My Tech Transition: How Michael Inioluwa Oladele Went From Writer To Growth Marketer

Michael Inioluwa Oladele transitioned from a writer to a community manager to a growth marketer. He tells us how he was able to pull that off.

My Tech Transition is a monthly ConTech series that shines a spotlight on Africans who have successfully transitioned into tech.

Written by David Onugha.

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After graduating, Michael Inioluwa Oladele worked as a content writer for a business development firm in Lagos. Making a transition into tech in 2021, he took on the role of a community manager at Cowrywise and currently works as a growth marketer. He talks about his career journey and shares tips for aspiring growth marketers.

What is your current role in tech and how long have you been in it?

I am currently a growth marketer at Cowrywise, and I’ve held this position for close to a year now. Before this, I was a community manager working on the company’s student ambassadorship program.

What does a growth marketer do?

A growth marketer is responsible for engineering growth for the company. They shape the public’s perception of a brand, and they work towards acquiring and retaining customers while increasing revenue. 

What were you doing before transitioning into tech?

I was a content writer at Rellies Works, a business development firm in Lagos. I was also a creative writer and did some freelance ghostwriting on Upwork. 

What made you transition into tech?

I resigned from my content writing job before resuming at my NYSC camp. I knew it wouldn’t be easy juggling work and camp activities. However, I am passionate about working with students and have built student communities centred around the attainment of sustainable development goals. 

So when I saw that Cowrywise needed a community manager for their student ambassadorship program, I applied for the role during my service year. 

What was your tech transition process like?

I had to decide whether to continue as a community manager or take on more significant roles after my service year. As a community manager, I had the opportunity of working with the growth marketing and engineering teams. I learned a lot from them and worked on real-life projects. It made sense to use all I had learned in more prominent roles. 

What skills crossed over from your previous role and what did you have to learn?

I was served by my writing skills. I did have to learn email marketing, experimentation, testing, and other marketing skills.

What advice would you give anyone looking to transition into tech?

Read a lot, take courses, and watch instructional videos. Keep studying and practising until you’ve perfected your skills. Use social media to your advantage, follow professionals in your field, and learn from them. I run a ‘day in the life’ series on LinkedIn, where I talk about my job as a growth marketer.

Any tips for finding the right job in tech?

The job-hunt process can be tough, so you might have to apply to a lot of jobs before landing one. So, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. It is essential to appraise yourself and take stock of your skills. 

You can apply for roles that fit your current skill set and apply for bigger and better jobs. It would also be beneficial to engage in volunteering activities, this experience can equip you with skills that may come in handy.