My Journey to Becoming a Software Engineer

The Beginning: A Spark of Curiosity

I still remember the moment it all started. I was sitting in front of a computer, amazed by how a few clicks could open up an entire world. Back then, I didn't know what "code" was or how software was built. All I knew was that I wanted to understand the magic behind the screen.

That curiosity led me to pursue Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP) in January 2021. Little did I know, this decision would shape my entire future.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." - And my first step was writing my very first "Hello, World!" program.

The University Years: Building the Foundation

University wasn't just about attending lectures - it was about discovering who I wanted to become. From day one, I threw myself into learning. Python, C, C++, data structures, algorithms - every new concept felt like unlocking a new superpower.

The hard work paid off. I maintained a CGPA of 3.87 out of 4.00, earning recognition that I never expected:

But grades alone don't make an engineer. The real learning happened in the moments between classes - debugging code at 2 AM, collaborating on projects with teammates, and building things that actually worked.

Competitive Programming: Learning to Think

One of the most transformative experiences was diving into competitive programming. Codeforces, CodeChef, online judges - these platforms became my training ground.

I participated in the ICPC Dhaka Regional 2021, competed in multiple Inter-University Programming Contests, and pushed myself beyond what I thought possible. The highlight? Securing 2nd Runner Up in the UAP IUPC 2022 and Runner Up in the EEE Tech Fest 2023 Programming Contest.

Competitive programming taught me something textbooks couldn't - how to stay calm under pressure, how to break down complex problems, and how to never give up even when the solution seems impossible.

Leadership: Growing Beyond Code

In Spring 2024, I took on a role I never imagined - President of the Software and Hardware Club at UAP's Department of CSE. Suddenly, coding wasn't just about me anymore. It was about inspiring others, organizing events, and building a community.

We organized the 5th Inter Department Software and Hardware Carnival, bringing together students from across departments to showcase their projects. Watching other students' eyes light up with the same passion I felt - that was priceless.

OBEmaster: My First Real-World Impact

During my final year, I co-developed something that would actually be used by thousands - OBEmaster, an Outcome-Based Education management system for UAP.

For the first time, I saw my code making a real difference. Faculty members using our system, students getting their assessments processed - it was no longer just a project. It was impact.

The First Job: Cyber Bangla

In October 2024, I joined Cyber Bangla as a Software Engineer Trainee. This was the bridge between academia and the real world.

I contributed to their official website - now serving 4,000+ users. I worked on course management, user authentication, multi-device access, and certificate modules. I learned about SDLC, CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions, and Docker deployments.

More importantly, I learned how teams work together, how to review code, and how to ship features that real users depend on.

Today: Building the Future at Bangladesh Software Solution

In July 2025, I joined Bangladesh Software Solution as a Software Engineer. Now I work on Siderain Cloud - an enterprise BPMN workflow automation platform.

Every day brings new challenges, new technologies to learn, and new problems to solve. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

The Lessons Along the Way

Looking back at this journey, a few lessons stand out:

To Those Still on the Journey

If you're reading this as a student wondering if you can make it, or as someone learning to code for the first time, or as anyone doubting their path - let me tell you something:

You don't need to be a genius to become a software engineer. You need to be persistent. You need to be patient with yourself. And you need to believe that every small step forward is bringing you closer to where you want to be.

Four years ago, I was just a student who wrote his first line of code. Today, I'm building enterprise systems used by organizations. The distance between those two points wasn't covered by talent - it was covered by thousands of small efforts, one day at a time.

What's Next?

This journey isn't over - it's just beginning. There are still so many things I want to build, so many technologies to explore, and so many people to learn from. I want to contribute to open source, mentor others who are starting out, and keep pushing the boundaries of what I can create.

The little kid who once wondered how websites worked is now building them. And the best part? The sense of wonder never goes away. Every new problem solved still feels like magic.