Kayode Jaiyeola, a Nigerian technology lead, has achieved success in the UK's tech industry through hard work and determination. His journey began in Nigeria's Computer Village, where he learned the importance of standing out in a competitive market. A conversation with a man in a job interview had a lasting impact on Jaiyeola, emphasizing the need to differentiate himself from others. This advice has guided him throughout his career.
Jaiyeola's passion for technology started at a young age. He received his first desktop computer at seven and spent countless hours experimenting with it. His interest in technology led him to study Computer Science at Covenant University, where he formed lasting friendships. His first job as an infrastructure specialist with Etisalat Nigeria (now 9mobile) taught him core principles that he still applies today.
Jaiyeola's career progressed as he worked with MedPlus, Nigeria's largest pharmacy retail chain, rebuilding their IT infrastructure. He then joined Redington Gulf, a technology distributor, where he gained experience working in Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. By the end of his stint with Redington Gulf, Jaiyeola felt he had learned what he could in Nigeria and decided it was time to test himself in a new market.
In 2018, Jaiyeola moved to the United Kingdom, where he focused on building his skills to succeed in a new market. He took advice from people who had made the move, emphasizing the importance of skill over accent. Jaiyeola built on his skills, learning about cloud computing, and how to explain it in plain English. He started in application support at a UK university and has since worked in organizations ranging from 600 employees to 70,000.
Jaiyeola's journey to success was not smooth. He estimates that he has done over 100 interviews in the UK, facing rejection multiple times. However, he persevered, and his advice to others is to ignore the money and focus on learning. He believes that free work, side projects, and half-finished experiments often lead to new opportunities.
Jaiyeola now shares his experience with others through sessions he runs with friends for people getting into tech. He urges young technologists to learn to network and emphasizes the importance of certifications. His experience in Nigeria, including dealing with unreliable power, has not held him back. Jaiyeola believes that hard work and determination will beat talent every single time.
Today, Jaiyeola holds certifications across Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, and Google Cloud, including in AI and machine learning. He leads cloud, security, and AI work for regulated organizations in the UK, including financial services, healthcare, higher education, and the public sector. His story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that success is achievable through hard work and a willingness to learn.
Key points
- Kayode Jaiyeola's success in the UK's tech industry is attributed to his hard work and determination.
- Jaiyeola's advice to others is to ignore the money and focus on learning.
- He emphasizes the importance of certifications and networking in achieving success in the tech industry.
