Dalal Abdelrahim: from dental school graduate to a tech enthusiast
Due to a war in her country, Dalal sought new skills and discovered web development through the ALX 6-month frontend program. She has just graduated from cohort 1 and she shares her experience with us
Joey: There's a common misconception that tech is difficult for women. Did a career in tech come naturally to you?
Dalal: Actually, I had no background in tech. My degree is in dentistry, which I completed last year. Unfortunately, a war broke out in my country after I graduated, which disrupted all my plans. I started exploring other skills to learn, and that’s when I discovered web development.
I began with short online courses that gave me a basic introduction, but I didn’t feel they were enough to build real expertise. That’s when I found ALX. I applied impulsively, got accepted, and started my journey on March 11, 2024.
The first two months were all about foundations—soft skills, teamwork, and tackling global challenges. It was eye-opening and very beneficial. In May, we started the four-month Front-End Web Development track, covering HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and related frameworks. It was challenging, with long nights and tight deadlines, but it was also rewarding. The community and mentorship were amazing.
Joey: Before joining ALX, had you ever coded or worked with tools like Git and VS Code?
Dalal: My experience was minimal. I’d taken a two- or three-week online course on HTML and CSS, but I hadn’t touched JavaScript or any advanced tools. Everything beyond that, I learned through ALX.
Joey: You mentioned the two-month foundation program. Were the skills you gained there helpful?
Dalal: Definitely. Initially, I was surprised we weren’t jumping straight into coding, but the foundation phase was crucial. The content was dense, and weekly milestones kept us on our toes. It felt like being a full-time student.
One standout moment was the team project, where we designed an app addressing a global challenge. I served as project manager and backup UX researcher. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me build leadership and collaboration skills.
Joey: You don’t seem like an introvert, but you’ve said you are. How did you navigate the community-driven aspect of the program?
Dalal: It wasn’t easy, but my approach was simple: jump in, no second-guessing. It’s uncomfortable at first, but taking those steps opened so many opportunities. My advice to introverts is to take it one step at a time. Push yourself—you’ll grow from it.
Joey: Let’s talk about the Front-End track. What was the curriculum like?
Dalal: It was well-structured but intense. We started with HTML and CSS, then moved on to JavaScript, which took the most time. JavaScript was both challenging and exciting because it brought projects to life.
We also learned React, Tailwind CSS, and state management libraries like Zustand. For my capstone project, I built a movie database app using React and Tailwind. It allowed users to search for movies, view details like cast and ratings, and even favorite them.
Joey: What kind of support did you receive during the program?
Dalal: The support was phenomenal. Our mentors, Andrew and Alfred, held frequent sessions to ensure no one was left behind. During the capstone phase, we had daily support sessions. The peer community was also incredible; we helped and motivated each other throughout.
Joey: As an introvert, how did you cope with the collaborative nature of the program?
Dalal: It was a challenge, but I forced myself to dive in. Overthinking only makes it harder. By stepping out of my comfort zone, I realized how much growth and opportunity come from collaboration.
Joey: The program required a financial investment. Was it worth it?
Dalal: Absolutely. ALX offers high-quality programs that would typically cost thousands of dollars at a fraction of the price. Beyond the technical skills, it’s the mentorship, community, and personal growth that make it invaluable.
Joey: If you could improve one thing about the program, what would it be?
Dalal: Maybe slow down the pace a little or break the content into smaller chunks. The intensity can be overwhelming, especially for those juggling other commitments. That said, the motto is “Do Hard Things,” and it pushes you to grow.
Joey: What are your plans after graduation?
Dalal: My focus is on building more projects, enhancing my skills, and creating a strong portfolio. Coming from a healthcare background, I’m also interested in exploring how technology and healthcare can intersect in the future.
Joey: Any final advice for young women or aspiring Africans looking to break into tech?
Dalal: Seize every opportunity, even if it scares you. It’s better to try and learn than to regret not trying. Push yourself, build your skills, and remember that Africa needs us to rise and make an impact.
You can connect with Dalal on LinkedIn.