In 2019, Pelumi Adedapo didn’t have a roadmap. What he had was just a collection of dashboards, some project management experience, and a quiet, persistent drive that makes people underestimate you until you show them the work.
Today, he’s a Data Analyst at StepStone in Germany, collaborating with global teams to solve complex problems and turn business questions into actionable insights. The journey here? Not linear. But every step was intentional.
We sat down with Pelumi to learn about his journey, how gaining visibility, showing up consistently, and a timely nudge from Propel opened the door to a global role.
Let’s start from the beginning. How did your journey into tech start?
I was working in project management at the time, writing reports, presenting insights, even building small dashboards. I didn’t know it at the time, but I was already doing data-related work.
In 2019, I joined a data analytics training program, and that changed everything. I dove into statistics, probability, Python, R, Power BI, Tableau, and more. But I didn’t stop at just learning. I applied what I learned. I built dashboards, took on small volunteering gigs, and shared my work online. Visibility was the goal. I didn’t want to stay hidden.
The visibility clearly paid off. How did Propel come into the picture?
By 2022, I’d gained some solid experience working with finance firms here in Lagos, doing hands-on analytics. I was also actively participating in communities like The Future of Work and DataFest Africa. Those spaces helped me sharpen my skills and stay inspired.
Then in August, I got a LinkedIn message from someone at Propel. They’d seen my work and reached out about an opportunity with StepStone. We started talking, and eventually, they connected me with a role at StepStone. A few interviews later, I got the job.
What’s your role like now at StepStone?
I work with a team that uses data to solve real business problems. Every day starts with understanding the goals. What are we trying to achieve? What metrics are we tracking? What business questions are we answering? Then I dig into the data to uncover insights.
It’s been a very eye-opening experience. I’ve had the chance to work with some of the best minds in data, product, and analytics, and I’ve used top-class tools and technologies. I’m learning daily and at scale.
What role did Propel play, beyond the initial opportunity?
It wasn’t just about connecting me with the job. Propel stayed in touch. They checked in on me, made sure I was settling in, and offered guidance. That human element, where they’re not just placing people but actually caring about what happens next, stood out to me.
It felt like someone had my back. That made all the difference.
If you could give one piece of advice to African tech talent trying to break in, what would it be?
Don’t stay in learning mode forever. Build. Share. Make your work visible even if it’s not perfect. Let people see how you think. Also, join communities. Be around people who are also trying, failing, learning, and growing. That energy is important. It keeps you going.
Looking back now, what would you tell your 2019 self?
Everything you’re learning will count. All the small projects, the free gigs, the dashboards no one clapped for, they’ll open doors. Just keep showing up.
What Pelumi reminds us
Pelumi’s story is not rare in talent but it’s rare in access. He had the drive and skills.What Propel provided was the bridge: visibility, opportunity, and a system that doesn’t just say “good luck,” but walks the road with you.
Ready to take your own journey global?
If you're a tech talent in Africa trying to break into global roles, know this:
Your work matters and we’re here to help it get seen.
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