How a Developer in Nigeria Landed Her First SWE Job (and Went Global)

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👋 Hello, Harman here Welcome to this week’s Fullstack Insider newsletter.

Each week, I share insights, tips, and real-world stories to help you become a stronger software engineer — whether you’re chasing your first SWE role or leveling up your skills.

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In today’s interview, we have Mojisola Alegbe.

I came across him on LinkedIn, and because of his inspiring journey into software engineering

📝 Quick Facts (1–2 words/short phrases each)

- Current Role: Product Owner @ Jhool
- Location: Nigeria / Canada
- Tech Stack: JavaScript (ES6+), TypeScript, React, Vue.js, Next.js, Node.js, Express, Tailwind CSS, Firebase, Firestore, PostgreSQL, GraphQL, RESTful APIs, Jest, Git, Docker, Google Cloud Platform, BigQuery.
- Years Since First SWE Job: 6 years

I hold a B.Sc. in Computer Science, which provided me with the theoretical foundation I needed, algorithms, data structures, and core programming principles. But the real learning happens outside the classroom. I spent countless hours building personal projects, reading up on new technologies, and experimenting with JavaScript and its frameworks.

My first role was an internship that I secured through a job board. That was after so many rejections and ghosting. Before applying for this role, I had built a few personal projects, nothing groundbreaking at the time, but enough to show I was serious and had an understanding of the basics. I followed up a few days after sending my application, which I believe helped me stand out from the many other applicants.

Being based in Nigeria. At the time, it felt like the global tech ecosystem was far out of reach. The opportunities seemed to be concentrated in places like the US and Europe, and I was worried that my location would hold me back. Breaking into the global tech space required extra effort to network, showcase my skills, and prove my value to potential employers. It wasn’t easy, and there were many rejections along the way, but perseverance paid off. Eventually, my efforts led to the breakthrough I needed.

What truly made me stand out was my ability to clearly communicate my experiences and impact. In every role I’ve held, I have taken on challenging, high-responsibility projects and ensured they were well-documented. In the end, what set me apart was not just technical knowledge but my ability to effectively communicate my impact. As developers, it’s easy to get caught up in the weeds of code, but employers want to know how you solve problems, deliver results, and contribute to the team. During my interviews, I always focused on showcasing my ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver meaningful outcomes.

If I could go back, I’d try to secure an internship with a larger, globally recognized company like those in the FAANG group (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google) while I was still in school. While I learned a lot from my first internship, I now realize that working at a large company could have accelerated my learning and provided exposure to larger, more complex systems earlier on. Additionally, I’d consider relocating earlier in my career to be closer to major tech hubs. While it’s possible to succeed from anywhere (thank you, remote work), being in the midst of a tech-rich environment brings invaluable networking opportunities and access to industry-leading mentors. I would have loved to build relationships with like-minded engineers who could have helped shape my career trajectory even faster.

Build in public and share your progress regularly. Network intentionally, both online and offline, and don’t rely solely on tutorials. Create your own projects, learn the fundamentals, and understand how things work under the hood. Be genuine in your connections and engage with people who can provide real value. The more you interact with other developers, the more you learn, and the more opportunities will come your way. This is how I got noticed by recruiters and mentors. This combination will set you apart.

LinkedIn: I’m a Senior Frontend Engineer with extensive experience in software development, specializing in JavaScript and its frameworks. I’ve contributed to the success of multiple SaaS products and have helped scale applications used by thousands globally. Passionate about mentoring, I have guided over 200+ developers in their careers. I’m deeply committed to building impactful user experiences and fostering strong team collaboration.

Yes. I offer coaching services, website development, and technical support for individuals and businesses.

I’m currently developing an AI-powered platform tailored for engineers. It’s designed to be a one-stop resource to help engineers kickstart and advance their careers in the job market.

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That’s a wrap! Catch you in next edition. 👋

—Harman