Interviewee
I began my programming journey back in grade 10 at the Bahir Dar American Corner, where I was first introduced to VEX robotics and C++. At the time, I didn’t take it very seriously — I found it difficult to understand, especially since I was more interested in pursuing a career in physics or chemistry.
However, with persistence and guidance from our teacher, I eventually grasped Arduino programming using C++. That foundational knowledge led me and my friends to participate in the iCog Labs' Solve IT competition in 2011. We didn’t win, but that experience was a turning point — it made me realize that programming was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.
Later, when I joined university, I decided to study Software Engineering. Since then, I’ve worked hard to improve myself by building projects, both independently and in collaboration with friends. Today, I’m a full-stack developer working at an organization called Vistec.
I began my programming journey back in grade 10 at the Bahir Dar American Corner, where I was first introduced to VEX robotics and C++. At the time, I didn’t take it very seriously — I found it difficult to understand, especially since I was more interested in pursuing a career in physics or chemistry.
However, with persistence and guidance from our teacher, I eventually grasped Arduino programming using C++. That foundational knowledge led me and my friends to participate in the iCog Labs' Solve IT competition in 2011. We didn’t win, but that experience was a turning point — it made me realize that programming was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.
Later, when I joined university, I decided to study Software Engineering. Since then, I’ve worked hard to improve myself by building projects, both independently and in collaboration with friends. Today, I’m a full-stack developer working at an organization called Vistec.
Interviewer
Okay, so here’s my next question do you usually work with a team? And if you do, what are some of the challenges you've faced when collaborating with others?
Okay, so here’s my next question do you usually work with a team? And if you do, what are some of the challenges you've faced when collaborating with others?
Interviewee
Yes, I have a team. Fortunately, some of my childhood friends and I ended up joining the same university, which gave us a unique opportunity to grow together. With a few of them, we regularly collaborate on projects — and it's been a great experience.
Working as a team isn’t difficult when everyone shares the same goal. Of course, there are challenges along the way, but most of them can be resolved through open discussion and clear communication. That mutual understanding and shared purpose make collaboration effective.
Yes, I have a team. Fortunately, some of my childhood friends and I ended up joining the same university, which gave us a unique opportunity to grow together. With a few of them, we regularly collaborate on projects — and it's been a great experience.
Working as a team isn’t difficult when everyone shares the same goal. Of course, there are challenges along the way, but most of them can be resolved through open discussion and clear communication. That mutual understanding and shared purpose make collaboration effective.
Interviewer
Alright, next question what’s your take on AI?Some people argue that using AI diminishes one’s capacity or ability and doesn’t count as real writing. Additionally, what percentage of your work involves AI?
Alright, next question what’s your take on AI?Some people argue that using AI diminishes one’s capacity or ability and doesn’t count as real writing. Additionally, what percentage of your work involves AI?
Interviewee
Great question. Personally, I believe we should definitely use AI — but the real question is when to use it.
If you're just starting out as a developer, relying on AI too early can actually hold you back. When you're still learning a programming language, using AI to write code for you might prevent you from fully understanding the syntax and structure. Even without AI, many beginners struggle to write simple code at first — and skipping that learning curve can limit your problem-solving skills and affect your work habits in the long run.
However, once you’ve built a solid foundation and become more confident and skilled, AI becomes a powerful tool. At that point, it can help you handle repetitive tasks, save time, and even assist you in tackling more complex problems — not by doing the thinking for you, but by supporting your workflow.
Great question. Personally, I believe we should definitely use AI — but the real question is when to use it.
If you're just starting out as a developer, relying on AI too early can actually hold you back. When you're still learning a programming language, using AI to write code for you might prevent you from fully understanding the syntax and structure. Even without AI, many beginners struggle to write simple code at first — and skipping that learning curve can limit your problem-solving skills and affect your work habits in the long run.
However, once you’ve built a solid foundation and become more confident and skilled, AI becomes a powerful tool. At that point, it can help you handle repetitive tasks, save time, and even assist you in tackling more complex problems — not by doing the thinking for you, but by supporting your workflow.
Interviewer
That's a great perspective! I think you might’ve missed the last part of the question what percentage of your work actually involves AI?
That's a great perspective! I think you might’ve missed the last part of the question what percentage of your work actually involves AI?
Interviewee
Hard to put it in number. but for the things that are repeated , i used AI very often .
Hard to put it in number. but for the things that are repeated , i used AI very often .
Interviewer
Great here’s my next question. How do you personally use or collaborate with AI? And when it comes to junior developers learning new languages or frameworks, what’s your take? Personally, I don’t think it should take four or five months to get up to speed with a new tool AI can really help streamline and accelerate the learning process. What advice would you give on making the most of AI in that context?
Great here’s my next question. How do you personally use or collaborate with AI? And when it comes to junior developers learning new languages or frameworks, what’s your take? Personally, I don’t think it should take four or five months to get up to speed with a new tool AI can really help streamline and accelerate the learning process. What advice would you give on making the most of AI in that context?
Interviewee
I don't think the amount of time you spend learning is what truly matters — what really counts is how deeply you understand a framework or programming language. In the end, you're not chosen for a role just because you know a little bit of everything; you're chosen because you're exceptionally good at something.
So take your time. Build a strong foundation.
And yes, absolutely use AI — it's a great tool. But be mindful: it should support your learning and productivity, not replace your thinking. If you rely on it too much too early, it can negatively affect your work habits and make you dependent, which limits your growth as a developer
I don't think the amount of time you spend learning is what truly matters — what really counts is how deeply you understand a framework or programming language. In the end, you're not chosen for a role just because you know a little bit of everything; you're chosen because you're exceptionally good at something.
So take your time. Build a strong foundation.
And yes, absolutely use AI — it's a great tool. But be mindful: it should support your learning and productivity, not replace your thinking. If you rely on it too much too early, it can negatively affect your work habits and make you dependent, which limits your growth as a developer
❤8
Interviewer
Okay,What advice do you have for freshman students regarding which department to join and other considerations?
Okay,What advice do you have for freshman students regarding which department to join and other considerations?
Interviewee
It's important to study the job market before choosing your field of study — understanding which skills and departments are in demand can help you make better decisions about your career. But at the same time, it's just as important to follow your passion.
Just because a certain field is known for being lucrative doesn’t mean you’ll be successful in it — if you're not truly interested in what you're doing, it’ll be hard to stay motivated or grow.
For students interested in tech, my advice is to consider shorter tech programs or departments that don't take too many years to complete. The truth is, what you learn in university is often just the basics. Most of your real learning happens through self-study and on-the-job experience. Getting into the industry early even with a smaller academic background can often be more valuable than spending years in a long program.
In short: understand the market, follow your passion, and don’t wait too long to start gaining real-world experience.
It's important to study the job market before choosing your field of study — understanding which skills and departments are in demand can help you make better decisions about your career. But at the same time, it's just as important to follow your passion.
Just because a certain field is known for being lucrative doesn’t mean you’ll be successful in it — if you're not truly interested in what you're doing, it’ll be hard to stay motivated or grow.
For students interested in tech, my advice is to consider shorter tech programs or departments that don't take too many years to complete. The truth is, what you learn in university is often just the basics. Most of your real learning happens through self-study and on-the-job experience. Getting into the industry early even with a smaller academic background can often be more valuable than spending years in a long program.
In short: understand the market, follow your passion, and don’t wait too long to start gaining real-world experience.
Interviewer
Yeah your response was really insightful. here’s my next question. Many computing students including myself tend to shift focus after joining the department. We often shy away from classes and grades, choosing instead to prioritize self-learning and building projects. As a result, our academic performance sometimes takes a hit. But you’ve managed to excel both academically and in your skill development. What mindset or strategies helped you strike that balance?
Yeah your response was really insightful. here’s my next question. Many computing students including myself tend to shift focus after joining the department. We often shy away from classes and grades, choosing instead to prioritize self-learning and building projects. As a result, our academic performance sometimes takes a hit. But you’ve managed to excel both academically and in your skill development. What mindset or strategies helped you strike that balance?
Interviewee
This is just my personal perspective: I’ve been a high scorer since high school, and I think what helped me most was not just studying hard, but learning how to study effectively. I usually prepare for exams the day before, and although I don’t always attend every class, I try to pay close attention to what the teacher emphasizes that gives me a sense of what really matters.
That said, I don’t recommend focusing too much on grades. They don’t necessarily reflect your true potential, especially in the tech world. Instead, I believe you should focus on building projects. That’s what really pays off projects are what sharpen your skills, build your confidence, and make you stand out in the job market.
This is just my personal perspective: I’ve been a high scorer since high school, and I think what helped me most was not just studying hard, but learning how to study effectively. I usually prepare for exams the day before, and although I don’t always attend every class, I try to pay close attention to what the teacher emphasizes that gives me a sense of what really matters.
That said, I don’t recommend focusing too much on grades. They don’t necessarily reflect your true potential, especially in the tech world. Instead, I believe you should focus on building projects. That’s what really pays off projects are what sharpen your skills, build your confidence, and make you stand out in the job market.
Interviewer
Good,my next question is:
Some people in the field say that attending university is a waste of time. What are your thoughts on the value of university education in the field of programming?
Good,my next question is:
Some people in the field say that attending university is a waste of time. What are your thoughts on the value of university education in the field of programming?
Interviewee
This is still my personal take, and I believe it really depends on the individual.
If someone is self-motivated, disciplined, and capable of learning on their own, then leaving university to focus on building a career might actually be the right move. It can give you the time and freedom to pursue real-world projects and grow faster in the industry.
However, if you're not that dedicated or consistent, it becomes a risky path. University provides structure, a safety net, and a more guided learning environment which some people need.
Also, if you ever plan to participate in research, publish academic papers, or apply for international scholarships, then having a degree is essential. In those cases, formal education is not just helpful it’s a requirement.
So in the end, it’s about knowing yourself, your goals, and how committed you are to your path.
This is still my personal take, and I believe it really depends on the individual.
If someone is self-motivated, disciplined, and capable of learning on their own, then leaving university to focus on building a career might actually be the right move. It can give you the time and freedom to pursue real-world projects and grow faster in the industry.
However, if you're not that dedicated or consistent, it becomes a risky path. University provides structure, a safety net, and a more guided learning environment which some people need.
Also, if you ever plan to participate in research, publish academic papers, or apply for international scholarships, then having a degree is essential. In those cases, formal education is not just helpful it’s a requirement.
So in the end, it’s about knowing yourself, your goals, and how committed you are to your path.
❤1
Interviewer
That is right, next question is:
What did you learn during your 5 years in the Software Engineering department ,both in terms of your field of study and your social life?
That is right, next question is:
What did you learn during your 5 years in the Software Engineering department ,both in terms of your field of study and your social life?
Interviewee
Persistence is everything. There are moments when you feel like giving up life doesn’t always go according to plan. In our case, the war disrupted a lot of things, and it wasn’t easy to stay focused or motivated.
But what I’ve learned is that no matter how tough things get, if you keep going if you trust God, stay consistent, and keep working toward your goals success will eventually come. It may not happen right away, and it may not come how you imagined it, but persistence will always pay off.
Persistence is everything. There are moments when you feel like giving up life doesn’t always go according to plan. In our case, the war disrupted a lot of things, and it wasn’t easy to stay focused or motivated.
But what I’ve learned is that no matter how tough things get, if you keep going if you trust God, stay consistent, and keep working toward your goals success will eventually come. It may not happen right away, and it may not come how you imagined it, but persistence will always pay off.
🙏3
Interviewer
Wow, that's a great point. Persistence truly is the foundation behind every success story I really appreciate that thought. My next question is: Could you share a bit about your past internship at Afriwork? I think it was a paid internship?
Wow, that's a great point. Persistence truly is the foundation behind every success story I really appreciate that thought. My next question is: Could you share a bit about your past internship at Afriwork? I think it was a paid internship?
Interviewee
When I was at Afriwork, I wasn’t just a typical intern. I was actively involved in real company projects and had the chance to contribute meaningfully to the team. That experience exposed me to how a company is actually run and gave me the opportunity to collaborate with some incredibly talented people.
It wasn’t just about learning technical skills it was also about understanding teamwork, communication, and how things operate in a professional environment. That internship played a big role in helping me land my current jobs, and I genuinely value that period. I enjoyed it a lot.
When I was at Afriwork, I wasn’t just a typical intern. I was actively involved in real company projects and had the chance to contribute meaningfully to the team. That experience exposed me to how a company is actually run and gave me the opportunity to collaborate with some incredibly talented people.
It wasn’t just about learning technical skills it was also about understanding teamwork, communication, and how things operate in a professional environment. That internship played a big role in helping me land my current jobs, and I genuinely value that period. I enjoyed it a lot.
🙏3
Interviewer
Good,
In today's eras it is easier to build technical skills compared to the past. but What’s your perspective on soft skills like good communication, teamwork, and leadership etc? How can we develop these skills, and how have they benefited you personally?
Good,
In today's eras it is easier to build technical skills compared to the past. but What’s your perspective on soft skills like good communication, teamwork, and leadership etc? How can we develop these skills, and how have they benefited you personally?
Interviewee
Frankly speaking, I know I still have room to grow when it comes to soft skills. It's something I'm actively working on and trying to improve step by step.
Because of that, I wouldn’t consider myself the best example to give advice in this area but I believe that recognizing your own gaps is the first step toward getting better. And that’s the path I’m on.
Frankly speaking, I know I still have room to grow when it comes to soft skills. It's something I'm actively working on and trying to improve step by step.
Because of that, I wouldn’t consider myself the best example to give advice in this area but I believe that recognizing your own gaps is the first step toward getting better. And that’s the path I’m on.