Interview with Vincent Nwonah of Microsoft

 

1. What is your name?


My name is Vincent Nwonah


2. Where are you from?


I’m from Nigeria in West Africa, but recent travels - especially in East Africa, have left me feeling “at home” that I now see myself as African first. 


3. Where did you go to school?


I schooled at Wellspring University, a young University in Benin City. I studied computer science under Prof. Wilson Nwankwo, currently a Professor of Cyber Security and Software Engineering at Edo University. I mention Prof. here because studying under him left me with a solid Computer Science understanding, and an understanding of the urgent need for high quality technical education in the country.


4. Tell us a little about Nigeria. What influence has it had on the person that you are today?


Nigeria - Nigeria is the most populous black nation, with many many different ethnic groups. We have our challenges as does any nation, and our strengths. 


I grew up all over Nigeria, born in Oyo State in the West, growing up across Port Harcourt in the South South, Katsina in the Far North, Abuja and then Lagos. 


Nigeria endows a person with a Can-Do spirit. I grew up believing that as long as I was willing to work hard, do my best and deal honestly, then there is no limit to success, this is the typical story in Nigeria - our problems are opportunities, Nigeria is rising.


5. What did you study in University?


Computer Science


6. Where do you work and what would you say makes your work enjoyable and unique?


I currently work as a Cloud Advocate at Microsoft - as a Cloud Advocate I act as a bridge between Microsoft Products/Teams and Developers usings these products. I bring training and technical know-how in the form of conference talks, webinars, workshops, etc to developers while taking feedback and what the developers using these technologies would like to see in features/updates.


I find the opportunity to teach, to expose these technologies to companies and help as they use them very enjoyable.




7. Are there any experiences at work that are distinctive about your workplace? Describe them?


Microsoft is an amazing place to work, the culture and support is definitely distinctive coming from my startup background. There is a big emphasis on doing your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance, something you don’t find everywhere. 


8. What are you working on? What are you currently pursuing? (Focus on this question and try to do as much to advertise what you are doing for Microsoft currently in East Africa)


I am currently working with a number of Bootcamps/Coding Schools across East and West Africa on an improved curriculum that features more Microsoft Technologies. We are supporting these bootcamps with Curricula and training content to assist in their goals; that their students are learning the most relevant technologies for now, and the future.


9. Why is it important to have a skilled workforce? Where do you see the gaps in skills locally or in Africa in General? 


I think a major skill gap is in Software Development. Africa is becoming a hotbed for startups from all over the world looking for competent software engineers, while this is a good thing, our local startups are losing the best of the best talents as they cannot compete on pay with foreign companies. 


With more people entering the tech ecosystem as developers, we have the opportunity to both contribute to the global workforce, and have enough developers to keep our ecosystem thriving.




10. What specific areas do your skills address? What are some of the skills you wish to add and why?


As a Software Engineer with a knack for teaching and talking about technology, I have applied my skills as a part of teams building MVPs for Startups, as a Trainer helping beginner developers along on their journey. I believe I target two major areas, helping build Africa’s much needed technology infrastructure through startups, and helping equip/train much needed technical talent.



11. What are some of the challenges that people face in the workplace and how can those challenges be met? 


I think a current major challenge I have identified especially with African Startups/Companies is the lack of clear mentorship. Up and coming employees can contribute significantly more to companies given proper mentoring/guidance.


COmpanies can provide training on how/when to guide to management level staff to help identify/direct employees in need of mentorship.






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