Twenty years ago, I was in my high school Computer Studies class, learning about buffers, the difference between RAM and ROM, and algorithms that I could never fully understand. Looking back, I guess those were the things that determined my final grade in the subject.
When I had to decide whether to continue Computer Studies at ‘A’ level, I hesitated. First, I did not fully grasp the algorithm exercises. Second, some students had teachers who gave them useful tips during mock exams, which helped them pass with flying colours. Third, I loved sciences, especially Biology, and feared I would not be able to keep up with both sciences and the full project required in Computer Studies. Also, my school did not allow combining Biology and Computer Studies.
After high school, I went around universities and considered applying for a Computer degree at the University of Mauritius. The lecturer told me that A level Computer Studies was required, which I did not have. So, I chose a BSc in Agriculture, which included the mixed sciences I loved. During the first year, I enjoyed my course and was fine that I had not chosen Computer Studies, because back then, from what I observed, people with a Computer degree often had jobs which involved resolving computer issues – a work that did not appeal to me.
Over time, computer jobs in Mauritius evolved. Computer engineering roles gave way to website development and creation of applications. I was curious and wanted to know how to make apps, but I never came across any appealing courses on that, so I never pursued it.
Computer engineering roles focused on maintaining software and hardware and resolving computer issues. Website development involved writing dozens of lines of code just to make an ‘OK’ button work, which seemed nonsensical to me. I always imagined computers as powerful tools for executing meaningful tasks, without unnecessary complexity.
Then came Data Analysis and Data Science. Eventually, this evolution captured my attention. Gathering data, analyzing it, and predicting trends – that felt truly powerful. It took me twenty years, but I finally found something that genuinely interested me.
And that is how my journey in the IT sector begins!