Software Engineer Journey

My Journey to become Software Engineer

The IT business is currently experiencing a massive boom. This is caused by numerous things, including high ctc, the ability to work from home, and many others. Many people from a variety of backgrounds, including the arts, Commerce, and BSc are trying to break into the IT industry. But there are concerns that pervades everyone:

Will I be able to get job in IT industry? 

How can I get into this field without any coding knowledge?

Will I be able to sustain in this field given that others are more technically sound than me?

These questions bothered me as well. That's why I am going to share my journey with you all and by the end of this I hope you all will be able to make a right choice.

Hello All, My name is Arnold Nirmal. I am an Electrical Engineer from 2015 batch. And Currently I am working as Senior Test Engineer in one of the reputed IT firm and I am very much satisfied with the job and salary.

After I have completed my graduation, I tried searching for job in Electrical field. After a long search, I was able to get one. But I was not at all satisfied with the work and the salary that they were offering to me. I had to work more than 10 to 11 hours everyday and was not getting paid for even half of the work I was doing. After working for few months I decided to quit that job.

Now, I got bit worried and was trying to find out ways to get a good job. There was one option that I can prepare for Government exams and get job in it. But that was not my cup of tea. So, I neither tried for it and nor I have any regret for it. Finally, I planned to join a BPO and I worked there as Customer service Executive.

I loved working there. Work culture in BPO is amazing and salary was also decent. I had no idea how I had completed my 2 years in BPO sector. But then I realized that this industry does not offer work life balance. As there are  midnight shifts, graveyard shifts, which I wouldnt prefer for a long period of time. No offense to people who are working there, but I didn't like the shift times and also I believed that if we are starting from executive level then it would take hell lot of time for me to advance to managerial level and also I felt that there is salary constraint.

I had few of my friends who were working as Software Tester in Startups. I used to discuss my issues with them. So they suggested me why don't you try to pursue your carrer in IT field? Initially I ignored it. But then I started thinking on it.

I discussed this with many people, some were syaing that you are from Electrical background and employers won't give you the same preference as those who have an IT experience.

Finally, I went to training institute and discussed about my switch from Electrical to IT background and they said that this is possible provided you are technically sound in your skillset.

Finally I was able to get over one hurdle. The decision of selecting course was now my second-biggest concern,as they had  different courses like software development, Software testing, database, Machine Learning, etc.

Since I was unfamiliar with the IT industry and coding , I preferred Software Testing (Manual Testing),as it doesnt require coding knowledge and it requires analytical skills and technical knowledge which they are going to teach me in the institue.

I completed the course studied everything and started giving interviews. Being a student of 2015 and the year I had done my course was 2017, I was not getting much calls. As most of companies and MNC prefer freshers who are from current batch. So, I started giving interview in startups and small scale industries. 

Due to the small number of available positions and the large number of applicants for interviews, this period of job searching was quite challenging for me.

Finally I was able to get job in one startup as Manual tester. The salary I was getting was 10K INR. I was happy with the fact that finally I am going to start my career in IT field but at the same time I realized that in BPO I used to earn around 30k. This difference made me feel bad, but by this time I was very much confident that I had made a right decision and its just the matter of time, once I develop my skill and experiencne then Sky is the limit.

I worked there for a year and half and then switched to one MNC, which gave me around 100% hike. As my first company was startup, I was able to learn many thing, also for the interview I brushed my skills and learned few new things. 

After getting into my 2nd organization, I was happy that finally I made it to MNC and the package was decent. The fear I had that preference would be given to IT professional at the time of interview proved wrong and I got to know its just the skills that IT asks for.

 I worked in my 2nd organization for 3 years and switched again with 120% hike. Currently I am working in 3rd organization and have great work life balance.

Now at this stage, I feel extremely glad that I made right decision. Its just not about the money you get, its about the love towards your work. I am enjoying my work thats why I can share my experience with you.

For all the folks who are worried whether they can make carrer in IT or not. Let me clear you all, it is possible for you all to get into IT sector. Its just the hard work that you put in and patience is the key to success.