Bashshar Banoori is a senior software engineer with an inspiring story of dedication, passion for learning, and resilience in the face of adversity. He joined our community in April 2021, and is based in Islamabad, Pakistan. Since then he has emerged as a crucial part of the teams he’s worked with and a Community Champion badge holder. He’s a familiar face and regular contributor to our community events and programming and soon will surpass 5000 hours logged with Mission!
Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings
Bashshar’s fascination with computers started at a young age, heavily influenced by his maternal uncle, a computer science enthusiast. Much of his early schooling took place at a boarding school that enforced a on ban electronics; causing Bashshar’s curiosity to only grow stronger. For years when everyone else around him was into novels or comic books, Bashshar was pouring over programming books, which paid off big time once at University. In first year he decided to enroll in an intro to computer science in C++ class which proved to be a revelation. Despite being new to formal education in computer science, Bashshar found himself already familiar with the material, a sign of his early self-taught expertise. However, life threw a curveball when his father passed away, forcing him to leave his studies early and attend to his family. Undeterred, Bashshar restarted his education in 2012, driven by a personal commitment to “make something out of himself.”
Building Skills Through Real-World Pressure
Bashshar’s professional journey began in 2012, where he was fortunate to find a great mentor who guided him through the complexities of the industry. Balancing full-time work and part-time education, he finally completed his degree in 2016. By 2018, he was seeking new opportunities, working alongside a friend in freelancing and project management.
Despite facing challenges, including being undervalued for his experience, Bashshar’s determination never wavered. A significant breakthrough came when he was encouraged to learn Laravel, despite having no prior experience. A manager he was working under said to him “your basics are strong, you can learn anything”, and hearing that was very empowering. His strong foundational skills and willingness to learn quickly paid off, showcasing his ability to adapt and excel.
Finding His Place in the Mission Network
Bashshar’s journey with our network began through a connection with Southville, one of our partners. His impressive skill set and eagerness to take on new challenges led to a role that combined multiple responsibilities, reflecting his versatility and capability. His positive attitude towards work is evident as he often states, “If you’re enjoying it, it never feels like work.”
Always Learning, Always Shipping
Bashshar’s commitment to continuous improvement is evident in his proactive approach to learning. He stays updated with the latest tech trends, often investing in his workstation to ensure he has the best tools at his disposal. When DevOps became very in-demand, for example, he took a course to understand its fundamentals, which years later allowed him to jump in and contribute effectively on a client project where they had a need.
He frequently seeks opportunities within his job to practice new skills, whether it’s solving problems in existing libraries, exploring new technologies, or giving things a try that are stuck in the backlog.
Life Beyond the Screen
Outside of work, Bashshar enjoys spending time with his close-knit community of friends, many of whom are also in the tech industry. On the weekends he usually meets up with three other long-time friends to discuss the latest in technology and their jobs over coffee, chai tea, or dinner. His interests extend to watching series, staying updated on the latest tech innovations, and continuously upgrading his elaborate workstation setup.
Looking Ahead
As Bashshar looks forward to new opportunities and responsibility on the horizon, we would like to take a moment to appreciate the contributions the has made to Mission so far. His story is not just about professional achievements but also about the personal drive to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Bashshar’s participation in our community are invaluable, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this remarkable individual!
