Beyond Boundaries: Leaps and Discovery
I clocked 23 years a few days ago, and i truly do not understand how i feel. The number itself sounds so weird, as if i haven’t quite shed the image of being daddy’s little Benazir just yesterday.
Two years ago, I had no idea that stepping into the Business world would become a defining moment of my life. Although I was apprehensive, I also understood the imperative of taking action to carve my own path. There were moments when doubt crept in and I questioned my capacity for success. Developing a business acumen is strange, and there is no one-way approach to it. About a million and one people have their business traditions, each with their distinct strategies. Hats off to Entrepreneurs.
Let’s talk about discovering your career path — A journey that takes unexpected turns. As a Computer Science graduate, I expected to work in a company where I do a lot of Coding, Analytics, Cloud engineering or Artificial Intelligence modeling. Little did I know that Allah has a plan of guiding me into the realm of Business and Partnerships. This transition was a rollercoaster of emotions; initial fear of the vague, adaptation, genuine interest and a constant boomerang between boredom and delight. I had always considered myself a perfectionist, but working as a Partner Program Analyst as well as an Enterprise Sales Practitioner proved to be a test beyond my wildest expectations. I was unfamiliar with this world, zero prior knowledge, interest or experience therein. I convinced myself to believe there was nothing ‘Smart Benazir’ couldn’t conquer.
I was in for a surprise as I made my fair share of mistakes, occasionally irritating myself along the way. As Warren Buffet aptly put it, “You cannot have a baby next month by impregnating nine women today.” Just like Rome wasn’t built in a day, it took me a year to truly find my comfort zone within my role.
You know what’s cooler than being cool? Achieving your goals! And you know what’s even cooler? Knowing that others just like you have already paved the way. There is no discipline beyond your reach, unless you never attempt it. The Business world turned out to be a space i didn’t realize i needed. Thanks to it, i gained invaluable insights, helping me clarify my ambitions and future career. It ignited my interest in Digital Transformation and Innovation — basically a realm where technology meets business, to address human needs. So, do not let low self-esteem hold you back.
Returning to the heart of why I’m sharing this article, I’m excited to have a redirection of my career path into the world of cloud. I am leaving my department to join the cloud operations. Cloud is one of the top technologies that drive digital transformation, and i have long admired the expertise of cloud engineers. This transition brings me back to my true passion — Technology. As thrilled as I am, I would be remiss not to acknowledge a touch of nervousness as I anticipate the significant change it would bring to my life. I hope that Allah makes it easy and rewarding.
Time and again, we must ask ourselves questions about how we can fortify our careers, keep pace with the evolving world and navigate the realm of AI. But these questions are not solely technical, they should be ethical questions. Societal questions. Economic questions. Safety questions. Oops how did i end up discussing AI? It’s almost an obsession of mine. AI certainly covers a lot of territory, doesn’t it?
That being said, there are countless individuals who are considering transition between disciplines but hesitate, for whatever reasons. This is a CTA for you to take that daring leap. Remember it doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment. I’m also not suggesting you to go from being a doctor or lawyer to become an architect. That would be a bit chaotic, lol.
Until another time, again.
All my love,
Benazir
