My Journey: Upskilling and Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Tags: webdev, beginners, programming, career
Published: 2023-05-30 03:50:08

## Introduction:
Embarking on a journey to a new country can be both exciting and daunting. As I left behind my home in India and moved to the United States, I was filled with anticipation for the opportunities that lay ahead. However, the transition wasn't as smooth as I had hoped. In this blog, I will share my five-year journey, starting with the struggle to find a job in the US and how I overcame the challenges by upskilling, focusing on data structures and algorithms, and obtaining a certificate in full stack development from the University of Washington.

## Embracing Change and Upskilling:
Arriving in the US, I quickly realized that the change in living and professional environment posed significant challenges. Despite my five years of experience with Persistent Systems in India, I found it difficult to secure a job in the US market without local experience. Determined not to be disheartened, I decided to take proactive steps to enhance my skills and increase my chances of success.

One of the areas I focused on was sharpening my expertise in data structures and algorithms. Understanding their importance in technical interviews, I dedicated countless hours to solving coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode. Through persistent practice and studying various algorithms and data structures, I gradually honed my problem-solving abilities and gained confidence in tackling complex coding problems.

## Full Stack Development Certification:
Recognizing the need to diversify my skill set and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry, I enrolled in a four-month-long Full Stack Development Certification program offered by the University of Washington. The program covered a wide range of technologies, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, SQL, MongoDB, and more.

During this intensive program, I immersed myself in various projects that provided hands-on experience in developing real-world applications. Some noteworthy projects I worked on included "Peas by Spring," a gardening app that aimed to simplify plant care, "JATE," a personal IDE for programmers to streamline their coding workflow, and "Curate," an art app designed to facilitate art curation and discovery.

## Navigating the Challenges:
Upon completing the certification program, I began my search for a job in the US. However, the timing was far from ideal, as the market was experiencing a recession and widespread layoffs. Despite the discouraging circumstances, I remained resolute and refused to let the setbacks define me.

Throughout this challenging period, I focused on keeping my mind stable and calm. Engaging in mindfulness practices, seeking support from peers and mentors, and continuously updating my skills, I stayed motivated and prepared for the opportunities that would arise.

## Mastering the Cloud:
Recognizing the growing importance of cloud technologies, I extended my skill set by learning about cloud platforms. Azure Cloud became my area of focus, and I delved into understanding its features, services, and deployment options. Through practical projects and experimenting with cloud infrastructure, I gained hands-on experience in leveraging Azure's capabilities.

## Conclusion:
While my journey in the US has been marked by numerous obstacles, I have refused to give up. Through perseverance, upskilling, and a determination to adapt, I have transformed challenges into opportunities for growth. The Full Stack Development Certification program and the skills I acquired in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Node.js, SQL, MongoDB, and Azure Cloud have equipped me to tackle diverse projects and contribute effectively in the tech industry.

As I continue my job search, I am confident that my passion, resilience, and ever-expanding skill set will eventually lead me to the right opportunity. My journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning and the unwavering spirit that drives us forward, no matter the obstacles we encounter.