Every career starts with a moment of interest, often small and unexpected, that gradually develops into a meaningful journey. What begins as curiosity can grow through learning, dedication, and consistent effort. Over time, this process shapes not only professional skills but also personal values such as discipline, responsibility, and resilience. Along the way, challenges become lessons, and simple ideas turn into long-term goals. A career is not built in a day. It is formed through steady progress, adaptability, and a strong commitment to growth. Building on this idea, Aruna’s journey into software engineering began with a simple spark of curiosity that gradually evolved into a dedicated and rewarding career.
Early Curiosity and a Creative Detour
The journey into software engineering of Aruna didn’t begin in a classroom or with a programming course. It began with enjoying mathematics, finding satisfaction in solving problems and understanding logical patterns. This interest persisted through his years at Kandy Springfield College, where he completed his O/Ls. The turning point towards IT, however, came not from the classroom, but from a friend who was involved in graphic design, and watching him work on a project introduced the idea that computers could be used for much more than games and basic tasks. He started experimenting with graphic design himself and soon became more interested in the technology and coding that powered these creative tools. After school, he chose the Commerce stream for his A/Ls, but his interest in IT remained strong.
Where Passion Met Structure
After completing school, he enrolled at the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), where he pursued a BSc (Hons) in Information Technology. University life proved to be a pivotal phase. Before entering SLIIT, his interaction with computers had been more recreational. But once immersed in the structured academic environment, he was introduced to core programming concepts and real-world software development. The curriculum helped him build a strong foundation in various technologies and methodologies, while the university culture taught him how to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and engage with people from diverse backgrounds. It was here that he transformed from a computer enthusiast into a budding software engineer.
First Steps into the Industry
His first professional exposure came during an internship where he developed an application to automate daily tasks, gaining firsthand experience in building software for real-world needs. This project gave him his first real taste of translating academic knowledge into practical solutions and highlighted the importance of software in driving business efficiency.
Following his internship, he joined a company operating a music studio. Initially hired as a software engineer, he quickly found himself taking on greater responsibilities. Since the company lacked a formal IT department, he was given the opportunity to build one from the ground up. Over time, he rose to the position of Head of IT. This role exposed him to a wide range of responsibilities, from system administration and web development to managing a variety of internal software projects. One of the key initiatives was the development of an institute management system. The experience enhanced not only his technical skills but also his leadership and interpersonal abilities, as he learned how to coordinate with different stakeholders and manage a growing team. Although he had grown significantly on his own, he recognized the value of senior mentorship to reach the next level. This realization motivated him to seek new challenges and opportunities for further growth.
A Career-Defining Chapter: Drifting Desk
His next opportunity came through LinkedIn, where he joined Drifting Desk as a Junior Java Developer. This marked a significant turning point in his career. He got the opportunity to work under seasoned mentors who emphasized clean code, best practices, and industry standards. This guidance filled many of the knowledge gaps he hadn’t been able to address on his own. At Drifting Desk, he became involved in a highly complex, large-scale project involving over a hundred microservices. Each service was tightly integrated and managed through sophisticated automation scripts. The technical depth of the project, combined with the calibre of colleagues around him, challenged him to grow at an accelerated pace. Over the span of two years, he progressed from a junior role to being promoted as a Senior Software Engineer.
Following that, he transitioned into a new project focused on AI-augmented systems. This brought a fresh set of challenges and allowed him to work with new team members while expanding his technical expertise. The company’s remote work model also played a transformative role in his lifestyle. With the flexibility to manage his schedule and work from different locations, he found a healthier work-life balance without compromising productivity or learning.
Looking Ahead
With several years of solid experience behind him, he now has his sights set on the future. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence to deepen his expertise in one of the most exciting and rapidly evolving fields in technology. Professionally, his goal is to climb further up the ladder and eventually take full ownership of a project, from architecture and development to deployment and leadership. His long-term vision includes not just contributing to great software, but leading impactful projects that solve real-world problems. He aspires to be in a position where he can shape ideas, mentor others, and deliver high-quality solutions independently.
Guidance for Aspiring Engineers
For those looking to build a career in software engineering, his advice is grounded in experience. Practical application, he believes, is the key to real learning. Tutorials and documentation lay a strong foundation, but hands-on experience; building, experimenting, and refining projects truly deepens understanding. He values AI tools as supportive learning aids and encourages using them thoughtfully to enhance, rather than replace, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The story of Aruna is a compelling example of how passion, persistence, and the willingness to adapt can shape a fulfilling career. From a young boy fascinated by numbers to a professional navigating large-scale systems and AI-driven solutions, his journey reflects the power of self-discovery and continuous learning. Whether you’re just starting out in technology or looking to pivot into a new area, his path offers a clear message: true growth happens when you stay curious, stay hands-on, and never stop learning.
