ALX: The Lifeblood of Tech Careers, According to Cloud DevOps Engineer Zacharia Njiraini

Kenya-born Zacharia Njiraini is an ALX Cloud DevOps Engineering alumnus and Fellow of The ROOM. He currently works as a Network Engineer in Nairobi, while building his dream career in DevOps and Cybersecurity. Besides these fields, Zacharia also has a background in Systems Administration, holds a Bsc. in Telecommunication and Information Engineering, and has over 8 years of work experience in the tech industry.

In this spotlight interview, he talks to us about how access to the training and community at ALX have supported his career growth.

What were some of the highlights of your training in Cloud Computing at ALX?

I completed the Cloud DevOps Engineering programme, where I learned about infrastructure automation, continuous integration and continuous delivery and microservices. One of the highlights for me was the third project we were asked to work on. It was particularly tough, and I had to rely on support from the programme community on Slack. Thankfully, we were able to get through it together as a team. 

What were the biggest challenges of your training and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge for me was the sheer amount of tools and knowledge that we were expected to assimilate over such a short period of time. But I like to see myself as a lifelong learner, so I take everything in strides. This helped me push through the programme, and complete it successfully.

How did the experience of ALX impact your growth and help you in your career journey?

The training and community have been a lifeblood in my career. Honestly, a year ago I was unsure about the direction of my career in tech, but now I am confident in the direction I am headed in.

What is one ‘Hard Thing’ you're working on right now?

Networking and putting myself out there.

What do you see as your superpower?

Kindness! I always kill them with kindness.

How do you aim to make a difference through your work and add value to the world?

I always strive to deliver quality services. My hope is that by making someone's life better, they can also do the same for another person.

What excites you about the future of technology and the solutions it can create?

The decentralisation of learning and work has spearheaded a tech renaissance. I’m particularly excited about the efforts going into lowering the barriers of entry to tech. I believe this can promote the development of more innovative technology solutions to the problems we have in Africa.

What is the best advice you've ever received?

If you are tired, rest, but don't quit.

What does gaining access to The ROOM Fellowship mean to you?

The Fellowship has provided much needed direction and support in my career. Being a part of the Fellowship means to be a part of something bigger than myself.

ALX is proud to support its learners and graduates throughout their career journeys. Take the first step towards building the tech career of your dreams with the ALX Cloud Computing programme. Enrol now!