Why Career Growth in Tech Looks Different in 2026
Career growth in tech is no longer defined by degrees, job titles, or how long you’ve stayed in one company.
In 2026, the professionals moving fastest are those who stay relevant, build adaptable skills, and consistently create value — even outside their official roles. Across tech, finance, media, health, and digital platforms, leaders are rethinking what makes someone promotable, hireable, or indispensable.
To help professionals avoid entering the year with motivation but no clear direction, we gathered insights from eight industry leaders working across growth, talent, communications, health, media, and digital platforms.
Their advice cuts through the noise and reveals what actually drives long-term career growth in tech — especially in fast-changing markets like Nigeria and beyond.
1. Sophia Sankey — Growth & Digital Transformation Leader
With over 15 years of experience across fintech, telecoms, manufacturing, and public sector technology, Sophia Sankey has led sales and growth initiatives at enterprise scale. Her career sits at the intersection of technology adoption and commercial strategy.
For professionals interested in marketing, growth, or tech sales, Sankey highlights digital transformation and SaaS sales as some of the fastest routes to career acceleration — even in challenging job markets.
“Start as a Sales Development Rep or intern in fintech or SaaS, grow into Account Executive roles, then move into Sales Management or Growth leadership. Commit to lifelong learning, join tech communities, attend workshops, and focus on adding value first. Consistent progress matters more than perfect timing.”
Read Also: The Truth About Tech Salaries in Nigeria (2026 Update)
2. Elizabeth Ogunseye — Product & Lifecycle Marketing Leader
Elizabeth Ogunseye leads product and lifecycle marketing for payment solutions, working at the intersection of growth, regulation, and customer adoption in digital banking.
She believes career growth in tech demands visibility, intentional learning, and disciplined execution — especially for early-career professionals.
“Be visible and deeply knowledgeable about your work. I create quarterly skill-building plans and stay disciplined. Don’t wait to be assigned tasks — tell your manager what you’ve learned and how it can add value. Marketing thrives on experimentation, so speak up.”
3. Chijioke Amaeshi — Global Talent Manager
With over a decade of experience managing talent across Nigeria, the UK, and the US, Chijioke Amaeshi works closely with hiring leaders navigating skills gaps in tech and energy.
His advice is simple: skills and experience now matter more than employment gaps.
“Stay current with industry trends and technologies. Apply for graduate trainee programs, and if that doesn’t work, consider internships — even unpaid ones. The experience gained often pays off significantly in the mid to long term.”
4. Tobi Rasaq Alaka — Corporate Communications Executive
Tobi Rasaq Alaka leads corporate communications in regulated financial services and is also the founder of a women-focused career development community.
She encourages professionals — especially women — to treat their careers strategically, not passively.
“Doing good work quietly is no longer enough. You must clearly communicate what you do, the value you bring, and how it supports business goals. Clarity and purpose are essential. Find something beyond your day job that fuels your ambition.”
5. Ganiu Abisoye Bamgbose — Academic & Social Commentator
A university lecturer and public intellectual, Dr Bamgbose focuses on education, language, and career development in modern society.
He believes career growth starts with self-awareness and comparative advantage.
“Everyone carries a unique potential. Career choices should align with natural strengths. Growth comes from moving from ability to expertise through volunteering, mentorship, and practical engagement. Technology offers endless opportunities — either as a tool or a career path itself.”
6. Adeife Adeoye — Founder, Remote WorkHer
Adeife Adeoye is a brand strategist and content creator who transitioned from freelancing into building a media-tech platform focused on remote work opportunities for women.
Her core message for 2026: growth requires identity change.
“Evolve or dissolve. You can’t expect new results while staying the same person. Better opportunities require shedding old identities and stepping into who you need to become. Growth demands transformation — and courage.”
Also Read: Nigeria’s New Tax Law: What This Means for Everyone in Tech
7. Ota Akhigbe — Partnerships & Programs Executive
With nearly two decades of experience leading health and development portfolios across multiple countries, Ota Akhigbe operates at the intersection of impact, systems, and digital innovation.
She stresses that titles matter less than measurable outcomes.
“Career growth belongs to people who focus on results, not titles. Build fluency in data and digital tools, develop systems thinking, and invest in execution skills. Credibility grows faster when grounded in real impact and ethics.”
8. Ibukun Onitiju — Digital Media & Growth Executive
Ibukun Onitiju has led enterprise growth initiatives across Africa and Europe, spanning media, AdTech, MarTech, AI, and Web3.
His advice centers on value creation over role optimization.
“Stop optimising for titles and start optimising for value. Learn how revenue is generated, understand decision-makers, and build one strong commercial skill that compounds. In 2026, impact plus distribution is what keeps professionals relevant.”
What These Leaders Agree On About Career Growth in Tech
Across industries and roles, the message is consistent:
- Skills beat certificates
- Visibility accelerates opportunity
- Experience compounds faster than waiting
- Identity growth unlocks career growth
- Impact matters more than job titles
Final Thought
Career growth in tech in 2026 is no longer accidental — it’s intentional.
The professionals who thrive are those who learn continuously, communicate clearly, and evolve relentlessly. Titles may open doors, but value keeps you in the room.
Want to stay ahead in tech this year? Start building skills, visibility, and impact now, not when the market forces you to.
Related Read: Why These 10 Women Made Forbes’ Tech List in 2025
