Breaking into Tech in 2026: Essential Skills for Thriving in Change

The world of technology is changing faster than ever. Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing, and automation are no longer just trends. They are shaping the way people work, communicate, and solve problems. For anyone looking to build a career in technology, this creates both tremendous opportunities and unique challenges. Breaking into tech in 2026 will require more than just knowing how to code. It will demand resilience, adaptability, and a mindset that thrives in constant change.

Israel Iyonsi understands this deeply. As a Software Engineering Consultant at Kindred, he develops and maintains large scale systems that process transactions for more than twenty partner networks. This role gives him firsthand experience of what is required to succeed in today’s fast evolving tech landscape. His work involves building Azure Functions, ensuring reliable data ingestion, and designing systems that can adapt to future demands.

From his own journey, Israel knows that curiosity is the first step, but consistency is what keeps a career moving forward. When he first learned HTML from a YouTube tutorial on his sister’s laptop, he had no roadmap. He experimented, built projects, and learned by doing. That process taught him that those who succeed in tech are those who show up daily, embrace learning, and build even when conditions are imperfect. Technology may evolve rapidly, but this principle remains unchanged.

One of the hardest lessons Israel has learned is that the technology space changes constantly. New frameworks, tools, and approaches appear almost daily. At first, this can feel overwhelming. But chasing every trend is not the solution. The real key is building strong foundations, core skills like problem solving, clean code, and system design. These fundamentals make adapting to new technologies far easier and ensure long term career growth.

Community is another critical factor. Israel believes that collaboration is one of the fastest ways to grow. In his career, working with diverse teams across projects exposed him to different perspectives and challenges that accelerated his growth. Mentorship and peer collaboration are essential for sustaining progress. No one builds significant solutions in isolation.

For young people breaking into tech, the challenge is not only access to resources but also the ability to prove their value. That is why building practical projects is so important. Employers and investors want proof of execution. A well built solution to a real world problem is often worth more than a polished resume. Portfolios matter more than certificates alone.

As 2026 approaches, opportunities in technology are abundant but so are the demands. Success will not come from wishful thinking but from consistent effort, a willingness to learn, and adaptability. Israel advises aspiring professionals to keep building, keep learning, and stay open to working with others. The industry will continue to evolve, but those who prepare now will be the ones thriving tomorrow.

Technology will keep changing the way we work, but those who approach it with curiosity, resilience, and openness will find themselves not just breaking into tech, but building meaningful, impactful careers. For Nigerian developers and the global workforce alike, the future belongs to those who embrace change as an opportunity for growth.

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