A conversation with Nadia, a Makers student from the Muslamic Makers Community
“Erase your fear of being a minority in a particular sector; if you love it, pursue it!”
Makers student Nadia has flourished in the course following the opportunity that came via a collaborative effort between Muslamic Makers — an organisation that provides opportunities, networking, and workshops to Muslamic professionals. Along with The Aziz Foundation, an organisation dedicated to community empowerment, leadership development, and social engagement. Both groups aim to develop and support extraordinary people and are committed to empowering marginalised groups in society, helping them to pursue their career goals.
Here Nadia shares her story of where her passion for technology came from, how she got into the industry, advice for those who aren’t sure where to start, and why we all need to keep working to eliminate the work culture gap in tech for minority groups.
What were you doing before you joined the scholarship?
Before I joined the scholarship, I had recently completed my studies in Civil Engineering. As much as I enjoyed it, I found myself more intrigued by the technical aspect of the course. I further explored technology through several internships and started to delve into software development through online resources such as Codeacademy, and that was how my tech journey began.
How much coding experience did you have before joining the course?
Before joining the course, I didn’t have much coding experience, to begin with at all. I had only completed a few short courses online through websites such as Codeacademy and Code First Girls. I have found that you don’t need to have prior knowledge of programming languages before you start a bootcamp, but any coding background you have will help you keep up more easily with the lessons.
Why did you want to get into tech?
Technology inspires and drives the way the world functions and lives. It is the driving force behind most of today’s innovations. From your morning alarm to this very platform you’re reading this on, technology surrounds us. Technology is improving the lives of so many people in different ways. It’s never been easier to collaborate across countries, cultures, and businesses. Platforms and communities enable this by facilitating global connectivity. Our standard of living has improved as a result of technological advancements. There are continuous learning opportunities as technology continues to advance as there is a continually changing environment to which we need to adapt. To be able to work on various projects that challenge the ‘norm’ in hopes of creating something better would be an incredible opportunity.
What steps can people take if they’re considering a career in tech but don’t know where to start?
Many believe that a technical background is needed to start a career in technology. However, this idea is far from the truth. Although it may aid you slightly, it is certainly not necessary. For those uncertain about where to get started, the first step is to research the various tech roles available and what might be of interest to you. Then build yourself a roadmap! Without a plan, you won’t reach far and will feel lost. Perhaps you’d have done a few coding tutorials and even maybe built a project. Then what? It’s vital to create a plan for how you’ll become a developer — Will you take online courses? How many hours will you spend weekly? What will you do when it’s too difficult? When will you start applying for jobs?
Once you’ve created your plan, it’s crucial to dive in and get started! Start by learning the fundamentals (there are many available resources online). Once you have a good foundation, begin building basic projects, as this will hugely help you improve your coding skills.
A tech career is easily attainable for people from many different backgrounds; consistency is key!
What advice would you give to other British Muslim women considering a career in tech?
This is an important topic as many are looking to transition to technology but are concerned if this is a safe choice due to toxic workplaces. Particularly because Muslim women typically occupy more than one marginalised identity. However, it’s important to remember that you are not inferior; you, too, are a developer. Your work’s quality will speak for itself. Pursue your ambition and erase your fear of being a minority in a particular sector; if you love it, pursue it!
How can companies support more Muslims to get into the tech industry?
I guess this ties in with the previous question slightly. The environment you’re in plays a significant role. How do people in that environment perceive Muslims? We must recognise and support the needs of all underrepresented or marginalised identities as we endeavour to establish more fair workplaces. Muslims are one of the most misunderstood identities, and as a result, their needs are often disregarded. This can lead to a lowered sense of belonging, as well as emotions of insecurity and discrimination. Making an effort to understand the beliefs and practices of Muslim employees can improve their work experience and build a sense of community among all employees. Partnering with Muslim organisations such as Muslamic Makers or the Aziz Foundation can help to achieve this and can also encourage more Muslims to enter the tech industry.
How have Muslamic Makers and the Aziz foundation-supported you in getting into tech?
I cannot thank Muslamic Makers and The Aziz Foundation enough for awarding me the scholarship. I appreciate that everyone involved recognises that finances should not prevent students from reaching their potential. It means so much to be among those who can benefit from this incredible scholarship, and I look forward to the day I will be able to pass it on. Not only have they helped financially, but both have great communities encouraging a career in tech. With this scholarship, I am now able to begin my journey toward becoming a software developer, as it will aid me with the resources to achieve a deeper understanding of the fundamentals and principles of software engineering. As technology continues to advance, it is becoming a field of crucial significance to development in our society, and therefore it has never been more imperative for the youth in our communities to be encouraged to equip themselves with the necessary skills to break into this industry. I hope, as a Muslim, I can make valuable changes to increase the representation and inclusion of Muslims within the technology profession by empowering local communities through workshops.
Makers will continue to collaborate with community organisations and offer scholarships with the goal of boosting diversity in the tech industry.
Sign up for our newsletter to keep up-to-date with new Makers Scholarships and community partners, or read about some of our current partners in this article.
