Introduction
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and sometimes it leads us to unexpected places. My journey in the tech world began with a BSc in Computer Science, followed by a hiatus where I veered away from coding and development. However, with determination and a passion reignited, I embarked on a remarkable path to reclaim my place in the tech industry. In this blog post, I'll share my journey of returning to the tech world, conquering challenges, and ultimately finding success as a software engineer once again. My story is proof that it's never too late to follow your passion and reignite your career in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Phase 1: Rediscovering the Spark
I’ve always loved computers and my earliest memory of using a computer was playing Super Mario on the Compaq desktop at home when I was 7. I ended up reading Computer Science in KNUST even though I went to high school as a General Arts student(that’s a story for another day) and that’s where I discovered programming. How we managed to write C++ and Java code on paper still amazes me today. After completing my BSc in Computer Science in 2015, life took me down a different road. I left behind coding, development, and the tech community. As time passed, I found myself drawn back to the world that had initially captivated me. In 2021, I took the first step by rekindling my coding skills. I started with web development, immersing myself in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This journey back into the world of code was both exciting and challenging – a testament to how technology had evolved since I'd last been involved.
P.S. Take pictures. That's the only picture I could find of my undergrad years!
Phase 2: Reskilling and Reshaping
In early 2022, armed with newfound web development knowledge, I decided to take a more significant leap. I embraced React, Nextjs and TailwindCSS, and before I knew it, I had landed my first gig: creating a website for a school ( https://www.ghanacic.com/ ). This was a pivotal moment that boosted my confidence and validated my decision to return to tech. Later in the same year, I developed a food ingredient search tool, and blog/news website – a project that showcased my growing skills and creativity. Check it out here - https://aduanethings.com/ - and let me know what you think
Phase 3: Embracing New Horizons
As my journey progressed, I recognized the need to adapt to changing landscapes. Technology waits for no one, and to remain relevant, I knew I had to learn and evolve. This realisation led me to pursue a master's degree in computer science. For my master's project, I delved into virtual reality (VR), crafting immersive environments using Unity and adding interactions with C#. This venture expanded my horizons and helped me grasp the intricacies of coding beyond the conventional screen.
Phase 4: Reconnecting with the Backend
A well-rounded software engineer is versatile in both front-end and back-end development. Understanding this, I decided to tackle backend development using C# and ASP.NET. This choice broadened my skill set and positioned me as a more comprehensive software engineer. It wasn't just about catching up; it was about embracing change and progress.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
My journey from a hiatus to becoming a proficient software engineer again has been a rollercoaster of emotions, challenges, and accomplishments. Along the way, I've learned that the tech industry is constantly evolving, and it's essential to keep learning, adapting, and embracing change. To those who might find themselves in a similar situation – returning to tech after a hiatus or even changing careers – remember that your past experiences are assets, not hindrances. Your unique journey equips you with diverse skills and perspectives that can set you apart in the tech world.
If there's one takeaway from my journey, it's that the tech community is a welcoming and dynamic space. Embrace your journey, be proud of your progress, and never underestimate the value of starting anew. As I continue my journey, I'm excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead, and I'm eager to contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of technology. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, remember that your journey is uniquely yours, and it's never too late to make a remarkable comeback.