WHEN you hear “tech,” you might imagine programmers, engineers, and people working on complex software. They write lines of code, create algorithms, and develop software that powers everything from our favourite apps to the complex systems that help businesses run smoothly.
But first, let’s rephrase what you just read using specialized, industry-specific terminology:
They engineer codebases, construct code architectures, deploy machine learning algorithms and engineer scalable software solutions that power everything. They also seamlessly integrate microservices, optimize data pipelines and enhance operational efficiencies across cloud infrastructures.
That’s Tech!
And we are not far from the truth.
But Tech is also so much broader than programming and technical jargon.
In fact, most people in tech started from something simpler. They weren’t always immersed in intimidating tech jargon or tackling complex architectures right from the start. Rather, they grew their skills step by step, often learning from hands-on experience and building their confidence as time passed.
What am I saying?
I can confidently trace the start of my tech journey to the year 2004 when I first mastered typing on Microsoft Word, then a part of Microsoft Office 2003.
Back in those days too, I would head to the local cyber café, buy a one-hour access ticket, and log into Yahoo Chat. I’d exchange messages with strangers from the United States, sharing stories and experiences. I’d also take a moment to write to uncle Izzy in Canada, hoping to stay connected despite the distance.
You’d recall that at the time, letters were sent through the postal service, and it would take weeks — sometimes even months — to arrive.
So talking to Uncle Izzy became much easier and cheaper, and before you know it, my family cued into that. It was a time of connection, and I found my purpose in it. Soon, I became the mail messenger, printing out the letters Uncle Izzy and the other abroad Uncles sent and taking it to their respective destinations.
And while this might still sound like just basic, give me a moment.
In a few minutes, I will tell you the many more ways we’re all in tech, helping you recognize the skills and knowledge you already have that will help you transition smoothly and higher into “tech”.
First, and for what it is worth…
Tech Isn’t Just Coding — It’s Everyday Problem Solving
Remember the days of the typewriter, the clickity-clack of keys on a paper and the satisfying ding that followed after the carriage returned?
Before typewriters, documents were handwritten, which was time-consuming, tiring, and prone to errors, especially for long documents. The typewriter was then invented to speed up writing, improve legibility, and make document production more efficient and professional. (Sorry, I can’t remember the name of the smart dude who invented the typewriter but Google always knows best.) Typewritten documents became a standard for formal communication, making it the preferred choice for official paperwork in businesses, government, and journalism.
The typewriter’s invention paved the way for modern computers and keyboards, shaping how we handle written communication today.
So, we started with Microsoft Office applications on the desktop computers, handling all tasks directly on the PC. From there, we shared the completed work by sending it via email or through USB drives and network file-sharing systems.
Back then, I’m not even sure if anyone referred to it as “tech.”
We were primarily just using our PCs and noticing how effective and fast they were for tasks like communication, document processing, and calculations. It was all about the convenience, speed and accessibility.
But then, things started to evolve.
We moved from working on individual computers to accessing resources online, where files and applications could be stored remotely for collaborative work.
This transition to “the cloud” marked a significant shift.
Suddenly, we are connected to a much broader network where information could be accessed, edited, and shared in real-time from almost anywhere. I dare to even say that the cloud resembles the Yahoo chatrooms, only this time, a vast, endless space that brings everyone and everything together, offering the freedom to access conversations, information and files from anywhere, and at any time.
What had initially started as isolated tools on our desktops grew into something that connects us — a landscape of digital resources that enabled collaboration, streamlined workflows, and ease of information delivery to people across the globe. Renamed Tech, it made everything seem so vast, complex, and, at times, intimidating.
In those early days, we had simple programs that helped with our everyday tasks. Microsoft Word for writing, Excel for crunching numbers, PowerPoint for creating presentations. These were straightforward tools that helped us work more efficiently, and they didn’t feel overly complicated. Even e-mail was merely a convenient way to send messages.
But, we have now added basic web browsers and email clients to our daily toolkit. We have moved from installing software on individual machines to using web-based tools that could run from anywhere.
This evolution added layers and layers of capabilities but has also brought in new terms, roles, complexities, and new challenges.
Terms like cloud computing, data storage, and SaaS (Software as a Service).
Roles as cloud architects, data scientists, and cloud engineers.
Complexities from data security, privacy regulations, and scalability.
New challenges in data management, integration, and cloud migrations,
Yet, at its core, Tech is still about tools that should simplify our lives and work, just like it was in the beginning.
Humour me, but when I found out that SaaS (Software as a Service) was just a fancy word for applications you need subscriptions to use, and that the term “cloud” was simply a marketing term for storing your information on another PC (server), I couldn’t help but laugh at myself.
And you know what else?
You’re a Tech Creator Every Time You Share or Contribute
Because…
Every time you create something online, you’re contributing to the tech ecosystem.
From writing a review, to blog writing, to writing a piece on Medium, to posting a tutorial or sharing a playlist, you’re generating content that helps shape the digital world. These contributions might seem small, but collectively, they power much of the internet. Plus they require tech skills like content creation, digital literacy, and understanding how different platforms work.
Being “in tech” doesn’t mean you need to know how to code instantly; it means you’re actively engaging with technology to solve problems, connect with others, and create something new.
Many started by exploring tools, apps, and platforms — figuring out how they work, customizing them, and seeing how technology can enhance their lives or businesses. I began with data analytics, digital marketing, and even managing cloud-based projects for my clients. What are cloud-based projects if not the modern version of a Yahoo chat room?
Just like how we used to log in to a chatroom to connect, share, and store messages, cloud-based projects let me do the same — only now, I’d be on a virtual space, storing and sharing files, collaborating on documents, or managing tasks across the internet.
I know someone who started by exploring tools, apps, and platforms — figuring out how they work, and customizing them. I know many, myself included, who managed schedules with digital calendar, beat traffic and delays with Google Maps, simplified lengthy shopping with online apps, and secured files like a pro with multi-factor authentication.
You might find that as you encounter one challenge or another, you’d naturally want more control over it. So, you take the next step into knowing and it keeps on. For example, you might consider which basic programming language would serve your needs better like HTML and CSS for web development or Python for data manipulation. Gradually, you’d move into more advanced languages like JavaScript or Java, and maybe even explore back-end development or software engineering.
At this point, coding becomes less about learning syntax and more about problem-solving. But first, you understand the specific problem you want to solve and identify the best approach for it. You engage in your coding with clarity by outlining the inpouts, determining the process steps and visualizing your desired output.
In doing so, you’ve begun constructing a logical system designed to solve a real-world problem. You’ve developed an algorithm focused on optimizing efficiency, and you’ll likely refine it over time to accommodate new or expanded scenarios. In other words, you’ve deployed an adaptive framework, designed for scalability and future-proofing, which integrates seamlessly with diverse datasets and operational environments through version-controlled refinements.
You see.
Tech is about solving problems and improving processes.
It’s about creating solutions, designing systems, and building applications that make an impact.
It’s about curiosity, creativity, and learning along the way.
Whether you decide to specialize in a particular area, like web development, machine learning, or app development, your initial engagement with most digital tools, apps and platforms has served as the perfect launchpad.
You’ve always been in Tech.
You are already in Tech.
You are in Tech.
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