Reflections After 3 Years in the IT Industry as a Computer Science Graduate

From Classroom to Real World

When I graduated from Computer Science, I thought I was ready for almost anything. I had learned algorithms, data structures, and all the theory behind computing. But when I started working in IT, I quickly realized that the real world is very different from what we see in the classroom. Projects have deadlines, business requirements change often, and many times, there's no "perfect" solution, only one that works well enough under current conditions.

What I Actually Work With

In university, most of my time was spent writing code in languages like Java and C. In my job, I spend much more time with technologies I barely touched during my studies. JavaScript, Node.js, React, REST APIs, and various DevOps tools have become part of my daily routine. The IT industry moves fast, and staying up-to-date with new tools is just part of the job now.

Learning Never Stops

I used to think that after graduation, the learning curve would flatten. But in reality, it became even steeper. New technologies, frameworks, and tools appear constantly. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, but it's also what keeps this job exciting. The ability to learn fast and adapt is one of the most valuable skills in IT.

IT is Not Just About Coding

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that IT work isn’t just sitting and writing code all day. A lot of my time is spent communicating with colleagues, attending meetings, understanding business needs, and finding solutions that make sense from both technical and business perspectives. Soft skills like communication, problem-solving, time management, and even a bit of diplomacy are just as important as technical knowledge.

Real Projects Have Real Constraints

Unlike school projects, where you often build something from scratch with no real deadlines, IT projects come with real-world limitations. Budget, time, existing legacy systems, client expectations, and resource availability all play a role in decision-making. Many times, the solution you want isn’t the one you can implement — and that’s okay. Finding the balance is part of the job.

The Value of Teamwork

In university, I mostly worked alone or with a small group of classmates. In IT, I collaborate daily with developers, testers, project managers, and clients. Understanding different perspectives and being able to work as a team is critical. Good teamwork often leads to better solutions than any individual could create alone.

Community and Mentorship Matter

One thing I’ve truly come to appreciate is the value of community. Platforms like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and even informal Reddit groups have saved me countless hours. Also, having mentors — people with more experience who are willing to guide and share their knowledge — has been incredibly helpful. Whenever possible, I also try to help others, because teaching is one of the best ways to learn.

Looking Ahead

Three years in, I feel like I’ve barely scratched the surface of what there is to know in IT. But that’s part of what makes this field so fascinating. The technology keeps evolving, and so do I. If there’s one thing I’ve truly learned, it’s this: coding was just the beginning — problem-solving is the real skill we keep improving every single day.

"The more I learn, the more I realize how much there’s still to learn."