"I never received rejections from companies," says Murodkhudja Muratov, CEO of UIC Group, on starting his career in IT

Murodkhudja Muratov, city — Tashkent, CEO and founder of UIC Group, Instagram

About myself

I am 28 years old, born in Guliston, and currently live in Tashkent. I have a secondary vocational education.

Since childhood, I have been passionate about programming and started with self-study. My first projects, such as creating websites, were developed directly on my smartphone. Currently, I am the CEO of the IT company UIC Group.

About my first job in IT

Already at the age of 16, I was eager to start a career in IT. Through acquaintances, I learned that there was an information technology department in the Khokimiyat (local government) of the Syrdarya district. In 2012, finding a job as a programmer in my city was difficult due to the underdevelopment of this field. However, this department was looking for a specialist, and I was the only programmer in the city who knew how to develop websites.

The interview was conducted by a technical specialist. After answering all the questions, I successfully passed the selection and was hired.

My desire to learn, curiosity, and passion for IT helped me secure a job in the city hall as a teenager and start my career.

Challenges

When I started my career, the IT sector in Uzbekistan was far less developed than it is today. There were difficulties, and I faced them.

Throughout my entire career, I have never received rejections from companies.

The main difficulties I encountered were tight deadlines and a large workload. To cope with the pressure, I had to work almost around the clock. I always delivered projects on time, but it cost me many sleepless nights.

5 tips to help you find a job in IT

1. Before applying for a job, be sure to research the company. Learn about its atmosphere, employees, mission, and values. Investigate the projects it has worked on, the services it offers, as well as its goals and how they align with your own.

2. Analyze the criteria the company uses to select specialists and compare them with your skills and experience. Assess how well you meet these requirements.

3. During the interview, talk about your successful projects and how you handled difficult situations. Share your problem-solving methods and highlight your strengths, paying attention to this when speaking with the employer.

4. Prepare well for your self-presentation. When asked to introduce yourself, speak confidently. Prepare a script in advance where you will talk about your education, courses, and achievements.

5. Also, mentally prepare for additional questions—they will surely arise. Answer questions about your last workplace, colleagues, and manager positively. Tell them how the job affected you, what you learned, and what experience you gained. If asked why you left your previous job, be honest—there is no need to hide anything.