self-discovery as a computer engineering student.
My journey to self-discovery in the field of computer engineering began long before my graduation. Like many fresh students & graduates, I faced the daunting task of choosing a career path in the vast and ever-evolving field of computer science. As a student, I was eager to explore the many facets of this vast and ever-evolving field. From my educational journey to post-graduation adventures, this is the story of how I navigated the maze of possibilities, battled confusion, and eventually found my true calling.
The reason I wrote this article was because I needed someone to write this article at that time.
The Educational Phase
My fascination with technology and computing started before my computer engineering education. Throughout my academic journey, I was exposed to various aspects of the field, from algorithms and data structures to hardware design and software development. Each course provided a glimpse into the multifaceted world of computer engineering, leaving me excited. When I was fresh out of college, I believed I could conquer the tech world with ease. However, reality quickly set in as I realized the multitude of career options available. From cybersecurity to data science, mobile development, and backend development, the choices seemed endless. Overwhelmed by the array of possibilities, I found myself confused and uncertain about which path to follow.
Early Curiosity: The Spark Ignites
In the early years of my education, I was like a sponge, absorbing as much knowledge as possible. I found joy in programming assignments and discovered a love for solving complex problems. I won’t lie, it was very difficult at first. In fact, sometimes a lot of it depends on the person teaching you the lesson. However, I must say that some of my professors helped me a lot and gave me a perspective. These experiences kindled my curiosity and set the stage for my future exploration in the world of technology.
Academic Challenges: Diving Deeper
As I progressed through my coursework, I encountered various challenges. Complex algorithms, intricate digital circuits, and challenging programming projects tested my abilities and determination. There were times when I questioned my choice of major, wondering if I was truly cut out for the world of computer engineering. However, these challenges also pushed me to persevere and develop problem-solving skills that would prove invaluable in my future endeavors.
Beyond the Classroom
During my time as a student, I had the opportunity to participate in internships, bootcamps, student club events, and coding competitions. At the same time, I was the vice president of the Google Developer Student Club. These experiences allowed me to explore different facets of computer engineering outside the classroom. I discovered a passion for software development, but the journey was far from over.
Post-Graduation Adventures
Just before graduating, I was faced with a bewildering array of career options. I was determined to find my true calling, even if it meant venturing into uncharted territories. Armed with knowledge, enthusiasm, and a thirst for exploration, I embarked on a journey filled with uncertainty.
Cybersecurity: First Base
In search of a change, I pivoted to the realm of cybersecurity. The prospect of protecting digital assets fascinated me. I bought books and began learning cybersecurity. However, the ever-escalating arms race in cybersecurity required constant learning and high stress levels.
A person who was mentoring me at the time brought in a friend to question whether I was cut out for cybersecurity. Thanks to this opportunity, I had the opportunity to have a long conversation and ask questions about the industry. He told me there are not many job opportunities for cybersecurity experts in the industry compared to other fields. Since I had to think about my own future, this factor dragged me to other fields.
Working in cybersecurity provided an essential lesson for me: the importance of adaptability. I discovered the dynamic nature of the field, where new threats emerged daily, and the need to stay ahead of the curve was paramount. Despite the stress, I gained a deep appreciation for the critical role cybersecurity plays in safeguarding organizations and individuals in the digital age.
Mobile Development: A Shift in Focus
In my quest for self-discovery, I decided to explore mobile development. Actually, I discovered this field with an elective course I took at university. I had the opportunity to work with React Native and Flutter. Creating apps that could improve people’s lives excited me, and I embarked on this new adventure.
During all this, I gained a lot of things, such as learning Firebase technology. Since I was in my first year of university, I learned how to make a project with a newly learned technology and learn by reading documents for the first time. I learned the ins and outs of mobile platforms, user interfaces, and app development frameworks. During all this, my teammates left me alone, so to speak, because they were not prone to teamwork, and I had to deal with everything on my own, from the presentation to the development of the project. This was when I first realized the challenges of teamwork and the importance of project delivery.
Because my lecturer had an incredibly difficult personality, my teammates did not fulfill their responsibilities, and mobile development had a different structure than normal programming, I shelved this field to never develop mobile again. Because I overcame all the difficulties during the development process on my own and I am grateful that I came out of it having learned a lot, but when I was done, I did not want to deal with this field again.
Data Science: An Unexpected Passion
Intrigued by the world of data, I decided to explore data science. I found it to be a delightful mix of computer science, mathematics, and problem-solving. Data science presented an opportunity to analyze and interpret vast amounts of information, and my knack for critical thinking and problem-solving found a new home. As I delved deeper into data science, I realized that I had finally discovered a field that resonated with me.
Data science was a revelation for me. I embraced the challenges of collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data to draw meaningful insights and make data-driven decisions. The blend of my computer engineering skills with statistical and analytical acumen brought me a sense of fulfillment I had never felt before.
My paths have crossed with this department many times before. I was introduced to it through the workshops I attended, but it did not interest me much at the time. I used it in the deep learning courses I took during my Erasmus in Germany, and I even got an AA from the course, but it still did not interest me at that time. I had to take it as an elective course in my senior year, and I can say that I actually enjoyed it during a project I did there. It seemed simple to me when explained in a simple way. To tell the truth, I didn’t listen to my teacher much in this lesson. During the semester, I carried out the project and prepared for to final exam with occasional small talks with a friend of mine who had taken the course before. The project I did with just these, succeeded in having the 2nd best predictions in the course.
Actually, although I had an enjoyable process, I don’t know why I didn’t progress in this field. Maybe the fact that all the trainers and professors working in this field explained this subject as complex and difficult than it is, undermined my interest. As I lost interest and enthusiasm for this field, I continued on my way.
It was apparent that I needed something different, something that truly resonated with me.
Backend Development: The Final Frontier
My journey eventually led me to backend development. I delved into server-side technologies, databases, and system architecture. Building the backbone of applications and ensuring their seamless operation resonated with me. I enjoyed the challenge of creating robust and efficient systems that supported the front-end and mobile apps I had previously worked on.
I examined design models and realized that software development was where I really needed to be. I felt that I did justice to the department I studied due to the difficulty of the job I was doing, and I felt that I really contributed to the world. Since I was doing projects with Java, I decided to learn Spring and now I continue my life on this path.
I liked that the job and salary opportunities in this field were satisfactory. At the same time, while I was hanging out on Twitter, the tweets of the good people in this community (except for the toxic people, unfortunately they are everywhere) further fueled my interest. The growth of this field and the fact that it supports my dream of a life in Europe was one of the important reasons why I chose it.
The Aha Moment
My journey through the educational phase and post-graduation experiences may have seemed erratic, but it was instrumental in my self-discovery. It allowed me to understand my strengths, preferences, and weaknesses. It was in data science and backend development that I found the missing puzzle pieces, the perfect intersection of my skills and interests.
Looking Forward
Getting a job in my country is not easy for various reasons, people with real talent often cannot find a job. As I navigate the maze of possibilities in the field of computer engineering, I am actively seeking job opportunities, but I am also hopeful for my future. My journey has taught me that the road to self-discovery is not always straightforward. It’s okay to be confused, to try different paths, and to evolve. Finding one’s true calling takes time and experience. I have confidence that the skills and knowledge I’ve gained will lead to a rewarding and fulfilling career in the world of technology.
The world is developing rapidly and there are many things I need to explore, such as cloud systems and multi-core programming. With all this, I learn something every day. The last thing I learned was event-driven design and it helped me a lot. At the same time, I improve myself in domain-driven design in every project. I’m sure we will come across many other technologies and we must assimilate them to improve ourselves. As long as I learn all these and know how to use them together, I am sure that my future will be good in my own hands.
To Dear Reader…
The journey of a young computer engineering graduate is not just about obtaining a degree, but about finding one’s place in the vast and multifaceted world of technology. My story is a testament to the importance of exploration and adaptation in one’s career path. My initial confusion and subsequent trials led me to a place where I felt fulfilled, engaged, and passionate about my work, particularly in backend development.
Again, this journey is a reminder that it’s okay to be confused, to try different paths, and to evolve. It is not a direct route but a winding road filled with valuable lessons. In the end, my story serves as an inspiration to all young graduates that perseverance and self-discovery are the keys to unlocking a rewarding and fulfilling career in the computer field, whether it’s in cybersecurity, mobile development, data science, or backend development. It’s a journey worth taking, as it can lead to finding your own unique path in the ever-evolving world of technology.
Embrace the challenges, persevere through the uncertainties, and trust that you will find your own place in the vast world of computer engineering.
