Simisola Ogundowole
Years in Tech
5
Current Role
Product Designer, Betty
Core Skills
Product design, Product management, User interface + User Experience Design
Interview Date
14th December 2018
Simi loves people and is constantly fascinated by how they interact with different kinds of digital interfaces. As one of Lagos’ budding product people, she has made significant progress helping individuals and businesses develop winning products that have improved their earnings and reached thousands of users. When she’s not working, she enjoys taking long drives, listening to indie music and can usually be found in the company of good friends.
Personal Links
What experiences led you to technology and how did you develop the skills to compete in the industry?
After completing a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering and software technology, I moved on to work in technology inclined roles in the Advertising + Marketing space. By sheer luck, I had superiors and colleagues who were constantly interested in my development and were largely instrumental in my growth. To be fair, some of it was also relentless, gruelling hard work. I am a product of the people around me and a strong desire for success.
How has your background helped/differentiated you in the tech industry?
Having formal knowledge helped me understand the way technology works; its building blocks and fundamentals. Although, I started off as an Engineer, I’d say I grew in the technology sector mostly as a designer. Design has always helped me address the end user’s problems and come up with logical, creative ways of solving them. Over the last 5 years I have worked as a graphics designer, Frontend developer and project/product manager, leveraging the power of design and technology as a vehicle for improving business performance.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in technology? What do you wish you had known?
The technology space is very dynamic, and to get ahead, you would have to imbibe a culture of constant learning. Surround yourself with the right people, and generous amounts of positivity. Work hard, play hard, rest well.
Any other thoughts on women in technology?
The numbers are still poor. Find women around you, and actively help them flourish. Give them a safe place to grow, and watch the magic happen.