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Michael Sampson is a software developer. In that capacity, he creates various software for companies which in turn make their daily processes simpler.
Michael’s educational journey was not the conventional one. He is a past student of Brickdam Secondary School and during his time there he aspired to become a doctor.
However in his last term in 4th form his Information Technology teacher sparked his love for coding during lessons. From then onwards he began doing research on coding and the plethora of careers he can potentially go into that are coding related.”
He said, “There are endless possibilities with the knowledge of being able to code.
After graduating from Brickdam I decided to enrol at the Government Technical Institute (GTI), to pursue Computer Science based on feedback from former students.”
After graduating from GTI, Michael topped his class. His goal was never to attend The University of Guyana but rather he sought for mentors in the software development industry and worked alongside them to break himself into the field by using their experience and guidance. He worked with them and that’s exactly what he continued to do after graduating from GTI.
“I reached out to my uncle who was already years into the industry and he took me under his wing and taught me industry practices and answered all my questions,” added Michael.
Further he said, “Of course, my decision to not attend University to do Computer Science was not looked upon as a favourable decision and I got a lot of discouraging words from friends, family and even teachers but I knew what I wanted and how I was going to get there and I stuck with it. You see that’s the thing about coding and also the thing I love most about it, it reinforces the belief that there is no one way to get something done.”
While at GTI, he attended an IT seminar hosted by STARR Computers, where STEMGuyana presented. He noted, “There they [STEMGuyana] told us about what they do and their vision, and that message resonated with me. I then proceeded to join this organisation and volunteer my time. I volunteered sometimes after school or work and also on the weekends. These sessions were spent training newcomers in robotics, working on various projects, or learning new technologies. Also, this is where I found my other mentor Ms. Karen Abrams.”
Michael chose software development because it allowed him to bring various ideas to life and put my problem-solving skills to use daily.
Michael faces various challenges, but by reflecting on his various accomplishments and guidance from his support system, he overcame some of his challenges.
He added, “One challenge I face is feeling like I’m not doing enough for my age and I cope with this by going back over everything I’ve done so far and being appreciative of them.”
Graduating at the top of his class at GTI and his journey to where he is currently by unconventional means despite all the negative things he was told when he decide to pursue software development on this route are achievements that Michael is proud of.
Most of his skills were developed by spending nights behind projects. Even when he had errors and had to redo projects or times when he reached out to m
his mentors because he needed some guidance. As such it is safe to say that coding is a practical skill and can only be developed by practising on various projects.
“Your dedication to your craft and having a mentor are going to make all the difference,” is Michael’s advice for young tech enthusiasts.
Michael has been developing Information systems and mobile apps for companies for a little over three years. During his 3+yrs experience working with V75 Inc.
Michael and team developed software solutions for Muneshwers Limited, Guyana Tourism Authority, and the recently built FerryPass Platform.
In the future, Michael plans to have his very own tech company that will make a positive impact on Guyana and the world by extension.
