“In tech, every setback is an opportunity to learn, and every success is a step forward,” Eldar reflects. “It’s the resilience to keep pushing that makes all the difference.”
In the dynamic world of technology, resilience is often the backbone of success. At Ivy Tech, we’re proud to highlight the journey of one of our remarkable software developers, Eldar, whose story exemplifies adaptability, determination, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. From his first coding exercises in college to securing a scholarship at a top university and embracing the rapid evolution of data engineering and AI, Eldar’s journey offers valuable insights for anyone aiming to thrive in tech.
Eldar’s journey began in college when his father, a computer scientist, gave his first task. What started as a casual task quickly evolved into a deep interest, and Eldar soon found himself immersed in competitive programming. Driven by his competitive spirit and love for problem-solving, he went on to win multiple local competitions in Azerbaijan. These early successes confirmed that he’d found his calling and fueled his desire to build a career in IT.
Eldar’s first professional breakthrough came when he landed a job as a data scientist at Azerbaijan’s largest bank. This role gave him hands-on experience with real-world data challenges and taught him valuable lessons that extended far beyond the classroom. Over five years, Eldar honed his skills across various roles—Backend Development, Data Science, DevOps, and Data Engineering. This versatility not only broadened his technical expertise but also showed him the importance of adapting to different demands in the tech field.
“Being able to shift between roles is essential in tech,” Eldar explains. “Every skill you pick up adds to your toolkit, and you never know when it will come in handy.”
For Eldar, attending a top-tier university was a long-standing goal. However, diverse obstacles initially kept this dream out of reach. Determined to push forward, Eldar applied tirelessly to the top 50 universities over several years, facing multiple setbacks. Finally, Eldar has been accepted to the Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Science (MSE) program at The Johns Hopkins University. His persistence paid off when he won a government scholarship from Azerbaijan. This milestone was one of his proudest moments—a celebration of hard work, resilience, and the support of his family and friends.
When he received the scholarship, Eldar felt a sense of accomplishment that went beyond personal success. This achievement was a symbol of overcoming obstacles, and it motivated him to aim even higher in his career.
The tech landscape has seen immense change in recent years, especially with the rise of data engineering and AI. Eldar has not only witnessed these shifts but has adapted to them, staying on the cutting edge of industry developments. After the initial hype around data science, he observed a transition toward data engineering and big data, with recent trends highlighting the importance of LLM (Large Language Model) engineering as AI reshapes countless industries.
“AI has changed the game,” Eldar notes. “Companies can now do more with fewer developers, but there’s still a crucial need for human decision-making. Understanding these shifts and evolving with them is essential.”
Eldar’s adaptability in the face of change is a testament to his commitment to ongoing growth—a quality that keeps him at the forefront of technological advancement.
Balancing his career, studies, and personal life hasn’t been easy, but Eldar has found a rhythm that works for him, thanks to remote work. Working remotely has allowed him to manage his time more effectively, giving him the flexibility to continue his studies while contributing to impactful projects. He occasionally utilises co-working spaces for focus, but largely appreciates the independence and productivity that remote work offers.
“Remote work has been a game-changer,” Eldar shares. “It gives me the freedom to pursue my studies without compromising on my professional responsibilities.”
By finding a balance that supports both his academic and career goals, Eldar exemplifies the potential of remote work in empowering developers to pursue diverse paths simultaneously.
Eldar’s journey—from competitive programming in college to navigating the complexities of data engineering and AI—is a story of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to learn. For aspiring developers, his journey is a reminder that setbacks are merely stepping stones, and growth is an ongoing process.
Eldar`s story serves as an inspiration not only for young developers but for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.
Eldar’s story is just one of many at Ivy Tech, where every developer brings their unique perspective and talents to the table.
Interested in more inspiring journeys?
Follow us at Ivy Tech as we continue to spotlight the stories and career paths that shape the tech landscape.
