Beyond the Books

As a freshly graduated Computer Engineering major, reflecting on my journey through college feels both nostalgic and empowering. The past few years have been a whirlwind of lectures, late-night coding sessions, and a steady stream of coffee. Balancing the demands of my coursework with the practical experience I sought outside the classroom has shaped me in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

In this post, I want to share how I managed to blend my academic pursuits with my passion for coding and technology beyond the college curriculum. From building a compelling portfolio to tackling the daunting imposter syndrome, my journey was filled with challenges and invaluable lessons. Here is a look back at how it all started and what I have learned along the way.

Education Outside College

During my time in college, I quickly realized that excelling in classes alone wasn’t enough to stand out in the tech industry. Employers are looking for more than just good grades—they want candidates who are adept at applying their knowledge practically and who stay updated with the latest technological trends.

I immersed myself in learning outside the classroom and venturing away from the basic college curriculum by moving from theory to actual hands-on experience. This allowed me to familiarize myself with new technologies be it new programming languages and new software architectures and got to explore that software engineering is beyond simply writing code

With all this "hands-on" experience I have developed outside the classroom, I was able to secure my first internship as a blockchain developer which was then converted to a full-time position.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Securing my first full-time position as a second-year engineering student felt incredibly overwhelming at first, and I often found myself doubting whether I could truly juggle my academic and professional life. This feeling, commonly known as imposter syndrome, is something many of us grapple with, especially when venturing into new professional territories.

To combat this feeling, I focused on honing my time management skills and setting clear, achievable goals. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable pieces made the workload seem less intimidating. Prioritizing my tasks helped me stay focused and prevented the stress from becoming too overwhelming.

Over time, I came to understand that feeling uncertain or out of place is a normal part of personal and professional growth. Each challenge I faced and overcame not only sharpened my skills but also solidified my confidence in my abilities.

Learning Outcomes

In college, networking is a cornerstone of future success. Here's why:

1) Connecting with Like-Minded Peers: Meeting students who share your passions and ambitions create a supportive community that can inspire and motivate you. These relationships often evolve into lifelong professional connections and collaborations.

2) Building Relationships with Professors: Engaging with professors opens doors to new opportunities and mentorship. Their insights and experience can guide your academic and career choices, helping you navigate and excel in your field.

3) Creating a Professional Network: Graduating with a strong network is as crucial as earning a diploma. This network includes potential colleagues, partners, and mentors who can provide support, guidance, and opportunities throughout your career.

4) Gaining Diverse Perspectives: Interacting with individuals from different backgrounds and disciplines broadens your understanding and approach, making you more adaptable and innovative in your field.

5) Accessing Hidden Opportunities: Many job openings and projects are shared through networks. Being connected increases your chances of discovering and seizing these opportunities.

In essence, effective networking in college sets the foundation for a robust professional journey, turning academic relationships into long-term career assets.

"The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now." It is never too early nor too late to kickstart your professional career regardless of the industry, the important thing is to start. You will face the feeling of incompetence, you will feel overwhelmed and you will constantly doubt your own abilities. What matters most is persevering through these challenges, learning from them, and growing stronger with every step forward. If you feel like you are outside your comfort zone, or that you are surrounded by individuals who are much more experienced than you are, then you are exactly where you need to be.

Finding a balance between work, study, and personal life is key to staying healthy and successful. It means managing your time so that you can do well at work and school while still having time for yourself and your loved ones. This balance helps reduce stress, keeps you productive, and allows you to enjoy life more fully. It's about making sure all parts of your life work together to make you happy and successful in the long run.

Finally, and above all, always make sure you have a freshly brewed cup of coffee handy :)