Breaking Into Tech Stories 6: How I Became An Online Community Manager

Writing is my world. It was the first skill I learned and has been my greatest asset. Whether I was freelancing, volunteering, or building my personal brand, writing was always at the core. That foundation still influences how I work today; it fuels my ability to communicate, create, and connect with people effectively.

Breaking into tech

My journey into tech started with curiosity. Writing led me to research, and research led me to tech. Conversations with peers and online friends made it even clearer that the tech space was fast becoming a goldmine of opportunities. There wasn’t a specific “aha” moment — it was more of a steady, intentional upskilling during quiet seasons between client projects from 2017 to 2019. By 2020, I had my first real experience in community management.

The flexibility of the job drew me in early. I started on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. But over time, I realized the true value lay in how much I could grow — the better I got, the more doors opened.

Interestingly, I didn’t choose community management—it chose me. I’ve always had strong communication skills, but I didn’t realize how impactful they could be until I began volunteering in a community. I found myself constantly answering questions and supporting others. Eventually, people started tagging me when help was needed. That was my lightbulb moment.

My learning journey was largely self-paced and conducted through online platforms. I made the most of free resources and gradually invested in paid courses as I earned money.

Resources I used

• Free: “Thriving Communities” on Thinkific, The Community Collective
• Paid: Meta’s Community Management Certification

I didn’t follow a rigid structure — I learned, applied, and adapted. 

What kept me motivated was the joy of sharing my certificates or journey so far online — it made the process feel tangible and worthwhile.

I found support in communities like Superpath and various freelance circles. These spaces gave me access to people on the same journey, and hearing their stories helped me stay grounded. They made the process less lonely and reminded me that I wasn’t figuring things out alone.

One major challenge was the uncertainty of navigating an unconventional path. Sometimes, I questioned if I belonged, but I never gave up. I reminded myself that every small step counted. My background in communication and writing eventually became an advantage. It helped me bring a unique voice into tech.

My first job as a community manager came through volunteering. I started helping in a community, and a few months later, I was officially hired. It was both exciting and validating. I realized quickly that managing a growing community required intentional learning — and that’s how I embraced community management alongside being a Virtual Assistant.

Day in the Life of a Community Manager

Most of my mornings and late nights are spent researching internships, job openings, free courses, and updates to help freelancers in my community. Afternoons are for group engagement — responding to questions, offering career advice, and creating content. Sometimes, I help members connect with opportunities or navigate their growth paths.

If I had to do it Again

If you’re considering getting into tech, start by auditing your current skills. Research what tech roles suit your interests and strengths. Don’t jump in because it’s trendy — make sure it’s for you. Not everyone needs to be in tech, and that’s okay. 

An extra tip: Consistency pays off. You’ll often start seeing results after a year of steady effort. Be patient.

Looking Ahead

I’m currently learning Product Management and plan to grow steadily in that direction. It’s a field that aligns well with my interest in structure, user experience, and people-centered problem-solving.

Recommended Resources

I’ve already mentioned a few, but to recap:

• Thinkific – Thriving Communities
• The Community Collective
• Meta’s Community Management Certificate
• If you’re starting out, don’t overlook the power of free content. YouTube, blogs, and newsletters are goldmines if you know how to search intentionally.

Something Personal

One of my favorite moments has been reading testimonials from members of the freelance community I manage — over 5,000 members on WhatsApp. Seeing the impact and referrals through word-of-mouth has been deeply fulfilling. It’s proof that consistency in value delivery truly works.

Finally …

The most rewarding part of being in tech? The network. It’s not just about the opportunities, but the power of growing alongside others and seeing how far you’ve all come. The potential for growth and support in communities is immense.

One quote I always return to: “Start before you’re ready. Action breeds clarity.” Don’t wait for the perfect moment, create it. This mindset has empowered me throughout my journey, and I hope it does the same for you.

PS: Breaking into tech stories are personal journey stories of people who have transitioned into tech, especially from non-technical backgrounds.