Hi DEV Community! 👋
I’m Mohamed Riham, currently pursuing my BSc (Hons) in Data Science after completing my Higher National Diploma (HND) in Software Engineering.
This is not just another academic update — this is the story of how I found my path, why I transitioned from Software Engineering to Data Science, and what truly led me to make one of the most defining decisions of my life.
🌱 Where It All Started — The HND Phase
When I began my HND in Software Engineering, my goal was very clear:
- Learn programming
- Build real projects
- Become a software engineer
And I did exactly that.
During the journey, I gained strong foundations in:
- Programming fundamentals
- Databases & SQL
- Web technologies
- Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
- Software Engineering principles
I loved building systems, solving problems, and turning ideas into products that worked.
But as time passed, I started feeling a gap — a curiosity that traditional software development alone couldn’t satisfy.
I wanted to understand something deeper…
Not just how to build applications — but how to make them think, learn, and make decisions.
I didn’t just want to build software…
I wanted to build software that could think.
🧠 My First Encounter with AI & Data Science
During my second semester, I accidentally stepped into the world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. It started small — with YouTube tutorials, GitHub projects, and online courses.
But that “small spark” turned into a passion.
I started exploring:
- What makes a machine understand speech?
- How can a system recognize a face?
- How do companies like Google, Meta, Netflix, and Tesla make data-driven decisions?
The more I learned, the more I realized that data was the core of everything.
“Software Engineering builds systems. Data Science gives those systems intelligence, insight, and purpose.”
That realization changed everything for me.
🚀 The Turning Point — When Curiosity Became Direction
There wasn’t a single moment — but a combination of three key turning points:
1. Building My First AI Projects
I began with my Face Recognition Attendance System — a project that used face recognition to mark student attendance with real-time alerts to parents.
It was my first hands-on experience with machine learning in a real-world use case, and it opened my eyes to how AI can automate, enhance, and transform everyday systems.
Soon after, I built my own Voice Assistant, ‘EDITH’, combining speech recognition, fuzzy matching, and AI-based responses.
This was the moment I realized something important:
It wasn’t just programming anymore — I was building intelligence.
These projects made me feel something new and exciting —
the power of AI to create real impact.
2. Discovering the Power of Data
I started seeing how data shapes:
- business decisions
- automation
- predictions
- recommendations
- personalization
- innovation
Every industry — from healthcare to banking to entertainment — was moving toward AI and Data.
I realized that the future belongs to data-driven engineers.
🎓 Why I Chose BSc (Hons) Data Science
Here’s the truth — my decision wasn't easy.
I was confused like many students who finish their HND.
Should I continue Software Engineering? Or specialize?
After deep thought, research, and reflection, I chose Data Science because I wanted to:
- 🔹 Become a Data Scientist / AI Engineer
- 🔹 Understand data, analytics & machine learning deeply
- 🔹 Build a future-proof career with global relevance
- 🔹 Work on impactful, AI-driven real-world solutions
And today, I can confidently say —
I made the right choice.
⚠️ The Struggles No One Talks About
Before choosing Data Science, I faced several challenges that many students experience but rarely speak about:
| Challenge | Reality I Faced |
|---|---|
| ⏳ Confusion | I had no idea which specialization to choose next |
| 💰 Financial Limitations | Tech education is expensive, and I wasn’t sure if I could afford the path I wanted |
| 🧠 Self-Doubt | “Am I good enough for AI, math, and data?” constantly ran in my mind |
| 💼 Career Uncertainty | Too many opinions, zero clear guidance — everyone suggested a different route |
I almost chose the “safe path”...
But sometimes, the most difficult road is the one that leads to the greatest growth.
✨ What I Have Learned So Far
If I could talk to my past self, I’d say:
“Don’t choose a field just because everyone else does.
Choose the one that makes you feel alive.”
Here’s what truly matters:
- Follow your curiosity — it is the first step toward discovering your purpose
- Explore before you choose — exposure creates clarity
- Find a mentor — the right guidance can change your entire direction
- Choose your specialization wisely — it can shape your career and identity
🌍 My Vision Ahead
I’m working towards:
- Becoming a Data Scientist building impactful AI/ML solutions
- Becoming a researcher in AI/ML, contributing to knowledge and innovation
- Creating projects that help people and solve real-world problems
- Empowering Sri Lankan students to enter AI and Data Science fearlessly This is just the beginning — and I am excited for the journey ahead.
💬 Final Words for Students Who Are Confused After HND
If you are in that phase where you feel lost, confused, or unsure what to choose next — I want you to know this:
- It’s okay not to have it all figured out yet.
- It’s okay to explore before you commit to a path.
- It’s okay to change direction when you discover what truly excites you.
Don’t settle for what is “safe” or “expected.”
Choose what sparks curiosity, joy, and passion — and build your future around it.
Thank you for reading 🙌
If this helped you or if you’re on a similar journey, let’s connect!
Follow me — Mohamed Riham — for more posts on AI, Data Science, student life, and tech growth stories.
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