How to Get a Job in Tech with Ayman El-Ghazali, Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft
Ayman El-Ghazali is a Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft.
Ayman joins the podcast to discuss how his international background allowed him to build the perseverance to break into tech, and what you can learn from it.
Connect with Ayman to learn more.
Listen to the Podcast Here, or Find it Wherever You Get Your Podcasts:
Here are Five Things We Cover:
- Persistence pays off: Ayman’s journey involved years of networking, studying, and interviewing before landing a position at Microsoft. His story highlights the importance of resilience and not giving up on your goals.
- Perspective shapes reactions to technology: Ayman explores how people’s experiences, roles, and attitudes can greatly influence their reactions to new technologies. Understanding different perspectives can help us better navigate and adapt to technological advancements.
- Networking and community involvement: Ayman found job opportunities and valuable resources through networking events and professional associations. Being active in your industry’s community can open doors and provide invaluable support during your career journey.
- Curiosity and continuous learning: Ayman’s passion for learning extends beyond his core expertise. They emphasize the importance of staying curious, being open to new topics, and having a general awareness of different technologies and industries.
- Actionable decision-making: Ayman reminds us that having access to vast amounts of data is meaningless if we fail to take action based on it. Making informed decisions supported by good data is essential for personal and professional growth.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
Embrace Resilience and Persistence:
Ayman’s journey underscores the importance of resilience and persistence in pursuing your dreams. Despite facing numerous hurdles, setbacks, and years of interviewing, Ayman never gave up. His story reminds us that it’s crucial to stay focused on our goals, even in the face of adversity.
Actionable Tip: Develop a mindset of resilience by reframing challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember that setbacks are temporary and can serve as stepping stones to success. Keep pushing forward, learning from each experience, and maintaining a persistent attitude towards your goals.
Foster Curiosity and Continuous Learning:
Ayman’s commitment to curiosity and continuous learning played a significant role in his success. They emphasized the importance of exploring different subjects, technologies, and cultures to broaden knowledge and perspectives. By embracing curiosity, Ayman was able to expand his expertise beyond his primary focus on data.
Actionable Tip: Cultivate a passion for learning by exploring topics outside of your comfort zone. Engage in professional associations, attend seminars, join online communities, and seek out mentors who can expand your knowledge and introduce you to new opportunities. Embracing lifelong learning will keep you agile and adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.
Translate Data into Action
One of the most compelling points Ayman made was the importance of taking action based on good data. They highlighted the pitfalls of analysis paralysis and stressed the need for actionable decisions grounded in data-driven insights. Successful individuals understand that gathering information is only valuable when it leads to action.
Actionable Tip: Leverage data to inform decision-making in your professional pursuits. Identify key metrics and gather relevant information to gain insights into the challenges you face. However, remember that data alone is not enough; take the necessary steps to translate your findings into actionable plans and measurable outcomes. Embrace a proactive mindset to ensure your efforts are not in vain.