From tech illiterate to Developer extraordinaire- Chandan’s journey of overcoming hardships
Chandan shares his life-changing journey from a mechanical engineer to Java Developer with Masai.
Chandan Kumar Singh hails from the Saran district of Bihar. A mechanical engineer by education, his life wasn’t without hardships. From being unable to achieve job security despite his degree to the extreme financial distress that accompanied that, it was a constant struggle against fate.
Coming from a rural area with few facilities and resources to rely upon, the thought of becoming a coder seemed like a farfetched one. However, in a twist of fate, Chandan defied all odds to transition from one career to another and thrive in it.
Having recently landed a job as a Java Backend Developer at Flyboard Ventures, he takes some time from his busy schedule to share his amazing journey with us.
How did you learn about Masai?
I came to know about Masai from a friend. He’s a Senior Product head in a renowned company, so I went to him, desperately seeking a job. I kept pressing him about it, but he was adamant that, since I had no coding skills, he couldn’t hire me. I didn’t even know how to spell "console" at the time!
Instead, he suggested that I actually learn to code first. But without a penny to my name, it would be a tall task. That’s when he informed me that Masai charges no upfront fee. Moreover, he assured me that I would successfully get placed at a nice company, and if I didn't, he would hire me. That’s when I decided to join Masai.
The PAP (Pay-After-Placement) fee structure was instrumental in my decision to begin learning coding. It demonstrates the confidence Masai has in their program and the learner. The minimum package and 1 year time limit ensures that only good opportunities are taken up. The most surprising and unique aspect of the PAP plan is that there is no interest on the payments.
Did your parents support your decision to choose a completely new career path?
When I joined Masai, the only thing I had to lean on was my own determination. My parents weren’t supportive of my decision, as they didn’t believe I could earn so well without back-breaking labor. My father even thought I was being tricked, as the life of a coder sounded too good to be true to him.
Even now, after having been placed, they are still in disbelief at what I’ve accomplished alongside Masai. I have to show them my salary slip to convince them that I’m not lying.
I can sense a feeling of relief from their side. I am able to support my family and I can see the difference the financial security has made to them.
What were some of the challenges you faced while learning a completely new skill?
At first, I was intimidated by the idea of coding itself. I didn’t know where to start or how I could get to a skill level that would enable me to get a job. However, from the beginning at Masai, I was given the confidence that I could do it. They say the journey of a 1000 miles begins with one step. And Masai showed me the way.
How was your experience at Masai?
In short, it was wonderful. The best experience I found at Masai was the immense support I found from everyone. I specifically want to thank Nrupul Sir, I remember when I was struggling because of my financial conditions; he offered me help and guidance when I most needed it.
Even Prateek Sir gave me so much of his precious time to help mould my future, and I’m so grateful for it. I could even cope with the rigorous curriculum here at Masai with no problems, and it’s thanks to that I was able to upskill myself in a period of a mere five months. So I really enjoyed every part of my Masai experience.
How was your Construct Week experience?
I really evolved during Construct Week. I met people from diverse backgrounds from all across India, and we came together to meet hard-line targets. We had to set targets, manage ourselves, and put everything we learned into practice.
Most importantly, we did this collectively. That really built me. The experience and learning from Construct Week still help me at my current job and drive my interactions with others and my work. It gave me an introduction to team dynamics and how to put my best foot forward. I got a chance to improve valuable skills like collaboration, effective communication, and time management which are essential for any job.
How did the placement process go for you?
My placement experience was amazing. Everybody around me, my batchmates, but especially the teachers, were extremely supportive and reassuring. Divya, from the placement team, was highly attentive to me and checked in, even on the day of the interview itself.
One of the biggest factors for my confidence was the skill of problem solving that I learned throughout my experience at Masai. Knowing that I could be adaptable and face different situations that may arise in the interview or job took away a lot of my nervousness.
Throughout the interview process, I was confident because Masai had prepared me well. Coming from a different educational background and securing a coding job wasn’t something I imagined. But when the interviews were done, I had secured the job, much to my parents' surprise.
I want to suggest to anyone thinking about joining Masai that they believe in the passion these people have for helping you make a better life for yourself.
Any advice for newcomers?
It can be intimidating to think of learning a skill like coding. Particularly if you are not the most tech-savvy person. But I want to share that coding is a beautiful language of its own and once you learn to speak it, it can open many doors for your future. For me it has transformed the way I approach jobs and financial security.
Chandan's story illustrates the incredible transformations that can occur when determination meets the right opportunity. If you're inspired to embark on your own journey of self-discovery, career change, or skill development, now is the time to take action.
At Masai School, we believe in unlocking the potential within you. Our comprehensive programs provide the skills and support you need to thrive in the tech industry, just like Chandan did. Whether you're a recent graduate, career switcher, or aspiring coder, our no-upfront-fee model, passionate instructors, and vibrant community can guide you toward success.
Don't let doubts or financial constraints hold you back. It's your time to shine, and we're here to help you every step of the way. Join our community of learners, innovators, and achievers, and together, we'll build a brighter future.
Take the first step toward your dreams. Enroll in Masai School today and start your journey to a rewarding tech career.