The era of remote work is here with us.
Remote technology positions are currently among the most lucrative jobs for Kenyans – and other markets – especially since Covid-19 shifted how most global firms approach work and talent.
Key Takeaways
To get hired for such prestigious remote positions in global tech firms, there is a very specific and proven path. First, you have to learn the in-demand skills (via Bootcamp). Second, you’ll use these skills to build a portfolio to showcase your work. Third, you need to network and build a social presence in global tech communities. Fourth, apply for jobs using credible job boards. Lastly, master niche skills that set you apart and help you advance.
That’s really all there is to it. However, let us discuss each point in greater depth below.
1. Learn the technology skills that are in demand
It would be futile to try to look for a job without the right skills.
The sort-of shortcut to good tech jobs (even without a computer science degree) is to get into a Bootcamp.
A boot camp simply means a short but intense training program.
In tech, you’ll find most Bootcamps last between 6 months and 1 year and they give you practical skills in an area of your choice. Some of the skill areas in tech that you can learn are Data science or Data analyst, Frontend and Backend development, UI and UX (user interface and user experience) development i.e., product design, Artificial intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, etc.
You do not need previous coding skills to join a boot camp.
In Kenya, there are a few coding Bootcamps but my favorite ones (based on verified placements) are:
a) Microverse
Microverse is a well-known coding Bootcamp with a great track record in training and career support. Their program lasts for 12 months and requires full-time (40 hours per week) attendance.
They do not ask for any upfront costs. You will sign an agreement where they will deduct their cost of training once you get a job that pays beyond a specific threshold.
b) Explore Data Science Academy
As the name suggests, this Bootcamp specializes in data science accelerator programs. It is located in South Africa but has global recognition due to its robust nature.
Just like Microverse, Explore does not require an upfront payment. Instead, there is a contract to pay them back once you land a good data science job.
c) Moringa School
Moringa School is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, and offers intensive tech-related programs. They have a 5-month program with a focus on specific career paths like web, mobile, and cloud development.
They have over 40 hiring partners globally and have a curriculum partnership with Hack Reactor (a silicon-valley-based coding school).
d) Flatiron School
Flariton is highly rated by former students due to its high-quality curriculum and career guidance and support.
They offer program choices in software engineering, cybersecurity, data science, and product design.
They have part-time and full-time classes and include financing options in their plan.
e) App Academy
App Academy has been around for a long and due to its lucrative programs, it has become top-rated. This means it is also difficult to get into with just a 5% acceptance rate.
f) Others
These are just some of the top coding Bootcamps. The idea here is just to show you that it is possible to get trained in the right skills at zero cost.
Also worth noting is that self-directed learning is still possible.
Self-directed learning means for example learning from YouTube or buying courses on Udemy and Coursera. The only downside with such an approach is the lack of a curriculum that can progressively build your skills.
I should also mention that if you don’t have a tech background, a lot of coaches advise people to take the free Harvard Class called CS-50. It builds a good foundation to learn to code once you get into a Bootcamp.
Now that you have the skills, the next bit is to create a portfolio.
2. Create a strong portfolio to showcase your skills
A portfolio is like a resume that contains examples of coding projects that you have done. It, therefore, acts as proof that you have the skills to do a certain type of work.
Below is an example of a coding portfolio website of a Data Science student after completing a Bootcamp.
Below is a showcase of an single project from the above portfolio.
This portfolio is by Naledi Hollbruegge. You can view her website here – https://naledi.co.uk/
How your portfolio looks will depend on the skills that you are trying to demonstrate.
Read this article here – https://www.zdnet.com/education/professional-development/how-to-build-a-coding-portfolio/ – to get a better view of how to build a portfolio.
At the bare minimum, however, your portfolio should have Projects (4 to 10), an About Me section (contact info, experience, hobbies, awards, education, downloadable resume, etc), and of course, it is better if it is hosted on a website with your name as the domain.
A portfolio helps you adhere to the golden rule of sharing your work.
There is a book titled ‘Share Your Work’ by Austin Kleon and it is recommended to every creative mindset out there. The theory of the book is that sharing your work – such as via a portfolio blog section – allows you to be more creative and get discovered.
“How else will we know you can code if you don’t show us what you have already coded?”
3. Build a network – gain social capital
Networking still works the same way it has for decades – it places you in situations where it is easier to find new opportunities.
Your Bootcamp might be the first stage in your tech networking.
Most Bootcamps, such as Explore and Microverse mentioned above, will pair you with students from different parts of the world.
This will offer you unique experiences but even better, it will create a support system that can be useful in finding a job.
Ideally, while looking for a remote position from international firms, you need a global mindset. This is why it is also critical to join global tech forums and communities.
As you know people and find opportunities in these platforms, you will also learn how high-achievers in your niche got there and the kind of expectations they have for new hires.
Right off, you’ll find that honesty and incredible work ethics are valued a lot by global firms.
Now, which platforms should you join?
Well, these are too many to list. Just start with your Bootcamp’s forum, then GitHub, and you’ll find more in the process.
4. Apply for remote jobs using credible job boards
There are a lot of job boards out there that promise to connect you to great jobs. However, there are a few that stand out and that have been proven. The top six include remoteok.com, angel.co, workatastartup.com, weworkremotely.com, jobboardsearch.com, and glassdoor.com.
a) Remoteok.com
This is one of the best places to search for a remote job. It was among the first platforms to be made to cater specifically to those seeking remote positions and so it has evolved and been iterated a lot to do just that.
They have jobs listed based on geographical restrictions, salary ranges, and async or not.
(Async – asynchronous – in remote work refers to a company policy of requiring all company employees to be working simultaneously. This means all employees are online within the same range of hours. If you’re in a different time zone as a parent company, this could mean working through the night and sleeping during the day).
b) Angel.co
AngelList is probably a favorite to many because it has a large volume of jobs and is focused mainly on the US market. So, if you are looking to get hired by an American start-up then this is your place to look.
Their job listings mostly mention the salary range and geographic constraints.
c) Workatastartup.com
As the name suggests, this job board is squarely for start-ups. The good thing is that it lists jobs from YCombinator-backed start-ups rather than just any other company that is starting out. YCombinator start-ups have Venture Capital funding and so they can pay decent salaries.
An advantage of getting a job here is that most of these companies work remotely and recruit without many geographic restrictions.
d) Weworkremotely.com
This platform has been around for a long time and it is similar to remoteok.com. However, it does not perform as well in terms of details associated with a job hence making it a little inferior.
They list different types of jobs including freelance gigs, part-time positions, and full-time employment. The downside is that not all details of geographic restrictions and salary are disclosed.
e) Jobboardsearch.com
This is more of an aggregation website. This means they source data from over 300 job boards and categorize it together based on roles, niches, industries, and countries.
If you are looking for a non-technical role in tech, this might be a good start.
f) Glassdoor.com
This is a traditional job search board that has been around for a very long time. However, it is the best performing among its peers due to the crowdsourcing function.
Crowdsourcing allows you to get insights into the positions and companies into which you’re getting hired.
g) Others
Are these your only option?
Absolutely not.
First, most Bootcamps will assign you a career coach who will help with building your resume, guiding your applications, and tailoring your general approach to finding jobs.
Second, there are people that have found jobs via sites other than those mentioned above. The only caution you should carry is avoiding untrusted job sources. LinkedIn has for instance been criticized for having too many fake recruiters that end up running scams on you.
Also, having browsed a lot of African remote work job boards, I found that some just aggregate the jobs already posted in the top 6 boards mentioned above. It might not hurt to register with some of them though.
Locally in Kenya, there are yet no job boards exclusively focused on remote work.
As you apply for tech positions, remember to build your interview skills too.
Here is a great interview resource whose author used to pass Google and Microsoft interviews – https://github.com/nas5w/interview-resources.
5. Master niche skills to help you advance
Once you get hired for your first remote job, consider it the opportunity to scale up.
It is often said that the first job might be the most difficult to get so it should be easier to advance once you have it.
As you work, keep perfecting your skills and of course expanding your portfolio. Since tech is always changing, don’t let your portfolio website just sit around with old projects (that you probably did at Bootcamp).
In short, work, master your skill, contribute to tech communities, network, write articles, and expand your project portfolio. This is how recruiters will find you.
In Conclusion
Finding a well-paying remote position in tech from Kenya can be a daunting task and a lack of a proper understanding of the process involved can even make it more frustrating. Our guide on how to get hired for these remote positions in tech can offer the suggestions, tips, and tools that you require to get it done a little faster and with fewer obstacles.
