I would summarize my journey into tech as a combination of pure luck and persistent effort. I can't deny the blessings that Allah has given me. My background is quite unconventional - I'm not a CS/IT graduate. I started with Foundation Studies in Islamic Studies, followed by a Master's in Usuluddin (Quran and Hadith Studies). While my career path might seem unusual, it all stemmed from my genuine interests and aspirations.

During my final semester, I felt drawn back to my old passion. My interest in computers had actually begun in Form 2 (equivalent to 8th grade). I had previously explored low-level programming languages like BASIC and C++, reading several books on them. Later, I discovered other technologies, including WordPress and FTP hosting using FileZilla.

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To begin my tech journey in earnest, I reached out to some old school friends for guidance. Armed with a gaming laptop - a gift from my brother - I dove into the world of programming. I invested some money in programming learning resources, with my first purchase being 'Kitab Fullstack' by Omar Mokhtar. I supplemented this with various Udemy video tutorials.

After 7-8 months of self-study, feeling somewhat prepared for an IT career, I started applying for positions at tech companies. Most of these were IT Support roles. When this initial job search proved unsuccessful, I considered pursuing Professional Certifications. However, the high costs (RM 3000+ or ~$700+) made this challenging.

Fortune smiled upon me when I discovered the PENJANA KPT Career Advancement Programme. This program provided practical training that simulated working in a professional tech environment. There, I connected with other IT enthusiasts, many of whom were IT graduates. One participant encouraged me to apply for Maybank's Graduate Trainee program. Through Allah's grace, I successfully passed all the interviews, including the take-home assignment and face-to-face rounds.

I then served as a Backend Developer (NodeJS) at Maybank for 1 year and 4 months, during which my career underwent several transformative changes. This has been my journey into IT as a self-taught developer. There's immense satisfaction in seeing how every ringgit and minute invested has paid off. My message to others: Don't be afraid to try. With strong determination and effort, nothing is impossible.

Key takeaways from my journey:
1. Non-traditional backgrounds can be an advantage, bringing unique perspectives
2. Self-learning requires dedication and strategic resource investment
3. Networking and community connections play a crucial role
4. Professional training programs can bridge the gap between self-study and employment
5. Persistence in job searching eventually pays off
6. Faith and effort ('usaha') go hand in hand
7. The tech industry values skills and capability over formal credentials

This journey showcases how passion, determination, and the right opportunities can lead to successful career transitions, even from seemingly unrelated fields like Islamic Studies to Software Development.