Christopher's journey with the Huawei ICT Competition has witnessed his transcendence from a university student to an ICT professional.
By Christopher Ivan Katoogo, Fixed Network Product and Solution Manager, Uganda Rep Office, Southern Africa Region, Huawei
Building blocks of a successful career
I have been on an incredible journey since first embarking on the path that shaped my career in ICT. My journey in the ICT industry began with a Bachelor of Computer Science from Ndejje University, Uganda. Alongside my studies, I pursued qualifications as a Huawei-certified engineer across various ICT domains, which laid the foundation for my career. However, a pivotal moment in my life came when I attended the Huawei ICT Job Fair. This was a decision that would shape my future in unexpected ways.
At the Huawei ICT Job Fair in Uganda, I was introduced to the Huawei ICT Academy and its diverse range of courses. Intrigued by the possibility of deepening my technical knowledge, I enrolled in multiple courses, including Datacom, Security, and WLAN, later expanding into the 5G and Cloud domains. These courses equipped me with critical skills and fueled my passion for technology. Little did I know, this would set me on a path toward competing on a global stage at the Huawei ICT Competition 2022–2023.
The ICT Competition: A global learning experience
Preparation: Building a foundation for success
Huawei played an instrumental role in ensuring that we had a conducive learning environment throughout the preparation phase of the competition. This included detailed study materials, the provision of fully operational laptops, and support to maintain a healthy state of mind during this highly-competitive event.
Additionally, Huawei provided us with a dedicated instructor to guide us through the learning experience. The use of Huawei's simulation tools, particularly the enterprise Network Simulation Platform (eNSP), Huawei's in-house tool, was a game-changer. These tools allowed us to gain hands-on experience in real-world environments by working on command line interfaces for routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless equipment such as access points and access controllers.
Figure 1: An instance of the Huawei eNSP interface
This practical exposure significantly enhanced our understanding of network architecture and troubleshooting, enabling us to approach the competition with confidence. The comprehensive preparation and resources provided by Huawei not only enhanced our skills, but gave us a deeper appreciation for the role of technology in solving real-world challenges.
Advancing to the global stage
The Huawei ICT Competition was more than just a contest – it was a platform for growth, collaboration, and innovation, connecting students from around the world. My experience at the competition involved several rigorous stages: preliminaries, national competitions, regional finals, and ultimately, the global finals in Shenzhen, China.
Teamwork was essential. Our team of three, with the guidance of a mentor, aligned our efforts to master the Network Track, focusing on network architecture, security protocols, and wireless technologies. During the theory-based preliminary and national stages, our efforts paid off as we excelled and advanced to the regional finals for the Sub-Saharan region.
Figure 2: Team Uganda secured second prize in the Network Track at the Global Final of Huawei ICT Competition 2022–2023
At the regional stage, the competition became even more demanding, incorporating both theory and practical elements. After rigorous preparation, we were thrilled to earn a place in the global finals. The moment that we received our invitation to China was unforgettable, as was our grand send-off which reflected the pride our nation had in us.
Upon arrival in Shenzhen, China, we were warmly welcomed by Amb. Judyth Nsababera, the Ugandan Consul General in Guangzhou, further demonstrating the importance of our journey. Uganda was represented not only in the Network Track but also in the Cloud and Computing Tracks, showcasing the country's growing ICT capabilities.
The 8-hour practical exam during the global finals was intense, requiring exceptional focus, resilience, and adaptability. Despite the pressure, our hard work was rewarded, and we secured second prize on the international stage. This achievement gave our team immense pride and put Uganda firmly on the global ICT map.
From competition to career: Growing through opportunities
After our team's return to Uganda, Huawei extended us employment and internship opportunities. After successfully completing the interview process, I was enrolled as a Product Configuration Engineer, where I gained practical experience across various ICT sectors.
The knowledge and exposure I gained, combined with lessons in teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience, helped me excel in my role. Within a short time, I was recognized for my contributions and honored as one of Huawei's Employees of the Year. Ten months into the job, I had become better known within the organization, and I was transferred to a new department as a Fixed Network Solution Manager.
Figure 3: Huawei Employees of the Year (author fifth from right)
Making an impact through technology and leadership
In my current role, I've had the privilege to participate in significant events, including the Mini MWC (Mobile World Congress) in Uganda, where I shared insights into the latest technologies with key customer accounts. I was also honored to give a speech at the second ICT Job Fair in Kololo, attended by His Excellency, the President of Uganda. This gave me the opportunity to share my story and inspire others pursuing careers in ICT.
Throughout my career at Huawei, I've learned the importance of remaining customer-centric and resilient in a dynamic and fast-changing industry. Exposure to cutting-edge technologies and collaboration with customers has deepened my understanding of how digital transformation can drive societal impact.
Looking ahead: A commitment to innovation and digital transformation
The journey from being a university student to competing on a global stage and taking on leadership roles at Huawei has been both humbling and inspiring. The Huawei ICT Job Fair was the gateway to a series of opportunities that have shaped my career, and is a testament to the power of determination, teamwork, and embracing every opportunity encountered along the way.
To those beginning their ICT journeys: Seize every opportunity, as the choices you make today will shape your future. I am proud to be part of Huawei's commitment to driving digital transformation and enhancing global connectivity, and I look forward to continuing to innovate and make an impact in this exciting industry.
Figure 4: The author participating in high-profile events
