The Beginning: A Pharmacy Graduate
In 2018, I graduated with a Bachelor's in Pharmacy and had an offer in hand from Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Life seemed set on a predictable path, but little did I know that my childhood fascination with computers would eventually lead me down a completely different road.
The Pharmaceutical Years
For 2.5 years, I worked at Torrent Pharmaceuticals, starting as a Trainee Technical Assistant and eventually being promoted to Technical Assistant. My days were filled with manufacturing and dispensing semi-solid dosage forms like creams, ointments, and lotions for top companies like GSK and Abbott.
timeline
2018 : Graduated in Pharmacy
: Joined Torrent Pharmaceuticals
2020 : Promoted to Technical Assistant
2021 : Left Torrent PharmaceuticalsThe Turning Point
Despite the stability of my pharmaceutical career, something was missing. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a lot of changes and reflections. It was during this time that I decided to make a change.
A Brief Marketing Detour
After a few months of unemployment and soul-searching, I took a friend's advice and ventured into pharmaceutical marketing. I joined Group Pharmaceuticals as a Marketing Associate, where I learned about product marketing and tracking progress.
The Spark: Discovering Masai School
One day, a friend told me about Masai School, an institution that helps non-CS students transition into IT careers. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for!
The Masai Journey: Intense and Rewarding
Masai School's curriculum was intense, following a 9-9-6 schedule (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week). But it was exactly what I needed.
const masaiJourney = {
duration: "7-8 months",
curriculum: ["HTML", "CSS", "JavaScript", "Full Stack Development", "DSA"],
schedule: "9AM - 9PM, 6 days/week",
outcome: "Confident Software Developer",
};
console.log(`After ${masaiJourney.duration} of intense learning, I became a ${masaiJourney.outcome}`);The Job Hunt: Persistence Pays Off
Armed with my new skills, I started reaching out to people on LinkedIn, Naukri, and other job portals. Persistence was key, and finally, a door opened at Rootfi Technologies, a Y Combinator startup.
The Final Test: Data Manipulation Challenge
The tech lead at Rootfi, Neeraj, gave me a data manipulation task. I tackled it using Node.js and PostgreSQL, completing it in just 2-3 days.
// Pseudo-code for the data manipulation task
const manipulateData = async (data) => {
const processedData = await processWithNodejs(data);
const result = await storeInPostgres(processedData);
return result;
};
// The actual implementation was much more complex!The Dream Realized: Software Engineer at a YC Startup
After one more follow-up round with the CEO, I received the offer. Today, I'm in Bengaluru, working as a Software Engineer at Rootfi Technologies, finally doing what I love.
Lessons Learned
- It's never too late to pursue your passion
- Continuous learning is key in the tech industry
- Networking and persistence can open doors
- Practical skills and problem-solving abilities are highly valued
Conclusion
My journey from pharmacy to software engineering wasn't straightforward, but it was certainly worth it. If you're considering a career switch, remember: with dedication, the right resources, and a bit of courage, you can transform your career and your life.
Are you thinking about making a career switch? Feel free to reach out – I'd love to hear your story and offer any advice I can!