Switching from a non-IT field to IT has become increasingly common among job seekers today. Many individuals are drawn to the tech world due to abundant opportunities, competitive salaries compared to core branches, lifestyle benefits, or simply a genuine interest in technology. In India, numerous IT companies welcome applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, opening doors for non-IT professionals to transition. I am one such example—a Mechanical Engineering graduate who made the leap into the IT field.
My Background in Mechanical Engineering
I graduated from The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, one of the top universities in Gujarat, where I chose Mechanical Engineering as my major. My interest in Physics and Mathematics was evident during my 11th and 12th science classes. I enjoyed learning Physics and solving Mathematics problems in various ways. My plan was to pursue Engineering to continue my studies in these subjects, provided I secured admission to a reputable college; otherwise, I was open to a Bachelor of Science in Physics. My strengths in Physics and Mathematics (but relatively weak in Chemistry) helped me perform well in my board examinations and successfully crack GUJCET, the state-level entrance exam. This simplified my decision to pursue Engineering. The next question was: which field should I choose?
Discovering Computer Science
It was clear that I wanted to continue learning Physics and Mathematics. After discussing my options with family members and relatives working in various fields, we narrowed my choices down to Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering. Computer Science was appealing as a growing field, while Mechanical Engineering was considered an evergreen branch. The latter had the advantage of allowing me to study Physics and Mathematics and apply that knowledge in real-world scenarios. Despite this, I was determined to learn computer programming to develop my skills. Fortunately, I secured admission to MSU Baroda in the Mechanical Engineering branch.
College Life and Experiences
My brother, Keval Gohil, a Mechanical Engineer, instilled confidence in me regarding the support I would receive. He taught me SolidWorks during my vacations, which I found fascinating. Learning about machines, mechanisms, and thermodynamics was intellectually stimulating, and I always strived to grasp the fundamentals. College life was an adventure—I made new friends, volunteered at events, attended functions, and explored the campus. These experiences created lasting memories. However, at the end of my second year, COVID-19 struck, and we were all sent home, receiving mass promotions in our second-year examinations.
Skills Development During Lockdown
During the lockdown, I was eager to develop new skills. Fortunately, I gained access to Coursera, which made learning convenient. I enrolled in courses related to Mechanical Engineering but also seized the opportunity to learn computer programming—a skill I had always wanted to acquire. Python caught my interest, especially after our professor frequently mentioned it. I opted for "Python for Everybody" by Charles Severance from the University of Michigan. It was fascinating, and I thoroughly enjoyed coding in Python. After completing two courses covering Python basics, I dedicated more time to practicing and explored ways to apply Python in the mechanical field. This experience reinforced my belief that coding skills are crucial in today's job market, regardless of one's specialization.
Transition Phase
I consider this period my transition phase. While I hadn't decided to switch fields entirely, I was certain that I would continue learning and applying programming skills in my career. In my final semester of Mechanical Engineering, I opted for a Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering course. I was excited to learn that it would cover the C language, and the professor might even teach Python—though it wasn't in the syllabus. Unfortunately, Python wasn't taught, but I did learn the basics of C programming. Thanks to my previous experience with Python, I found C relatively easy to grasp.
The Placement Journey
Then came the placement scenario. I recall my friends conducting mock interviews for each other as we all worked hard to secure better jobs. Many companies visited our campus to hire for IT positions, which were open to students from all majors. I thought to myself, "I have an interest in tech, and I enjoy learning programming skills. Why shouldn't I apply?" If hired, I'd be trained by the company—that's how I could enter the IT world. I reasoned that if I planned to make my career in this field eventually, why not start now?
So, I applied to one of the IT service-based companies. I prepared for aptitude tests and had some knowledge of pseudocoding, which helped me pass the assessment round. This boosted my confidence. Then came the interview round—my first interview experience, and it was online. I was a bit nervous, but I kept reminding myself that this was just the beginning of placement drives, and there would be many more opportunities in the future. The company asked technical questions and inquired about my educational background. I managed to answer some of these questions. A few days later, I learned that I had been selected as a Programmer Analyst Trainee. It was a great achievement for me—getting selected in my very first interview attempt. I accepted the offer.
Reflections on My Decision
This decision had two sides to it. Some of my colleagues suggested I should have pursued opportunities in my core branch, while others appreciated my choice, knowing my interest in programming. I feel this was one of my best decisions, as I've realized technology is the field where I can contribute the most. I'm currently exploring different technologies, which aligns with my goals.
Gratitude and Support
I'm grateful to my parents and brother for supporting my decision. In our conversations, my brother reassured me that a career change is fine if I feel I can contribute more in this field. I've also been in touch with Mr. Raj Joshi, an alumnus from my college. When I discussed my decision with him, he offered support and guidance. I'll always be thankful for his motivation during that time.
Conclusion
My journey from Mechanical Engineering to IT has been filled with challenges and growth. If you're considering a similar transition, remember that it's never too late to pursue your passion. Embrace the journey, and don't hesitate to seek support from those around you. Your unique background can lead to exciting opportunities in the tech world!
To learn more about why I chose not to continue with the company where I was initially placed and how I landed my first job, be sure to read my second blog.