We kicked off the “Behind the Byte” series on Newzchain with tons of enthusiasm and a clear vision: to spotlight the stories of techies from all walks of life. And let me tell you, our vision is taking off.
Over the past few weeks, we've featured some incredibly talented blockchain developers. But our tech love doesn't stop there — we're branching out to connect with developers from all sorts of backgrounds.
This week, we had the pleasure of chatting with Marungsha Brahma, the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of LogisticsW3 (LW3).
The insights he shared are nothing short of priceless. So, grab a cup of coffee and dive in with us as we explore Brahma's journey and the wisdom he's gained along the way.
Blending Learning Paths in Development
Data from a Stack Overflow study reveals that 60.1 percent of developers have participated in online programming or software development courses, like MOOCs or boot camps. Additionally, 86.8 percent have independently learned new languages, frameworks, or tools without formal coursework.
According to a HackerRank report, 27.4 percent of developers consider themselves entirely self-taught, while another 37.7 percent have supplemented their formal education with online courses or self-directed learning.
In fact, when it comes to fields like data science, machine learning, or data engineering, 56% have said they studied independently.
This kind of blend of formal education and self-learning is now a common trend among developers in the industry. And it is indeed showing good signs, producing talented individuals.
Brahma also started with development on a similar note when he persuaded his father to buy him an Android tablet after his class 12th final exam.
"I was fascinated by app development and eagerly began learning how to create apps. This sparked my passion, and from there, my journey has been filled with numerous ups and downs, leading me to where I am today," Brahma shared.
This early exposure to app development laid the foundation for his future career.
On the academic front, Brahma holds a B.Tech from IIT ISM Dhanbad and an M.Tech from IIT Guwahati. His formal education at these institutions provided a robust foundation in engineering principles. However, Brahma emphasized that much of his expertise came from self-learning and hands-on projects.
Brahman’s Role as a CTO
As the CTO of LW3, Brahma is spearheading several innovative projects. One of the most exciting developments is the Phygital Passport for essential goods. This project integrates physical and digital elements, combining IoT devices like non-cloneable NFC and QR codes with blockchain technology.
LW3 focuses on leveraging IoT and blockchain to achieve full-stack traceability, enhancing trust and transparency in logistics and throughout the supply chain.
When asked about hurdles he encountered on his journey to becoming a CTO and the lessons learned from those challenges, Brahman shared that reaching the CTO position is a considerable achievement.
He also pointed out that it demands not only profound technical expertise but also a wide range of skills such as leadership, strategic vision, and business acumen. And these abilities are typically cultivated over time, through a variety of projects and roles rather than from a single experience.
“Fortunately, I was able to acquire these essential skills over the years by working with different startups and companies, each providing unique opportunities for growth and learning,” said Brahma.
Blueprint for Tech Newbies
For those eyeing a career in the tech sector, Brahma emphasized a proactive and dynamic approach. Focus on building a robust foundation in core tech skills, and don't shy away from diving into projects and open-source contributions. These hands-on experiences are invaluable, not only for skill development but also for understanding real-world applications of technology.
Brahma also highlighted the importance of soft skills, which are often underestimated in the tech world. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities can set you apart in a technical environment. Moreover, seeking mentorship and understanding the business impact of technological solutions can provide a significant edge in your career.
“It's not just about coding; it’s about creating solutions that address real business challenges, emphasizing the strategic aspect of tech roles,” emphasized Brahma.
Looking ahead, Brahma is particularly excited about the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology. Recent developments in AI, like generative AI models that can create realistic images or text, and blockchain innovations such as decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, are reshaping industries.
To stay ahead, he suggests that aspiring developers continuously learn and upskill, particularly in these areas. Platforms offering courses on AI and blockchain are abundant and can provide a jumpstart into these fields.
By maintaining a balance between technical acumen, soft skills, and an understanding of industry trends, tech aspirants can not only enter the field but thrive in it.
As Brahma puts it, “Stay curious and adaptable—it's the best way to ensure relevance in an ever-evolving industry.”
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
