Transitioning from one career to another can be a daunting task, especially when moving from a field as established as mechanical engineering to the ever-evolving world of software development. However, my journey has taught me that with dedication and enthusiasm, anything is possible. I want to share my story in hopes of inspiring others who may be considering a similar leap.
The Beginning: HVAC and BMS Engineering
My career began as an HVAC and Building Management Systems (BMS) engineer. During this time, I had the opportunity to work with various software tools that dealt with web mapping of controllers and basic networking. I was responsible for storing and retrieving data related to HVAC and BMS equipment, which introduced me to the world of software. I had the privilege of working on major sites for companies like Oracle and Fidelity, as well as Ericsson and Nokia. These experiences exposed me to the work culture in IT firms, where innovation and technology drive everything.
Despite my exposure to software, my background in system-level programming was limited. The only coding experience I had during my engineering studies was a single course in C programming. However, the more I learned about the tech world, the more I realized my passion for it.
The Turning Point
With a growing interest in technology, I decided to take a leap of faith and pursue software development. I quit my job and dedicated myself to self-learning. I began to explore various technologies and eventually focused on the MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React, and Node.js). This decision was not easy, but my enthusiasm for learning kept me motivated.
Self-Learning Resources
Throughout my journey, I utilized various free resources that helped me grasp the fundamentals of JavaScript and the MERN stack. Here are some of the websites that were instrumental in my learning :
W3Schools JavaScript Tutorial: https://www.w3schools.com/js/
Mozilla Developer Network (MDN): https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/JavaScript
GeeksforGeeks JavaScript: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/javascript/
JavaScript.info: https://javascript.info/js
Codecademy JavaScript Course:
https://www.codecademy.com/learn/introduction-to-javascript
FreeCodeCamp JavaScript Courses: Fhttps://www.freecodecamp.org/news/learn-javascript-free-js-courses-for-beginners/
YouTube JavaScript Playlist:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN6jk0uUrD8&list=PLlasXeu85E9cQ32gLCvAvr9vNaUccPVNP
These resources not only helped me learn the syntax and concepts of JavaScript but also provided practical exercises to solidify my understanding.
Freelancing and the Future
Now, I am currently doing small freelance projects, applying what I’ve learned in real-world scenarios. This experience has been invaluable, allowing me to further develop my skills while working on diverse projects.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
If you are contemplating a career change or are looking to learn something new, I want to encourage you: don’t let your past define your future. Your background, whether in engineering or any other field, does not limit your ability to learn and grow in technology. With dedication and a passion for exploration, you can succeed in any field you choose.
Thank you for reading my journey! I hope it serves as motivation for anyone looking to make a change in their career or learn new skills. Remember, the journey may be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. Happy coding!
Top comments (0)