The second day of the Sci-Tech Fair Mentorship Sessions featured Antoinette Tetteh, a seasoned software engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Ghana.
Ms Tetteh began her session by sharing her childhood experiences, revealing that she grew up in a family of six. Her early exposure to computers sparked her interest in technology.
“We always used computers as children because my father had one at home,” she explained, recounting how this foundational experience shaped her passion for computing.
She pursued science at Accra Girls’ Senior High School, where her father encouraged her to consider a career in Computer Science. She later followed this advice, studying the subject at the University of Ghana and eventually becoming a software engineer.
Ms Tetteh highlighted how software engineering offers the freedom to explore and create innovative solutions, some of which can even generate income. She shared examples of her work, including creating software that aids in advertising and developing an app for a football team to streamline their recruitment process.
She spoke enthusiastically about the diverse career opportunities in software engineering, noting that the field opens doors to work in various sectors - from healthcare to global tech giants.
“You can even become an entrepreneur, start your own business, and make a significant income,” she added.
One of her most significant achievements, she said, was integrating a process to enable money transfers from the US to Ghana through Jupay Money Transfer. She also takes pride in mentoring young software engineers and inspiring women to engage in STEM fields.
“The most memorable time in my life is helping young minds come up with ideas to solve real-world problems,” she said.
Ms Tetteh highlighted that the most exciting part of being a software engineer is solving problems. She encouraged students to embrace curiosity and avoid wasting time on unproductive activities like watching funny videos on social media. Instead, she urged them to use their internet access to learn valuable skills that can contribute to their personal growth.
AI, she explained, is not a threat to jobs but a tool to make life easier. She assured the audience that people only need to be open to change to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Following her presentation, the audience engaged in a lively question-and-answer session. One student asked at what age she started using computers, while another inquired about her involvement in sports.
Ms Tetteh shared that her father introduced her to computers at a young age, which sparked her interest in technology. However, childhood health challenges prevented her from participating in sports activities.
Her mentorship session left the audience inspired, reinforcing the values of curiosity, adaptability, and perseverance as essential qualities for success in the tech world.
Join us tomorrow for the grand finale of the STEM Festival! Witness the conclusion of the Sci-Tech Innovation Challenge and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these young innovators as they compete for the ultimate prize. It promises to be an unforgettable experience!
The 2024 edition of the STEM Festival is produced by Primetime Limited and proudly sponsored by Pepsodent, Jupay, Bel Beverages, YFM and GTP.