How I Went from Not Knowing HTML to Being a CTO and Senior Engineer

Looking back at my journey, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come. When I graduated college, I didn’t even know HTML. Fast forward to today, I’m a CTO at a startup, a senior iOS engineer for a US-based company, and I handle everything from backend to frontend to mobile development. Here's how it all happened.

Starting with No-Code and FlutterFlow

My career began as an intern, where I was introduced to no-code platforms like FlutterFlow and Xano. These tools made development approachable and allowed me to quickly build and deploy apps without diving deep into traditional coding. This phase was instrumental in building my confidence and teaching me how to create functional, user-friendly applications.

Learning React and Next.js in a Week

Before I was promoted to a full-time role, I knew I needed to level up my skills. In just a week, I taught myself React and Next.js, which opened up opportunities to build more complex, scalable web applications. This period of rapid learning showed me the power of focus and determination when tackling new technologies.

From Intern to CTO and Senior iOS Engineer

Today, I wear multiple hats. I’m the CTO of a startup, where I oversee the entire tech stack and guide the product’s technical direction. I’m also a senior iOS engineer for a company in the United States, where I handle app development, integration, and deployment for the App Store.

My responsibilities include teaching interns, managing app deployments on both Apple and Play Stores, and integrating critical features like payment gateways and single sign-on (SSO) with Facebook, Google, iOS, and more. The flexibility I’ve developed allows me to seamlessly transition between backend, frontend, and mobile projects.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

• Self-Learning is Key: Whether it’s mastering Next.js in a week or diving into no-code tools, continuous learning has been the cornerstone of my growth.
• Adaptability is Everything: The tech world moves fast, and being flexible enough to learn and apply new skills is a game-changer.
• Share Knowledge: Teaching interns not only helps them grow but also reinforces your own understanding of complex concepts.

Final Thoughts

My journey from not knowing HTML to becoming a CTO and senior engineer has been nothing short of transformative. It’s proof that with determination, a willingness to learn, and the right opportunities, you can achieve incredible things. To anyone just starting out: embrace the challenges, stay curious, and never stop pushing your boundaries.