From my last article, (read here ) I shared how I went from typing “How can I make my life better?” into Google to becoming someone who now uses her voice and skills to make an impact; and yes, make money too.
Let’s rewind a bit.
There was a time when all I had was a beat-up laptop, zero direction, and a heart full of hunger. Not just physical hunger (though that happened too), but a hunger for more, more meaning, more independence, more impact. I wasn’t just looking for a job, I was looking for a way out of survival mode.
I realized something important: I didn’t need to be perfect to start. I just needed to start.
But starting with what?
That’s where learning came in. I didn’t jump into tech with a fancy degree or deep pockets. I started with free webinars, YouTube videos, and trial-and-error. Over time, I discovered specific courses that didn’t just teach me skills, they gave me direction and eventually, income.
So, if you’re like me; young, driven, and tired of waiting for life to happen, here are 5 courses I personally recommend to skill up in the digital space:
1. Content Writing & Strategy (Coursera / HubSpot Academy)
This was my first love. I learned how to write persuasively, create blog posts, and understand how content works for brands. It helped me turn random thoughts into structured, valuable content and eventually, paid gigs.
2. Digital Marketing (Google Digital Garage – Free!)
Understanding digital marketing changed the game. I learned how visibility works online – SEO, social media, email marketing, and analytics. Even as a creative, this helped me position myself in a way clients and companies understand.
3. Virtual Assistance & Remote Admin Tools (ALX VA Program / Udemy)
Learning digital tools like Google Workspace, Trello, and Notion helped me land roles managing tasks for startups and entrepreneurs. Admin work may sound basic, but it pays when you do it well and show up professionally.
4. Canva for Design (Canva Design School)
You don’t need to be a full-time designer to benefit from Canva. I learned how to create flyers, carousels, pitch decks, and social media content, skills I now use to serve clients and build my own personal brand.
5. Freelancing & Portfolio Building (Fiverr Learn / Skillshare)
These taught me how to package my skills, create a portfolio, price my services, and pitch myself. It took me from “I’m not sure I’m good enough” to “Here’s my offer, and here’s what I charge.”
Let’s be honest:
The tech space can feel overwhelming. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the fastest way to win is to start small and stay consistent.
You don’t need everything at once. You just need to choose one thing, show up daily, and keep growing. That’s what I did. That’s what I’m still doing. And today, opportunities find me. Brands pay me. My work speaks louder than my age. It all started with curiosity… and one course.
So if you’re wondering how to break into tech or turn your skills into income: this is your sign. Don’t wait for the perfect time. Start now, grow as you go.
Tech is not just for “tech bros.” It’s for storytellers, strategists, admin whizzes, designers, You. Let your hunger turn into action, your skills into income, and your story into proof that it’s possible.
Written by,
Goodness Rotimi
Intern, OHR publishing comms. Unit
