"Rejections are part of the process," says Shohrukhbek Alimov, CTO of Digital at Beeline Uzbekistan, on starting his career in IT

Shokhrukhbek Alimov, city — Tashkent, Head of Technical Services, LinkedIn

About Me

I completed my bachelor’s degree in Information Technology in Malaysia. This program was a joint initiative between Abertay Dundee University and SEGi University, and I graduated with honors.

I was inspired to pursue a career in IT by the movie "The Social Network," which motivated me to change my educational institution—I transferred from MDIS (Management Development Institute of Singapore) in Tashkent to SEGi University in Malaysia. Currently, I continue to work in IT, leading projects at the startup OQ as CTO. I coordinate technical teams and oversee project architecture in telementation, self-care, gaming, and entertainment. I have over 10 years of experience in IT, starting as a software engineer, and I now specialize in the development and integration of complex systems.

About My First IT Job

My career began at VLT Kuala Lumpur when I was 20 years old. My first role was as a mobile developer, where I worked on creating applications for Android and iOS.

I discovered VLT while working as an event organizer for the startup community Startup Grind. Between 2012 and 2014, VLT was among the top 3 best web studios in Malaysia, so I chose to join them. I was hired through an interview process, where internal referrals and getting to know the team played a significant role.

The interview process included several stages:

— Initial interview: standard correspondence via Gmail with HR, discussing my previous experience and motivation

— Technical interview: a conversation with a technical specialist and the CTO, where my skills were assessed through tasks and tests

— Management interview: discussion of long-term goals, work approach, and cultural fit within the company.

I prepared thoroughly: I researched the company, familiarized myself with its projects, mission, values, and culture, rehearsed answers to common questions about my experience, achievements, and reasons for transitioning, and refreshed my technical knowledge.

During the interview, I was asked about my previous experience and projects, what tasks I had solved, how I approached problem-solving, and what results I achieved. My technical skills were also tested through questions on programming, algorithms, and data structures, particularly focusing on Ruby on Rails and Java. Additionally, I was asked about my motivation and career goals: why I chose this company, where I see myself in the future, and what my career ambitions are.

My education provided me with the necessary technical knowledge, which I applied in practice. Personal qualities such as a drive to learn, analytical thinking, and communication skills also played a role, helping me adapt to new tasks and work effectively in a team. Degrees from Abertay Dundee University and SEGi University, along with the knowledge gained during my studies, significantly influenced my professional development.

About Challenges

I was lucky and did not face difficulties in finding my first job. Networking and perseverance did their job.

Of course, there were rejections, but I tried to analyze my mistakes and learn from them. Whenever possible, I requested feedback from interviewers. Support from friends and colleagues helped maintain my motivation, and I continued self-development by studying new technologies. Rejections taught me to be more persistent and flexible, to try different approaches, and to broaden the range of companies and positions I apply to, as well as to prepare better for future opportunities.

Rejections are part of the process; it is important to keep moving forward.  

At first, it was difficult to adapt to the corporate culture and internal processes. I managed this by communicating with colleagues and actively studying corporate practices. It was challenging to manage time and tasks, but I learned to plan and prioritize. The main difficulty for beginners is the lack of experience and high competition in the job market.

3 Tips to Help You Find a Job in IT:

— Develop your portfolio and practical experience: participate in projects, hackathons, and internships to demonstrate your skills

— Study in-demand technologies and trends: keep your knowledge up to date regarding modern technologies and trends, such as Docker, Kubernetes, and cloud platforms

— Networking and participation in communities: actively engage in professional communities and IT-related events. This will help expand your network and gain advice from experienced professionals.