My Journey as a Software Developer: From Intern to Senior Specialist
Looking back at my career journey, I’m amazed at how much I’ve grown since my first day as a Web Development Intern at Saudi Aramco. What started as curiosity about technology has evolved into a passion for building scalable, impactful software solutions.
The Beginning: Saudi Aramco Internship (2019-2020)
My journey began with a 7-month internship at Saudi Aramco, where I got my first taste of real-world software development. I worked on automating data entry processes and contributed to HR content management systems.
The experience taught me the importance of understanding business requirements and how technology can solve real problems. Receiving a formal recommendation letter validated my potential and motivated me to pursue software development seriously.
Intensive Learning: SAFCSP Bootcamp (2021)
The .NET Bootcamp at SAFCSP was a turning point. Four months of intensive training in full-stack development gave me a solid foundation in:
- .NET Core fundamentals and advanced concepts
- Database design and implementation
- Modern web development practices
- Best practices and real-world project experience
This program didn’t just teach me to code – it taught me to think like a software engineer.
Building Experience: Lean Business Services (2021-2023)
At Lean Business Services, I had the opportunity to work on diverse, high-impact projects that shaped my technical expertise:
Tetaman Rebuild Project
Migrating a monolithic application to microservices architecture using .NET Core and Docker was my first major architecture challenge. This project taught me about:
- Microservices design patterns
- Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes
- Database optimization and scaling
Tele-Health Platform
Building a real-time consultation platform integrated with SEHA using SAML authentication exposed me to:
- Real-time communication with WebSockets and ZeroMQ
- Healthcare industry compliance requirements
- Complex system integrations
Developer Automation Tools
Creating database schema comparison tools with zero-data-loss policies taught me the critical importance of:
- Data integrity in enterprise systems
- Building tools that other developers rely on
- Performance optimization at scale
Current Role: Senior Software Development Specialist at SAFCSP (2023-Present)
Returning to SAFCSP as a Senior Software Development Specialist has been incredibly rewarding. I now lead the design and development of internal software solutions that streamline organizational workflows.
My role involves:
- Strategic Collaboration: Working directly with business units to align technical solutions with organizational goals
- Automation Leadership: Identifying and implementing automation opportunities that increase operational efficiency
- Technical Mentorship: Sharing knowledge and best practices with team members
Key Learnings and Growth
Technical Evolution
My technical stack has grown from basic web development to encompass:
- Backend: .NET Core, Node.js, Python
- Frontend: React, Vue.js, modern JavaScript
- Databases: MSSQL, PostgreSQL
- DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes (CKA certified), CI/CD
- Architecture: Microservices, cloud-native solutions
Soft Skills Development
Technical skills are just part of the equation. I’ve learned that successful software development requires:
- Communication: Translating technical concepts for business stakeholders
- Problem-Solving: Breaking down complex challenges into manageable solutions
- Continuous Learning: Staying current with evolving technologies and best practices
Looking Forward
As I continue my journey, I’m excited about:
- Advanced Education: Pursuing my Professional Master’s in Computer Networks at KFUPM
- Emerging Technologies: Exploring cloud-native architectures and modern development practices
- Knowledge Sharing: Contributing to the developer community through mentorship and content creation
Advice for Aspiring Developers
For those starting their software development journey:
- Build Real Projects: Theory is important, but hands-on experience is invaluable
- Embrace Challenges: Every complex project teaches you something new
- Focus on Fundamentals: Strong basics in algorithms, data structures, and design patterns will serve you throughout your career
- Stay Curious: Technology evolves rapidly – maintain a learning mindset
- Understand the Business: The best developers understand not just how to build software, but why it matters
Conclusion
Software development is more than just writing code – it’s about solving problems, creating value, and continuously growing. Each role has taught me something different, and I’m grateful for the journey that has brought me to where I am today.
The path hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding. If you’re considering a career in software development or are early in your journey, my advice is simple: stay curious, keep building, and never stop learning.
Want to connect? Feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn or GitHub. I’m always happy to discuss technology, share experiences, or help fellow developers on their journey.