Are you feeling stuck in your current career and dreaming of a path that could lead to a more exciting and fulfilling future? Aleksey Kurylev’s story is one that can inspire anyone seeking change. Born a musician, Aleksey never thought his life would be connected to the world of IT and programming. But life took him on a unique journey, one that eventually led him to become a successful Python developer. This blog post will take you through his incredible journey, highlighting key milestones, struggles, and valuable lessons he learned along the way. If you’re looking for motivation and practical advice to embark on your own career transformation, Aleksey’s story is the perfect inspiration.

First Steps in Programming

Aleksey’s initial foray into programming was not through the traditional route of university education or formal training. He stumbled upon the world of Python while living in Moscow and working in technical support. In between mundane chores, he found time to analyze the language and write scripts for system administration. His curiosity and self-driven learning were noticed by senior administrators, who began entrusting him with programming tasks. This was Aleksey’s first glimpse into the world of programming and the pivotal moment that set him on a new path.

A Defining Interview

Aleksey’s journey to becoming a Python developer was far from conventional. He never started as a Junior, but he had to go through an interview process that was a turning point in his life. Two experienced programmers assessed his knowledge and thought process, and though they initially determined he wasn’t ready, they didn’t reject him. Instead, they gave him reading materials to study and improve. Aleksey returned after two weeks, having absorbed the knowledge like a sponge and proved his worth. He received the job offer but declined due to the meager salary. Instead, he found work as a system administrator at a renowned company, where he continued his self-education as a programmer. From this experience, he realized the incredible motivation an interview could provide.

Embracing Change

At one point, Aleksey felt burned out from his administrative work, so he saved money and embarked on a six-month journey to India. His travels enriched him in ways he never imagined, improving his spoken English and providing a unique learning experience. He returned with a renewed determination to find a programming job, and this time he was better prepared. Aleksey also emphasizes the importance of immersing oneself in the language environment and the world of programming to accelerate learning.

Aleksey’s Professional Growth

In his first job as a Python developer, Aleksey was the sole backend developer in the company. It was a challenging experience, but it taught him valuable lessons. His second job marked a significant turning point as he became part of a team comprised of exceptionally skilled experts with a solid foundation in their field. Aleksey credits this team for introducing him to code culture and high development standards, which greatly contributed to his growth as a developer.

Aleksey’s Current Career

Today, Aleksey works remotely for an international company, offering him the flexibility to live in various places and explore the world while continuing his career. He acknowledges that remote work has its benefits but also requires hard work and dedication. He shares the excitement of experiencing new cultures and environments, making it a unique perk of his job.

Mentorship

Aleksey’s journey includes unexpected moments of mentorship. Leaving a Python and Django book at a friend’s place resulted in his friend becoming a programmer. Aleksey then started mentoring another friend who, despite having a full-time job, made significant progress in programming. This highlights the power of sharing knowledge and inspiring others to follow their passions.

Controversial Advice

Aleksey offers some unconventional advice for aspiring developers. He encourages you to try almost anything and stay in the middle of industry trends and hype. He stresses the importance of continuous practice and being open to suggestions. Moreover, he reminds us of the wisdom in not guessing when faced with ambiguity, drawing from the “zen of Python.”

Skills Maintenance and Growth

Aleksey’s secret to maintaining relevance as a developer is to do something new every day. This entails constant learning, reading, experimenting with other languages, and communicating with fellow developers. He occasionally collaborates with friends to develop web services for fun, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance in personal growth.

Top 3 Recommended Books for Newbies:

1. “Programming in Python 3.” A Complete Introduction to the Python Language by Mark Summerfield.

2. “Python Web Development with Django” by Wesley Chun, Paul Bissex, and Jeff Forcier.

3. “Clean Code” by Robert C. Martin, which, despite its Java-centric focus, offers valuable recommendations for all programmers.

Conclusion:

Aleksey Kurylev’s inspiring journey from a musician to a Python developer is a testament to the transformative power of determination, self-education, and perseverance. His story demonstrates that it’s never too late to embark on a new career path and that unconventional beginnings can lead to extraordinary destinations. Whether you’re a newbie aspiring to become a programmer or someone looking to switch careers, Aleksey’s story serves as a beacon of hope and motivation. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and never stop learning, for in the face of ambiguity, refuse the temptation to guess, and you’ll unlock endless possibilities in the world of Python development.