The impact of tech industry on millennials in Nigeria

Statistics show that people born between 1981 and 1995, or “Millennials,” as they are fondly called, make up the largest percentage of the world’s population.

Over time, millennials have been characterized as being naturally inquisitive and always asking the question “why”? In the tech industry, we observe that people are given a chance to ask why problems exist, come up with solutions to those problems, and build products and services that can solve those problems. The tech industry impacts millennials by encouraging them to be innovative and creative as everyday opportunities and gaps in the country are exploited and looked into to see if there is a chance that existing technologies or new technologies can be used to offer solutions to these problems. This makes them socially aware and always on the lookout for how to make a difference.

Millennials are the generation with the largest ethnic diversity. Working in the tech industry in Nigeria means that you are likely to work with a community of people from over 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria due to its remote culture. Cross-ethnic communication is expected to take place, and as a necessity, we see that a heterogeneous culture is brought in and that inclusion of all cultures is appreciated. Tribal and gender intolerance are on the low among millennials in this sector because there is an appreciation of cultural differences as team members communicate in the long run.

Millennials have also been a part of the toxic work culture that is associated with the Nigerian working environment. The tech industry brings in a culture of work-life balance and career advancement. It is refreshing to them that they do not have to sacrifice their personal life for their work and that their efforts at work will be noted and appreciated.

Because millennials are known to appreciate and embrace experiences, be innovative, and have an interest in building products that provide value, here are some roles in the tech industry that have been observed to stimulate these traits:

• Product Managers
• Designers
• Product Specialists
• Business Analysts
• Data Analysts/ Engineers
• Technical Recruiters
• Customer Support/Success
• Technical/Content writers
• Front-end Developers
• Back-end Developers

These roles encourage creativity, imagination, flexibility, and originality, characteristics that can be observed in a typical millennial.