We all traverse various paths before finding our true calling. My journey took a turn when I shifted from a thriving freelance web developer role to working at Behsazan Mellat, an IT company primarily serving the banking sector, overseeing some of the largest national projects in the banking and payment industry.
As a freelance web developer, I was immersed in a sea of varied industries. I developed websites and digital solutions for an array of businesses. From small enterprises in the tools and hardware market to large-scale import and export companies and manufacturers, the spectrum of my clientele was broad and diverse. One of my most memorable projects was for a industrial hardware and electrodes dealer, which presented unique challenges and learning experiences that I still carry with me.
This whirlwind journey through different industries not only expanded my skillset but also offered invaluable insights into how different businesses operate. My freelance work wasn\’t just about developing websites; it was about creating digital identities that reflected the ethos of these businesses, which often necessitated understanding their operation and culture.
However, amidst this dynamic freelance work, a new opportunity beckoned. I was offered a role at Behsazan Mellat, a company dedicated to developing and maintaining core banking systems, digital banking platforms, and payment solutions for Bank Mellat, one of Iran\’s major commercial banks. While this was a significant shift from my freelance career, I was excited about the possibilities it held.
I began as a web developer, primarily overseeing the revamp of one of the company\’s projects\’ training website, which was a side project at the time. But soon, my role started to evolve. I transitioned into a project analyst position, heralding my foray into project management—a field that would become a cornerstone of my professional life in the years to come.
Working in the banking industry\’s IT sector was a marked departure from my past experiences. The stakes were higher, the projects more complex, and the systems more robust. But, with my background in diverse industries, I was well-equipped to navigate this new terrain.
Meanwhile, even as I settled into my new role at Behsazan Mellat, my freelance work continued to be a significant part of my professional journey. I continued to serve my old clients, creating and updating their websites while juggling my full-time job. These freelance projects, albeit fewer and farther between due to my hectic schedule, kept me connected to my roots as a web developer.
Looking back, my journey from freelance web development to the IT sector in banking might seem like a drastic shift. But in reality, it was a natural progression fueled by my constant quest for growth and learning. Each step along the way has equipped me with unique skills and insights that I continue to leverage in my current role.
In the upcoming articles, I will delve deeper into my journey into project management and how it has shaped my career. Stay tuned for more!