In this inspiring episode of "My Tech Story," we have a special guest, Gabriel Mbugua, a highly experienced software engineer with a passion for innovation and a dedication to excellence. Gabriel shares his journey from being a gaming enthusiast as a child to becoming a successful software engineer today. Gabriel's tech journey began at a young age when his father introduced him to computer gaming. This sparked his interest in technology and led him to explore game development. Although he quickly realized the challenges and complexities involved in creating games, it didn't deter his enthusiasm. During his teenage years, Gabriel delved deeper into programming and embarked on an Android development course at the age of 16. Despite facing initial struggles and imposter syndrome, he persevered and discovered his love for coding. Gabriel emphasizes the importance of dedicating time and effort to coding, treating it as more than just a nine-to-five job. Throughout his journey, Gabriel encountered various mentors who guided him and expanded his knowledge. He learned the value of adaptability and problem-solving skills, realizing that being a good programmer means more than just writing code—it involves using programming as a tool to solve problems. In his final year of university, Gabriel had a significant "aha" moment when he differentiated coding from problem-solving. He recognized the importance of honing problem-solving skills to excel as a programmer. Gabriel attributes this shift in mindset to the guidance and insights he received from influential figures in the industry, including the founder of HoneyCoin - David Nandwa, where he currently works. Gabriel's determination and willingness to learn led him to apply for a job at Safaricom, a telecommunications company—a dream opportunity for many young developers. Despite initially considering it a long shot, he and a friend decided to apply. They were both called for coding interviews, and Gabriel's prior preparation and practice with coding interview tests paid off as he excelled in the interview process. This episode serves as an inspiration for aspiring software engineers and showcases the power of passion, dedication, and continuous learning. Gabriel's story highlights the transformative potential of the tech industry and encourages listeners to embrace challenges, expand their skills, and pursue their dreams in the ever-evolving world of technology. ________ Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on "My Tech Story." Subscribe to our podcast, leave a like, comment, and turn on the notification bell to be alerted whenever we post content. Last but not least, tell a friend about us. Sharing is caring! Here are some useful links: https://linktr.ee/mytechstoryafrica (access youtube link here) Follow us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa/?viewAsMember=true ___ Email us: [email protected] ______________ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alice-kanjejo/message