When you are junior
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Expert At Every field: When I first started out, I thought I could be an expert in everything. I wanted to be great at every aspect of tech and help it all grow. But I quickly realized that knowing a little about a lot wasn’t helpful. It’s like they say, “A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.”
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Stuck on tutorial hell (Big Mistake): Back when I was just out of secondary school, I wasn’t much into books. Instead, I spent my time watching YouTube videos on various topics. I’d simply mimic what I saw without really understanding it. It was like I was stuck in a loop, just replicating what others did. But one day, I decided to break free from that cycle and try something on my own. It was a game-changer. Creating my own projects opened up a whole new world for me.
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Senior that supports me at everything (Most Needed): When you’re just starting out, having a mentor or a senior to guide you is crucial. They’re like a beacon, illuminating the path ahead and offering invaluable insights at every turn. I had them in my journey and they were the best (Think of them as they were so good that I didn’t want to leave that company no matter how much benefits another company provides you). It’s a thought that resonates with everyone because we all understand the importance of having someone more experienced to lean on. Share your knowledge, offer guidance, and be the guiding light for those who are just beginning their own adventure.
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Self Confident: As a junior, you’re often brimming with the willpower to tackle anything that comes your way. Yet, despite this enthusiasm, there’s often a nagging lack of confidence that holds you back. It’s a common struggle — feeling unsure of yourself and your abilities. But here’s the thing: until you cultivate that self-confidence, your growth will remain stunted. It’s like a seed waiting to sprout — once you believe in yourself, there’s no limit to how much you can grow.
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Focused on pay not team: Back when I was just starting, I thought a higher salary meant a better job. It seemed obvious — more money equals better, right? But then I began to wonder: what if there’s no team to learn and grow with? What if there’s no opportunity for personal or professional growth? Does the money really matter then? I realized that without a supportive team and opportunities for growth, the paycheck loses its shine.
Me in Present
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Chosen Domain: I’ve shifted my attention to the topics I’m passionate about and delving deeper into them. Now, I’m concentrating on understanding the core knowledge of these subjects instead of just scratching the surface. It’s essential to build a strong foundation in my main area of interest while still having a basic understanding of other fields. And don’t be driven by trends.
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Read documentation and books: Shifted my focus to reading documentation instead of getting stuck watching hours of videos. Dived into books related to my interests to gain a deeper understanding and uncover new knowledge. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself spending hours debugging code instead of quickly finding solutions through a few minutes of reading documentation.
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Supporting Other: Now, my focus is on collaborating with my team to solve problems together. I understand the importance of teamwork, having experienced its benefits firsthand. By working together, we not only tackle challenges more effectively but also contribute to each other’s growth.
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Believe in myself: Now, I have an unwavering belief in myself that surpasses any external validation. If asked to rate myself on a scale of 100, I would confidently give myself a perfect score. I’ve traveled a long journey to become the person I am today. This conviction was put to the test in an interview when I was asked the same question, and my genuine response left a positive impression on the interviewer.
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Focused on both soft skill and hard skill: As a junior, my focus was primarily on honing hard skills, neglecting the importance of soft skills. However, I’ve since recognized the vital role that soft skills play in personal and professional growth. Soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability, are essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world. Now, I understand that developing soft skills is just as crucial as mastering hard skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey from being a junior to where I am today has been one of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. I’ve learned valuable lessons along the way, from the importance of focusing on core knowledge and balancing hard and soft skills to the significance of teamwork, self-belief, and continuous learning.
As a junior, I grappled with uncertainty and the desire to excel in every aspect of my field. Today, I am committed to delving deeper into my passions, building a strong foundation of core knowledge, and supporting my team members in their growth journey.
In essence, my journey reflects the evolution from a junior seeking validation to a seasoned professional who embraces challenges, values growth, and believes in the power of self-confidence and collaboration.