Fakhriddin Abdurakhimov

Graduate of Inha University in Tashkent, School of Computer and Information Engineering.

In March 2023, I applied for the position of Software Engineer through the Google Careers website. Soon after, a recruiter contacted me, and we had a 15-20 minute phone call. At this stage, I talked about myself, answered questions about why Google, and provided an overview of my resume. After that, the first of several interviews was scheduled. There were about 5 interviews in total, but I wasn’t intimidated by the process.

In August, I accepted an offer from Google, and the visa application process began. All of this was a unique experience, and I sincerely wish it for everyone.

This significant milestone in my journey became possible thanks to Inha University in Tashkent. Here, I found friends acquired fundamental knowledge, and gained invaluable experience that made me a professional in my field. Initially, my path at Inha University in Tashkent started with advice from my parents, who were always there, supporting me in my decisions and guiding me through difficult moments of doubt. Family support in every endeavor turned out to be, is, and will always be a solid foundation for my personal and professional development.

What advice would you give to students based on your experience after graduating from university?

Study well:

The foundation you lay in university will be the basis of your career. All algorithmic interviews discuss optimal problem-solving in theory (Discrete Mathematics, Linear Algebra) and in practice (Operating Systems, Databases). Knowledge in areas like System Analysis will be useful in everyday work.

Participate in ICPC:

The International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) opens unique opportunities to test your skills in solving algorithmic problems. Reaching the finals not only confirms your outstanding competence but also attracts the recruiter’s attention. Additionally, I recommend paying attention to platforms like Codeforces.com and Kaggle.com, where you can showcase your skills and participate in interesting projects.

Participate in hackathons:

Hackathons allow you to try yourself in various roles, such as developer, project manager, UX/UI designer, and more. It’s also an excellent way to expand your skill set and find like-minded individuals.

Attend meetups and conferences:

Being present at meetups and conferences helps build a professional network, which can be beneficial for your future career and job search.

Be ready to learn:

It’s normal not to know everything at the beginning of your career. Be prepared to ask questions, accept feedback, and constantly improve. Openness to learning is a key aspect of a successful start in the professional field.

What key lessons from your work experience could be helpful for students starting their journey in the professional field?

Don’t compromise in choosing your path:

Find an area that truly inspires you and delve into it. Participation in team projects at university and hackathons will help you identify your interests. In the direction that inspires you, you will develop much faster than in something you’re not interested in.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

In the early stages of your career, it’s perfectly normal to ask obvious or seemingly silly questions. It’s better to be a “fool” for only 5 minutes than unable to understand something for 4 years. Remember that everyone went through the initial stage and understands the importance of learning.

Take notes of important information:

During work, try to take notes when something is explained to you. If possible, ask for permission to record the call. Repetitive questions are much worse than silly questions, and careful notes will help you grasp new concepts and tasks more quickly.

I wish everyone the best of luck!