"From Dreams of Defence to IT: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth”

Milind PatilMilind Patil
4 min read

Hello everyone, I'm excited to share my journey from graduating to becoming a tech enthusiast. This is my first time writing down my thoughts instead of simply imagining them, and it's helping me determine if I've chosen the right career path. At certain points in our lives, we all feel like we have nothing left to offer, often experiencing FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) from our peers and college friends. Here's how I've navigated through these feelings and found my path. I hope you find it interesting.

Like many of you, I dreamed of being a defence personnel. It's funny how these were our first dreams, despite little understanding of what these professions entailed. One particular dream that always fascinated me was becoming an officer in the Indian defence system. At that age, it was just a vague aspiration that brought me joy and allowed me to imagine a future where I had achieved it. I tried my luck with some defense examination but soon became filled with worries and self-doubt. I realized that I had not put in the required effort and this realization left me feeling anxious about my career. After experiencing a lot of setbacks and following misguided preparation strategies, I found myself filled with self-doubt and confusion.

At this point in my life, I was lost in academics and uncertain about my career. Little did I know that the most transformative period of my life awaited me – the COVID-19 phase. While everyone experienced the pandemic differently, for me, it was the most productive time of my life. It was a period where I had ample time for self-reflection and personal growth. During this time, I stumbled across inspiring stories of individuals living fulfilling lives and basking in the success of their hard work. These stories brought light into my life and prompted me to reassess what I wanted from life and how I could achieve it.

I made a conscious effort to eliminate self-doubt and negative thinking from my mind, and I seized the opportunity to reshape my career path and aspirations. My brother supported me and provided valuable guidance based on his experiences, offering a reality check and emphasizing my determination to build a successful career. At this time, I was in the final year of my graduation, having pursued a degree in Chemistry without a clear reason for choosing it. Nevertheless, I completed it and graduated. I then formulated a plan for further academic pursuits, ultimately leading me to a rewarding career. I was drawn to the booming field of technology during the pandemic. I was intrigued by how various sectors were affected by COVID-19, while the IT industry was flourishing. Delving into YouTube tutorials and online resources, I dedicated a significant amount of time to understanding the workings of the IT sector. This exploration unveiled a potential career path that genuinely excited me and seemed achievable, providing me with relief.

I decided to pursue a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) to bolster my technical skills and gain entry into the IT sector. I wrote the state-level MHT-CET exam for admission purposes and secured a good score, allowing me to enroll in a reputable institute in my hometown. Throughout my MCA program, I experienced significant personal growth and gained exposure to diverse technologies I had previously only dreamed of. I immersed myself in understanding the intricacies of the IT industry, developed impressive projects, and gained insight into the process of building products from the ground up. While every subject presented its challenges, my curiosity for the domain motivated me to overcome these obstacles, culminating in completing my Master's in Computer Applications.

This journey has been long and fulfilling, and it holds a special place in my heart. Reflecting on it always ignites a sense of motivation and drive, urging me to strive harder and dream bigger. My ultimate goal is to secure a rewarding position in the IT sector and maintain a lifelong commitment to learning.

If you've stayed with me until the end, thank you for reading. ❤️

Stay tuned for valuable technical content ahead! 🚀💯

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Milind Patil
Milind Patil