A New Path: Belal's Journey from Pharmacy to Software Engineering

Growing up with his six siblings, Belal experienced a childhood brimming with normalcy and familial love. His supportive parents always nurtured their children's dreams. And for Belal, that dream was to become a surgeon. He even secured a scholarship to study medicine abroad, but unforeseen circumstances prevented him from pursuing it.

However, his interest in technology was ignited when his older brothers, both working in tech, brought home their first PC. The magic of connecting to the internet captivated him. He delighted in downloading games and software, tinkering with hardware, and even tackling the viruses that came along. Despite his love for tech, he pursued a degree in Pharmacy. After college, he worked in community pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry, but his passion for technology never waned.

A Turning Point

A pivotal moment came when a friend suggested that Belal apply for tech bootcamps. Encouraged, he realized that programming could be as engaging as gaming. With newfound motivation, he applied to multiple bootcamps, including Re:Coded. Although he initially believed onsite learning would be more beneficial, he soon realized that effective learning is more dependent on mindset and desire rather than being in a physical classroom. The Re:Coded team excelled in teaching self-learning skills, making online learning both effective and fun. For him, the best part of the program was working on mini-projects, especially the capstone project. Planning, distributing tasks, and solving problems with his team were among the most rewarding moments.

Transition to Tech

Today, Belal works full-time as a software engineer at Optimum Partners and part-time as a pharmacist. In his tech role, he solves bug tickets, creates new features, and helps craft client projects. The constantly evolving technologies excite him, and he's currently working with Angular on the front end. Thanks to Re:Coded, learning new technologies has become second nature, as they taught him how to quickly and effectively pick up new skills.

Working in tech has introduced Belal to effective team collaboration and communication. He was pleasantly surprised to find that many tasks he now handles were similar to those he encountered during the Re:Coded program, making his transition smooth.

While Belal's plans for the future are still forming he envisions combining his knowledge of the health sector with his tech skills to create products that benefit the community. His journey has significantly boosted his self-belief, and he no longer doubts his ability to learn and apply new concepts.

Overcoming Challenges

Like any journey, Belal's path had its challenges. Sometimes, grasping a new concept or applying it in his code was difficult. His solution was to step away for a while, revisit the problem with a fresh perspective, and allow himself time to let ideas simmer. Often, solutions came to him unexpectedly after a break.

To those considering a career in tech,

Belal offers this advice: "Don’t be afraid to apply for companies despite self-doubt in your skills or knowledge. It’s easier than you think. Learn the basics, apply your knowledge to small projects, and keep learning. Freelancing is also a flexible and rewarding option."

Belal's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the willingness to embrace change. His journey from pharmacy to software engineering inspires us all to pursue our dreams, no matter where life initially takes us.

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