The Journey from Physics to Computer Science: An Autobiographical Account
Technology has always been a quiet but powerful force in shaping our daily lives. However, my journey to this field started as an unlikely choice, with roots deep in the physical world. My interest in computer science was ignited by a programming class, and from there, I embarked on a career that has shaped my life and future.
From Physics to FORTRAN
Initially, I found myself majoring in physics. To be clear, this was by no means a plan. The program was simply interesting, and I decided to take a programming class. The language used was FORTRAN, a retro programming language that, at the time, felt obsolete to many. But it was during this class that an immediate spark of interest was ignited. This was not just a programming class; it was a portal to an entirely new world - one where logic and creativity met, and where problems could be solved through code.
It was as if a neon sign appeared over my head, doing a loop-the-loop, and declaring unequivocally, ‘This is what you’re here for.’ I realized that my true passion lay in computer science, and it was this realization that set the course for my future career.
Pursuing a Career in Software Engineering
After this epiphany, moving into software engineering was a natural progression for me. The decision to pursue a career in this field was rooted in several factors: the relatively easier job market, the better pay, and the utilitarian nature of the skill set required, which mirrored my existing strengths in logical thinking and writing. The primary driver, though, was the genuine satisfaction derived from problem-solving and the joy of creating something tangible. Moreover, the rising demand in the software engineering market made it an attractive career choice.
However, my journey didn't stop there. I decided to study computer science for another reason: to validate my knowledge and expertise. I wanted a piece of paper that officially stated I knew what I was talking about – a qualification that could open doors to advanced programs and bypass the gatekeepers who often struggled to identify competent individuals based on intuition alone.
Driven by Passion and Problem-Solving
My interest in computer science stemmed from my innate curiosity and a genuine passion for technology and problem-solving. I've always been intrigued by the latest technologies, and computer science and software engineering have offered me an endless array of challenges and opportunities to express my creativity. The job market for software engineers remains hot, making it a practical and fulfilling career choice.
Nowadays, a new wave of technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), has emerged. AI has revolutionized the field, and careers in areas such as data analyst, data scientist, and machine learning engineer have become more accessible and lucrative. These roles not only align with my interests but also represent the forefront of technological advancements.
My Journey from IT to Computer Science
My entry into computer science was also driven by my experiences as an IT support technician. At the young age of 12, before even having a personal computer, my teacher shared that only a few individuals were fortunate enough to work with computers. This sparked my desire to be among those select few and work with computers, even to the extent of learning it without a formal plan B.
Initially, I had no deep understanding of technology. I was simply better at Googling solutions and understanding concepts through self-directed learning. As I grew, I delved deeper into tech-related content, including articles, videos, and tutorials. Eventually, the question of 'how did they make it' crossed my mind, leading me to explore programming. I was fascinated, as it opened a world of possibilities that I had previously known nothing about.
However, my early self-discipline was limited, and I struggled to engage in consistent learning. Despite this, I continued to pursue computer science. While the technical side of computer science didn't initially intrigue me, I found great joy in the creative aspect of tinkering with technology and the financial stability it provided.
My journey, marked by a series of personal and professional experiences, continues to evolve. The satisfaction derived from solving complex problems, creating innovative solutions, and the financial stability these roles provide have been significant motivating factors. While my journey was not planned, it has been a fulfilling and inspiring path, one that I wouldn't have chosen otherwise.