skills, explore online courses, and work on small projects that showcase what you can do.

Another important tip is to put your best foot forward during the application process. Your resume and cover letter should highlight not just your technical skills but also your passion for learning and problem-solving. If you’ve worked on any personal projects, certifications, or even coursework that aligns with the role, include them! Showcasing your initiative and willingness to learn can set you apart from other applicants.

Once you get into the program, don’t be afraid to ask questions and take initiative. You’ll get a lot of support, but the key is to show that you’re proactive. If you hit a roadblock, do some research, try different solutions, and then reach out for guidance. The more you engage with your team, the faster you’ll learn.

Finally, have fun and enjoy the journey. Yes, it’s an intense and competitive program, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to grow, meet amazing people, and possibly land a full-time role like I did. Take advantage of every moment, attend team bonding sessions, participate in knowledge-sharing meetings, and most importantly, believe in yourself.

Two years ago, I was in your shoes, wondering if I was good enough to apply. Now, I’m a full-time System Administrator at Moniepoint. So, if you’re thinking about it, go for it. Visit womenintech.moniepoint.com  Who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll be the one sharing your story.