David Zagi MBCS

Tell me about yourself and what inspired you to study technology?

Growing up, I enjoyed building and repairing things, so after my high school, I applied to study Mechanical Engineering but instead I was offered a Diploma in Computer Science.

When I started the process to switch back to Mechanical Engineering, something within me sparked a real interest in Computer Science, so I decided to give it a try. And that’s how my journey to study technology began.

Why did you choose to study BCS Higher Education Qualifications?

After my Diploma Course in Computer Science, I was determined to launch a professional career in Programming.

At that time, I had heard about BCS on radio. Then someone came to our house to talk to my Dad about something different and during their discussion, he mentioned BCS to him. It provoked my interest, and I picked up the form and applied for the BCS Higher Education Qualification programme.

How old were you at the time, and were you working or already studying?

I was 24 years old when I started BCS HEQ and was not working. I applied for full-time study.

BCS is really flexible in terms of study. I remembered a point when I wrote all my PGD Exams along with a single DIT course.

During my BCS education I learnt the following:

1. Algorithms and how they work
2. Phases of Software Development
3. Translate algorithms to Code
4. Competence with Systematic problem analysis, program construction and documentation
5. Software testing
6. Quality assurance and security

How did you feel when you completed the course?

Completing BCS (PGD Level but haven't written project yet) made me feel like a superhero, because I was not only taught about programming, but also networking, project management, security, professional Issues in IT, Databases etc.

After the course, i was confident I had learnt about the fundamentals in IT.

How relevant was BCS HEQ Qualifications to what you are doing now?

Without going through BCS HEQ, I won't be doing what I am doing today, and I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Tell me about your career in the IT industry and what you have achieved

After BCS HEQ, I worked as a software developer and Software Engineer in companies both in Nigeria and abroad. I formerly worked as a software developer in companies based in Hong Kong, San Francisco, India and Italy. I am currently working on a solution I developed running in 3 gas Plants In Jos, Nigeria. And I am currently working with a European based Outsourcing company.

Share with me about remote working for an overseas company, how this came about, and how is this working out for you?

I had a friend who recommended me to my first remote employers, and this is how it all started. I was really fortunate to start my remote journey, whilst being based in Nigeria with a company that had already begun to address the remote challenges like time tracking, language and cultural difference, team communication etc.

Working remotely is really interesting, because it has allowed me to solve challenging problems alongside other developers and Engineers more experienced than me. I have worked with current and former Google and Microsoft engineers on the same team. Plus, working remotely has enabled me to earn a decent amount of money, with a salary comparable with my international peers.

Are you a BCS member? If so, how has membership helped you?

Yes, I am a BCS Member. My BCS membership has helped me to keep up the latest trends in IT reading ITNOW.

Would you recommend BCS Higher Education Qualifications to someone else?

I will recommend BCS a thousand times to anyone trying to launch into a career in IT. I have even recommended it to friends and family members.

If you had one piece advice to your younger self, what would it be?

I will tell my younger self to focus on understanding the fundamentals, because in the ever-changing world of IT, it is the fundamentals that will help you keep building your career.

Don’t be in a hurry, Be patient with the learning process.

Finally, what is the best piece of advice you could give someone looking to enter or move into an IT career?

My advice to anyone looking to move into IT is to have a passion for solving problems and be patient with the learning process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and always document your learning.