Ep 1. My Story As A Software Engineer

In this episode, the host - Sahil, shares his personal journey of becoming a software engineer, from his early days from learning to code to his current position as a Data Science Engineer. He talks about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned along the way. A personal insight into how to navigate the tech industry's constantly evolving landscape.

The host shares tips and insights for aspiring software engineers, such as the importance of building a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals and the value of mentorship and networking. 

The host discusses the importance of embracing change and being open to new opportunities, even if they're outside of your comfort zone. He shares how taking calculated risks, such as accepting a job offer in a new city or learning a new programming language, has helped him grow both personally and professionally. 

 Overall, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look at one software engineer's journey to success through taking bold risks and embracing change. It provides valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to pursue a career in tech or make a change in their professional life.


The episode covers

(00:00) Introduction to learning from other people’s experiences.
(01:33) Who Am I?
(02:34) Tech influence at an early age
(04:53) Introduction to Programming & Projects at University
(08:19) Moving to Oxford for Postgraduation
(09:40) First Job as a Frontend Developer - JavaScript
(10:27) Current Job as Data Science Engineer
(11:08) Entrepeneur's Journey - Startup
(11:49) My passion to teach coding
(12:25) Summary & Key takeaways

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction to learning from other people’s experiences.
• 1:33 Who Am I?
• 2:34 Tech influence at an early age
• 4:53 Introduction to Programming & Projects at University
• 8:19 Moving to Oxford for Postgraduation
• 9:40 First Job as a Frontend Developer - JavaScript
• 10:27 Current Job as Data Science Engineer
• 11:08 Entrepeneur's Journey - Startup
• 11:49 My passion to teach coding
• 12:25 Summary & Key takeaways

Transcript

“Facts are good, and words can impact for a moment, but stories, a really good story can change a life.”

We are surrounded by countless stories. Stories are fascinating, they are inspiring. And there is so much to learn from other people’s experiences. With this idea in mind, I am bringing this podcast where we talk to Developers, Software Engineers, and Tech Innovators to explore their learnings, adventures and decision-making process. 

My name is Sahil David, and I am a Data Science Engineer based in the UK. Welcome to my podcast - The Tech Diaries.

First of all, I welcome all of you on this special journey. I am very excited about this. I love talking, deep conversations that leave mark on you. I cannot wait to welcome the amazing innovators and programmers in our upcoming episodes. Individuals who are inspiring thousands and millions of people to chase their dreams. I want to know their stories, their struggles, their achievements and most importantly their mindset.

Since this is the first episode why don’t I start by introducing myself and my story? This way you can get to know me better and I can share my experiences and learnings along the way.

Also, if you know a developer you would like to listen to on the show, please let me know. So let’s dive right into it.

Who am I?

My name is Sahil David, and I am based in Oxford UK. I am currently working as a Data Science Engineer for a pharmaceutical company - GSK. My speciality lies in developing Data Visualisations & Full Stack Web Applications. Outside my day job, I have two Startups, one in the UK known as AKG Dynamics Ltd. and one in India known as Kiinara Interactive Solutions. Other than computers I am a huge Snooker fan, so if I am not writing code, I will most probably be playing on a Snooker table. But my passion is teaching, and I love sharing my knowledge and experiences with developers all around the world. I believe in collaboration over competition. We are stronger together. If you are starting your coding journey or thinking about learning programming, feel free to contact me, so you can be a part of a community where we learn and rise with each other.

Tech influence at an early age

So what’s my life story? It all started on a fine morning in 2003. I was in India at the time, studying at my primary school. My uncle Mr Alvat Garewal was visiting from the UK. One morning he was getting ready, and I was playing next to him. Out of the blue, he asked me, “Sahil what do you want to become in Life”. And like all the kids I had no clue. I remember saying I like planes, maybe I can be a pilot. But then he said something which I still remember to this day. He said, “Why don’t you become a Computer Programmer.” I did not pay much attention to what he said but slowly it started growing on me. A few years later when I was 14 years old, I got my first computer. I had no idea what programming is or what you use a computer for. I just used to play games. But I remember, soon after I started using Microsoft Paint, I became an expert. I would remove the background from images using the eraser tool and start editing images. Everyone in my village wanted me to edit their photos and make them stand next to a movie star or a celebrity. It's a real joy to look back on some of my paint creations. You wouldn’t believe but to this date, I use Paint as a drawing tool in my meetings. When I have to quickly present my idea on a screen share, paint is my go-to software. By the time I was 16, my School started teaching computers as a subject. The first languages I learnt were called LOGO and BASIC. LOGO was an educational graphical language where the cursor was a turtle. You could give commands to the turtle to move and draw the shape. Move forward 10 points, right 90 degrees, forward 10 points and so on. We started by drawing basic shapes - squares, and triangles. I remember I made a star once and I was amazed at what a few lines of code can do. It was after this point I was very much interested in computers. Soon after I learned HTML and developed my first website showcasing my life and friends at the time. 

Introduction to Programming & Projects at University

After school finished I had to choose an undergraduate course. I was in two minds about whether to become a pilot as that was always my dream or go into Computer Engineering. After long consideration and family discussions, I decided to pursue Computer Science. I joined Chitkara University, Chandigarh India. This is where I was first introduced to the mother of all programming languages - C. I found it fascinating. Outside my regular college work, I would write programmes on any idea I could think of. I remember my first big personal project was to develop the game - “Who wants to be a millionaire” in C. 

“Thinking back now, I realise working on those personal projects in my free time definitely gave me the edge I was looking for. So my advice to anyone, who is starting to learn to code. Learn by doing. Learn by working on a personal project. Watching online courses is good for establishing basic fundamentals but learning by writing code on your own project is very powerful. You can define your own requirements. You also get involved in architecting the solution. And when you get stuck on an issue you turn to Google or StackOverflow and find solutions. And in some way you are working how a developer would work in real life. And if you are struggling with project ideas, it’s best to pick a project that revolves around your hobby! Give it a go, you will see the difference.” 

Moving on, about 2 years into my bachelor’s degree, came a project that transformed my programming journey. I was tasked to develop a website for University’s annual technical event. The website was a full-stack project, where students all around India can register and view details on various events happening at the university. I remember having many stressful nights as the deadline approached. It was indeed a big responsibility. I managed to develop the project and it was a success. It helped me to learn PHP, MySQL and JavaScript. Also, I got the opportunity to design the website which gave me exposure to UI/UX principles. I feel fortunate to have worked on such a big project. It gave me the experience and confidence that helps me to this date. 

When I was in the final year of my Bachelor’s degree. An opportunity came for an internship as Web Developer in a local startup called Trideal. After battling with the decision, I decided to pursue the internship. I have to thank the CEO of the company Mr Sameer Sharma who mentored and guided my development skills. I learnt so much under his wings. I learnt how to develop commercial applications for the real-life world. During my internship, I gathered so many memories, friendships and experiences. It’s actually very hard to imagine my career if it weren’t for my time during the internship. 

So, I would like to say to you, grab every opportunity that comes your way. Be bold. Don’t be afraid of taking risks. Afterall all the risks and decisions we take along the way define who we are.

Moving to Oxford for Postgraduation

After I finished my under graduation, I was faced with yet another decision. The decision between taking a software engineering job or coming to Oxford for a Master’s degree in Computer Science. Just talking about my story, I am realising how I have always found myself at the crossroads of taking tough decisions. And for some reason, I have always chosen the risky option. Maybe that’s what defines me as the person I am today. There were so many challenges in coming to Oxford. VISA Problems, Financial issues. I always wanted to study at Oxford, that was always my childhood dream. I am so happy that I followed my heart. I feel proud to call Oxford my home, there is something about this city. If you ever visit Oxford don’t forget to say Hi. On a more technical note, during my studies, I got the privilege to study advanced Computer Science topics with leading experts in the field. This is where I strengthened my fundamentals and started my journey towards becoming a software engineer. I am not saying you need a Master’s degree to become a good programmer but a strong foundation can take you a long way. Don’t take anything for granted when you write code, know every word, every statement. 

My First Job as Frontend Developer

After my studies, I came to a job that would change my life in many aspects. I joined a digital agency called huumun as a Frontend Developer. I have a confession to make here. I had a background in C++ and Java, so when I joined Frontend Development I took it very lightly. I thought I knew JavaScript. I was of course naive at the time. But when I started growing in the role. I discovered the beautiful world of JavaScript. I realised the world of Javascript is full of possibilities. There is so much to learn and grow. It gave me the ability to bring my ideas to life. 

I also want to say here, if you learn something with full devotion, and give it your best something beautiful is bound to happen.

Current Job as Data Science Engineer 

After working for 6 years as a Frontend developer, I came across an opportunity to join multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company - GSK as a Data Science Visualisation Engineer, which is my current job. I was comfortable in my previous job but it’s very easy to get comfortable. Stagnation is an option, but not a good one. I am happy I made the decision to move on. It gave me new exposure and a chance to grow in the field of data science. So I want to say from my experience, Embrace changes in life. Changes are scary but they make room for new and wonderful things.

Entrepreneur Jounry - Startups

Sometimes we underestimate the power of being able to code. How we can so easily bring our ideas and imaginations to life. I read somewhere once, that every problem you face in your day-to-day life is a potential for a new Start-up. During my career, I have worked on a few problems and managed to develop ideas for Tech startups. Currently, I am involved with two promising businesses in UK & India. There is no best feeling in the world than actually seeing your code taking a shape of a product and being used by people all over the world. Don’t underestimate the power you possess as a software developer. 

My passion to teach coding

But the important question I ask myself is - Where do I see myself in the near future? I love my job, and I am very thankful for the current opportunities and the work that I do. But my passion is teaching. I want to share my knowledge and experiences with anyone who wants to learn to code. I know it can be overwhelming at the start but having the right support and guidance can make all the difference in the world. If you want to grow yourself as a developer and need some guidance, don’t hesitate to contact me. We are stronger together.

Summary & key takeaways 

This is my story in brief. If you want to know any details, let me know and I would be happy to answer any questions. Wow, talking about my journey has made me realise that maybe we don’t appreciate our efforts that much. You know all your struggles and how you find a way to overcome all the challenges. Well done for taking all the bold decisions and embracing changes.

I believe that everyone is a hero in their story. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. You are the Hero of your own story. 

Thank you for listening to my podcast. Keep Learning, Keep Growing. This is me - Sahil David signing off. Lots of love and light to you. See you next time.