Mohammed Othman

As a kid, I remember falling in love with my brother's noisy old computer running Windows 98. Exploring its every feature, from creating autorun for random files on CDs to designing covers in Photoshop or sometimes even in PowerPoint, was my first introduction to the world of technology. Even without internet, each day felt like an adventure, experimenting and discovering new things.

In high school, I wanted to study computer science, but things happened and I enrolled in architecture school. I quickly grew passionate about architecture, and slowly moved away from computers, though I was still closely connected but in a different way since all my work was done using design software.

Additionally, I did some graphic design work, and branding, and sometimes created simple posters for clients to survive. I enjoyed design and worked for a year in a printing company, creating tens of designs every day.

After finishing my bachelor’s degree, I started an MSc in Regional and Infrastructure Planning in Syria. Just before finishing my thesis, I received a scholarship and moved to Budapest to pursue another MSc in Architectural Design.

Reflecting on that period, especially after finishing my bachelor’s and starting the master’s programs, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do—architecture? Urban planning? Graphic design and branding? I loved all of these fields, and while they share common elements, it felt like a huge decision to make. What was I really passionate about? I didn’t know. However, I was certain that I loved creating things, solving problems, and sketching solutions.

After finishing my MSc in Budapest, I moved to the Netherlands. I was unsure which path to take for my career, but I started to feel that branding and graphic design were the right paths for me, with the added skill of learning how to create websites. I didn’t really understand how websites were made. One winter evening, while watching a YouTube video about websites, I learned about WordPress, Webflow, and the distinction between websites and web applications, as well as the concept of “custom code.” That was when I realized I wanted to learn to code. After some research, I found out that it’s a vast career path. I hesitated, wondering if I should pursue this, considering my 10 years of studying architecture and planning.

It seemed like a big decision and a huge challenge, but I had faced many challenges since moving to the Netherlands, so I thought, why not add one more? It wouldn’t make much difference. After thinking a lot about it, I was aware that making this big shift didn’t mean discarding my old experience and knowledge; many of those skills are transferable.

Thinking again about my childhood passion, I realized if not now, it might never happen. So, I took the leap and applied to HackYourFuture, a full-stack development bootcamp. I completed the assignment and was accepted into the program. From the start, I felt the joy of learning every single concept of JavaScript, and the other modules of the curriculum.

After finishing the program, I wanted to work where things are built from scratch—thinking about innovative ideas, solving problems, shaping user experiences, and developing concepts. I was lucky to join Miyagami as a full-stack developer intern, and I’m very happy to work with the team, discussing the best solutions. The team here is fantastic—collaborative, supportive, and always up for a challenge.

I remember when I was in university, one of my professors once said, "You will be a different person after you start studying architecture. You'll walk down the street, notice every detail of a building, analyze it, and think about it." That was completely true for me. And the same transformation happened when I entered the world of web development. Now, whenever I use a website or an app, I find myself analyzing every detail, thinking about how it was built, how I would approach it, and wondering if I'll ever work on something similar.

That’s how I returned to web development. Looking back, it’s clear that every twist and turn in my journey has led me to where I am today. It’s amazing how life’s unexpected paths can bring you to the right place at the right time. I’m grateful for taking that decision and for being at Miyagami today. I’m excited to see what we will create next.