Abdulbasit's Journey Through the ALX Front-End Web Development Program
Abdulbasit's inspiring journey through the ALX Front-End Web Development program highlights how mastering both technical skills and soft skills can transform a beginner into a confident web developer.
Abdulbasit Kayode Imam recently made the bold decision to transition into the tech world, joining the ALX Front-End Web Development program. Currently still pursuing his undergraduate studies, Abdulbasit saw the potential of technology to enhance his skills and future career prospects, which led him to explore educational opportunities in the field of web development.
His journey into tech began in April, when he enrolled in the AiCE program offered by ALX. The experience, he says, was transformative, as it allowed him to acquire skills he hadn’t imagined possible within a short time. This inspired him to continue his learning journey with ALX hence he joined the Front-End Web Development program.
ALX 8-weeks Foundations Course
One of the initial surprises Abdulbasit encountered after joining the program was the eight-week ALX Foundations course. This mandatory first phase, focused on soft skills, came as a bit of a shock as Abdulbasit had expected to jump straight into coding. However, he quickly realized the value of this phase. The Foundations course is designed to equip learners with essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and time management—skills that are crucial for succeeding not only in the tech industry but in any career. Through the Foundations phase, Abdulbasit had the opportunity to work with small groups of fellow learners, which helped him improve his communication skills and fostered a collaborative mindset. "The Foundation phase helped us connect with other learners in groups," Abdulbasit recalled. "It really enhanced my communication skills and prepared me for what was to come in the program."
ALX Front-End Web Development program curriculum
After completing the Foundations course, he then moved on to the core Front-End curriculum, where he began working with technologies like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React. These tools formed the foundation of his skills as a front-end developer, and the real-world applications and projects he worked on gave him both technical competence and confidence. "The hands-on projects helped me not only develop technical skills but also gave me the confidence to tackle complex problems," Abdulbasit noted.
Throughout the program, Abdulbasit emphasized the importance of the support he received from the community. He particularly appreciated the mentorship provided by experienced program mentors like Andrew and Alfred whose guidance and encouragement were instrumental in his growth. Additionally, being part of a vibrant learning community of talented individuals from across Africa gave him the motivation to keep improving himself.
Abdulbasit states that although some may shy away due to the payment requirements, he believes the value far outweighs the price. "I have taken various programs in web development, but ALX stands out as a game-changer. I’m glad I invested in this program, and I would recommend it to anyone," he said. He further quips that there is an option to pay monthly, which can make the program more affordable. "The payment options are flexible. You can pay at the end of each month, which makes it easier to manage," he shared.
For his end of program capstone project, Abdulbasit created a recipe finder application that allows users to search for, save, and view detailed recipes. This project exemplified the skills he had acquired throughout his journey, from coding to problem-solving, and demonstrated his growing competence as a front-end developer.
In closing, Abdulbasit had some words of wisdom for those considering the ALX program but still hesitant. "The program is rigorous, but it’s worth it," he said. "The skills you gain will stay with you forever. If you’re thinking about joining, just register and start—you won’t regret it."