If there’s one thing I’ve always been, it’s curious. I’ve never been the kind of person to settle for just one thing without exploring other possibilities. That curiosity led me to try different roles in tech - frontend engineering, UI/UX design, and even product management. But it wasn’t until I joined Moniepoint’s Women in Tech Internship that I found where I truly belonged: backend engineering.

Let me take you on my journey to the point of discovery. 

A journey of exploration

Growing up, technology was always a part of my life. My parents surrounded us with computers and gadgets, and my older brothers studied Computer Science. Naturally, I followed that path, studying the same course at university. But even then, I wasn’t sure where exactly I fit in. This made me try many things.

My first attempt to find a path was during the summer holiday after my first year at university. I enrolled in the Hands-on Institute of Information Technology (HIIT) in Lagos, Nigeria and took some Javascript and SQL classes. When I returned to school, I took every opportunity I could to explore different fields, as long as they were in tech.

I did an internship in frontend development, then another in UI/UX design, followed by a stint in product management. Each role taught me something new, but none of them truly clicked. I kept searching for that one area where I could see myself growing long-term.

When I first applied to Moniepoint’s Women in Tech Internship, I had no idea that backend engineering was in my future. In fact, I applied as a full-stack engineer because I wanted to continue exploring. But when I got in, I was told that no full-stack roles were available at the time. Instead, I was asked, “Would you like to try backend?”

I hesitated for a moment, but my curiosity won. I said yes.

Growing at Moniepoint

When I think of how much I grew during my internship, I realise it’s because Moniepoint provided an environment where learning was encouraged, mistakes were part of the process, and growth was inevitable.

My greatest strength during my internship was the level of mentorship I had. From day one, my managers and teammates supported me. They didn’t just assign tasks; they taught, guided, and challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. They checked in on me daily, ensuring I was never stuck for too long. Unlike some of my previous internships, where I felt like I was on my own, here, I was surrounded by people who genuinely wanted to see me succeed.

One of the most significant lessons I learned early on was to ask for help. In previous roles, I had always felt the pressure to figure things out independently before seeking guidance. But at Moniepoint, collaboration is the norm. I remember struggling with my first backend task, spending an entire day trying to fix an issue alone. The next day, during our standup, my teammate asked why I hadn’t reached out for help. That was a turning point for me. I realised that here, learning is not just an individual effort—it’s a team effort.

More than just a job: why I chose to stay

By the time my internship was coming to an end, I had a decision to make. I had worked in multiple roles before and seen different work environments, but Moniepoint felt different. The culture here wasn’t just about completing tasks—it was about growing, collaborating, and making an impact. I saw how much technical depth was required, yet my managers employed a level of empathy as I learnt my way through.

The transition from intern to full-time backend engineer was seamless. Even before my internship ended, I was already handling responsibilities on par with my full-time colleagues. 

Now, I have worked on major backend projects, including implementing passcode login functionality, which improved authentication for thousands of users. But more than the work itself, the people and the culture made me want to stay.

At Moniepoint, my contributions are valued, and my voice is heard. I’m surrounded by colleagues who challenge me to improve while supporting my growth. I have seen firsthand how intentional we are about creating an inclusive, empowering environment for women in tech.

Here, I am not just another engineer—I am part of a team that believes in me.

If you’re a woman trying to find your footing in tech

Looking back, I realise that every role I explored led me to this point. I wouldn’t have found my passion for backend engineering if I hadn’t been open to trying new things. So, to any woman looking to break into tech or transition into a different field, my advice is simple:

• Be open to exploration. You don’t have to have it all figured out from the start.

• Seek out environments that nurture growth. A great workplace can make all the difference.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The best engineers are those who learn from others.

• Trust yourself. If you keep learning and improving, you’ll find your place.

This is your chance if you’re a woman looking to build a tech career. Moniepoint’s Women in Tech Internship just closed, but you might find a role that suits you on the careers page. Take the leap. Apply today.