From Selling Pani-Puri to Working as a Frontend Developer

Amol earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and worked in a hotel during college to support his expenses. While working part-time, he discovered his passion for the hotel industry and worked for 2 to 3 years. When the pandemic struck, he was jobless and decided to open his own pani puri stall with the intention of doing something good for himself.

His family was unhappy with his professional decision, so while working at a hotel, he was browsing YouTube when he came across a video of a talk with Abdul and learned about Masai. He expresses that his life is no longer the same; it has undergone a dramatic transformation for the better.

We recently spoke with Amol on his journey from pani puri vendor to frontend developer.

Amol's hard work to get into Masai

While Amol was selling Pani puri, it was difficult for him to convince his family because his family did not accept his idea of selling pani puri. He claims he stopped listening to everyone and believed he would do well in the field, but after a few months, he became tired of the boring routine and realised he was good at academics. He felt he wasn't utilizing his full ability and began looking for ways to study, which is when he discovered Masai.

Amol was not fluent in English, which was one of the requirements for acceptance at Masai. Whenever he had some free time, he would read the newspaper out loud in front of the mirror to make sure he felt confident when he took the MSAT.

It was Amol's first and only chance to enter Masai because he was about to reach the age limit of 28. Before taking the MSAT, he made certain that he had read through all of the online content.

When Amol initially embarked on his journey of selling Pani puri, he encountered resistance from his family, who were sceptical about his unconventional business idea. Despite their doubts, he remained determined. He chose to ignore the negative voices and fully embraced his belief in his ability to succeed in this field. Nevertheless, after a few months, the daily routine became monotonous, and he understood that his real talents were in academics.

Realising he wasn't fully utilising his potential, Amol actively sought opportunities to follow his passion for learning. It was during this quest that he stumbled upon Masai, a coding school that held the promise of a brighter future. The catch was that fluency in English was a prerequisite for admission to Masai, a language in which Amol was not yet proficient.

Undeterred by this language barrier, Amol dedicated his free time to improving his English skills. He diligently practised by reading newspapers aloud in front of the mirror, determined to build the confidence required to succeed in the Masai Selection Aptitude Test (MSAT).

Amol's pursuit of a spot at Masai held even greater significance because he was approaching the age limit of 28, leaving him with just one opportunity to secure admission. Prior to the MSAT, he left no stone unturned, meticulously studying all available online resources to ensure he was fully prepared for the crucial test.

Experience in Masai

Everything was new to Amol at first, which was frightening and overwhelming. He had a persistent feeling that it would be challenging and that he would fail. However, after a month, he became accustomed to the schedule and learned how to better manage his time. His eagerness to study and his fear that this decision would affect his life pushed him to overcome his apprehension.

Throughout these frightening times, all of the instructors and IAs (Instructional Associates) were really helpful. They assisted Amol in understanding assignments and resolving all of his worries. He received Async twice due to personal reasons but he did not give up hope because one of the IA reminded him that it is best to master everything before going on to the next unit.

"I was having problems understanding operators in JavaScript, but those extra sessions with my IA got me through it", says Amol.

Amol believes Masai has the best management system since everything is meticulously organised. He mentioned that now that he is working at his company; the training provided by Masai is paying off because he has more polished skills than his coworkers.

Construct week experience

During construct week, students get to try out a variety of activities, and Anmol says it has helped him learn how to work as part of a team. Construct week has taught him how to collaborate with everyone because everyone has different working styles and working at the same pace is important while working on a team project.

The hiring process

Amol was working hard to prepare for the interview. He had interviewed for approximately 10 - 11 companies prior to joining Gameopedia. He underwent two rounds of interviews at Gameopedia, one for technical and one for HR.

The hiring process at Gameopedia was quite an extensive journey for Amol. He dedicated significant time and effort to prepare thoroughly for his upcoming interview. It was a process marked by his determination to secure a position at the company.

Before joining Gameopedia, Amol had already accumulated a wealth of interview experience, having engaged in approximately 10 to 11 interviews with various companies. These experiences served as valuable learning opportunities, each one contributing to his growth and helping him refine his interview skills.

At Gameopedia, the hiring process consisted of two distinct rounds of interviews. The first round focused on technical assessments, where Amol was challenged to demonstrate his expertise and problem-solving abilities within his field of expertise. This round allowed the company to assess his technical proficiency and suitability for the role.

The second round was centred around HR, where Amol's interpersonal skills, cultural fit, and alignment with the company's values were evaluated. This phase was equally important, as it aimed to ensure that Amol had the technical skills and the personal attributes and values that aligned with Gameopedia's work culture and mission.

Throughout this rigorous hiring process, Amol's dedication and preparation played a pivotal role in securing his position at Gameopedia, demonstrating his commitment to pursuing career opportunities that matched his skills and ambitions.

Advice for future Masai students

He adds that Masai students will receive all the help they require to learn and grow. They will push you out of your comfort zone and ensure that you are gaining the skills that will benefit you in the future.

At Masai, students gain not only technical skills but also vital soft skills that can help them succeed in job interviews. The practical knowledge taught at Masai is something that you may not be able to learn even after four years at university.

FAQs

1: How did Amol Barkale transition from selling pani-puri to becoming a front-end developer at Gameopedia through Masai School?

Amol Barkale set out on a mission to become a front-end developer after starting out as a pani-puri vendor. After initially encountering pushback from his family and difficulties with the language, he learned about Masai School and diligently fought to gain enrollment. Masai's instruction helped him overcome obstacles and eventually land a job at Gameopedia.

2: What was Amol Barkale's experience like at Masai School, and how did the institution help him overcome his challenges?

At first, Amol Barkale found everything at Masai School to be unfamiliar and difficult, but he quickly adjusted to the routine and developed better time management skills. Instructors and Instructional Associates provided him with crucial assistance. Amol also discusses the implantation procedure and the advantages of Masai's training over that of his teammates.