Navigating Your First Steps in Tech 💻 : What I Wish I Knew

Hey there! 👋
I'm Preethika Reddy, a Software Engineer Intern currently exploring the exciting world of front-end development, and honestly, it's been a fantastic experience so far. From creating clean, user-friendly interfaces to discovering how great design meets great code, every day brings something new (and sometimes, a bug that keeps me humble 😄). Right now, I'm focused on front-end, but I'm eager to dive into back-end development soon. This blog is all about my journey — what I've learned, what surprised me, and the small victories that keep me moving forward in this ever-evolving industry.

What No One Tells You When You’re New to Tech — and What Helped Me Move Forward 🌟

When I first entered the tech industry, I was excited — but also completely overwhelmed. Everything felt unfamiliar: the tools, the terminology, the fast-paced environment. I constantly questioned whether I was "good enough" to be here.

One of the first things I had to learn was that it’s okay not to know everything. As a newcomer, it's natural that your thought process won't match that of your more experienced teammates. In the beginning, I often felt out of place — especially during team discussions and meetings where I didn’t fully understand the terms or the project scope. It all felt like too much, too soon.

I used to get frustrated when I finished a task and then someone on my team suggested changing my code or pointed out a better way to do it. At first, it felt like criticism. But eventually, I realized something important: not everyone gets direct feedback, and it’s actually a great way to improve and understand how things work in the real world.

Now, I often reach out to my teammates to ask what I can do better and which concepts I should focus on. I also ask them to review my code regularly — and when they acknowledge the effort I’ve put in, it truly feels worth it. Their feedback and guidance help me learn what’s actually useful and relevant to our work, rather than spending too much time on generic tutorials.

But it’s not just your teammates — feedback from your manager matters just as much, if not more. Try to schedule one-on-one conversations with them regularly. Ask what you're lacking, how you can contribute more effectively, and what areas you should improve in. Managers often see the bigger picture and can guide your growth in ways you might not realise on your own.

What is Helping Me Stay Sane and Grow 🌱

The tech industry is one of the fastest-moving spaces out there. New tools, frameworks, and updates roll out constantly, and it can feel like you're always trying to catch up. As a beginner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed trying to learn everything all at once or compare your progress to others.

What’s helped me the most is focusing on the soft skills that keep me grounded. Things like asking questions without fear, communicating clearly, being open to feedback, and learning how to say “I don’t know — yet.” These aren’t always talked about, but they make a big difference in how you learn and collaborate with your team.

I also realized that burnout is real, especially when you’re trying to prove yourself early on. I used to feel guilty for taking breaks or stepping away from the screen, but now I understand that rest is essential. I try to set realistic goals for myself, break tasks into smaller parts, and celebrate small wins — even if it’s just understanding one new concept in a day.

Another key factor that’s helping me stay balanced is focusing on my physical and mental wellness. I recently joined a gym, and it's been a game changer for me. Regular exercise helps clear my mind, reduce stress, and keep me energized throughout the day. It’s amazing how improving my physical health has had such a positive effect on my mental well-being.

It’s still a work in progress, but slowing down, staying curious, and taking care of my mental space is what’s helping me stay sane — and keep growing.

🚀 Starting a Tech Series

As I continue to grow in the tech world, I want to share what I’m learning with others who are starting their journey as well. That’s why I’m planning to start a tech series where I’ll post articles about essential topics I’ve found helpful or wish I had known earlier. From basic concepts to more advanced industry insights, my goal is to make these topics accessible and useful for beginners who are navigating the same challenges I faced.

Stay tuned for upcoming posts, and I hope this series can provide some guidance and encouragement for anyone else stepping into tech!