A Lawyer's Journey to Google Software Engineer at 39!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Zubin Pratap's Background
3. Learning to Code at a Later Age
4. Overcoming Obstacles and Fear
5. The Importance of Mindset
6. Landing a Job as a Software Developer
7. Working at Google
8. Making Difficult Career Decisions
9. Joining Chainlink Labs
10. Conclusion

Learning to Code at a Later Age and Building a Successful Career in Tech

In today's rapidly evolving world, a career in the tech industry has become an aspiration for many. While some choose this path from an early age, others discover their passion for coding later in life. One such individual is Zubin Pratap, who embarked on a remarkable Journey of learning to code at the age of 39 and went on to build a successful career in the tech industry.

Zubin Pratap's Background

Before diving into the intricacies of Zubin's coding journey, let's first explore his background. Zubin spent over 15 years as a lawyer, establishing a strong reputation in his field. However, a burning desire for something more led him to make a drastic career change. He delved into the world of technology, starting his own startup despite having no technical background.

Learning to Code at a Later Age

Learning to code at a later age can be both challenging and intimidating. Zubin faced these difficulties head-on, with his determination propelling him forward. He admitted that his initial attempts at learning to code were overwhelming due to the abundance of information available. However, his years of experience taught him the importance of identifying the minimum effective dose of skills required to outshine the competition in the job market.

Zubin's journey to becoming a software engineer was far from smooth. He initially enrolled in a coding bootcamp but soon realized it wasn't the right fit for him. Undeterred, he took matters into his own hands and became entirely self-taught. Through his own framework and meticulous planning, he developed a learning plan, which enabled him to overcome the challenges he faced.

Overcoming Obstacles and Fear

One significant obstacle Zubin encountered was the fear of failure. As a senior professional with a successful career, he worried about looking foolish while starting from scratch in a new field. However, he realized that the fear of failure shouldn't hold him back from pursuing his passion. He constantly reminded himself of his unwavering commitment and questioned whether he truly wanted to take the risk, even if failure was a possibility.

The Importance of Mindset

Zubin firmly believes that the right mindset is critical to success. He emphasizes that learning to code is just the first step; being a professional coder involves much more. He encourages aspiring developers to focus not only on technical skills but also on cultivating a growth mindset. By understanding the job market's demands and aligning their learning with the required skills, individuals can position themselves as valuable assets.

Landing a Job as a Software Developer

Zubin's journey didn't end with learning to code. He had to navigate the competitive landscape of job interviews and hiring processes. As someone who had been on the hiring side, he understood that candidates shouldn't measure their worth solely Based on interview outcomes. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and embracing failure as an opportunity for growth.

Working at Google

After successfully landing a job as a software engineer at Google, Zubin experienced the unique environment and culture of one of the most renowned tech companies. While he found fulfillment and great colleagues at Google, he eventually realized that larger corporations might limit his influence and ability to impact multiple aspects of the business. Additionally, personal circumstances played a role in his decision to explore other opportunities.

Making Difficult Career Decisions

Leaving Google was not an easy decision for Zubin. However, he believed that personal fulfillment, continuous learning, and being part of a team aligned with his values were more important than prestige or brand recognition. He made the transition to join Chainlink Labs, a company in the web 3 and crypto world. His decision was driven by his passion for learning and the opportunity to work with exceptional individuals who share his values.

Joining Chainlink Labs

Chainlink Labs operates at the intersection of blockchain technology and real-world applications. They specialize in secure data connections that utilize cryptographic methods, allowing the seamless integration of blockchain and non-blockchain systems. Zubin saw this as an opportunity to Continue his growth, work with a passionate team, and make a Meaningful impact.

Conclusion

Zubin Pratap's journey from being a lawyer to a successful software engineer exemplifies the power of determination, resilience, and embracing new challenges. Learning to code at a later age didn't deter him; instead, it fueled his desire to Create a fulfilling career in the tech industry. Zubin's story serves as an inspiration to aspiring developers, highlighting the importance of mindset, continuous learning, and making decisions based on personal fulfillment and growth.