AASTUSEA•
Hey there! I'm a software engineering student at Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU), and I thought I'd share my experience in the Software Engineering program. It's been quite a ride, and I want to give you the real scoop - both the good and the challenging parts.
When I first arrived at AASTU, I was starry-eyed about becoming the next tech genius. Reality? It's tough, but in a good way. The program pushes you, and there were nights I questioned my life choices over debugging sessions. But trust me, the "aha!" moments make it all worth it.
One thing I didn't expect was how close-knit the SE community is here. We're all in this together, sharing notes, pulling all-nighters, teaching and guiding each other. The seniors are always ready to help, and even the lecturers are pretty approachable (though some are tougher than others, fair warning!).
Let's talk about the courses - there are over 40 of them! Some are awesome, some... well, let's say they test your patience. Here's a quick rundown of the categories:
There are a lotta categories and courses left. I’ll try to get through them in other blogs so, keep an eye out for that. but now let’s move on with other stuff.
AASTU isn't just about lectures. We have hackathons, coding competitions, and even internship opportunities with big tech companies. I did a summer internship with a local startup, and it was eye-opening. Fair warning though, balancing these extras with coursework can be tricky!
Look, I won't sugarcoat it. There are frustrations - sometimes the power is out or the internet is very slow, or you won’t find a good place to code or learn. And let's not even talk about registration week chaos. But we find ways around it, and it kind of prepares you for real-world problem-solving.
After all this time, and despite the challenges, I'd say yes. The skills I've gained, the friends I've made, and the doors that are opening up make it worthwhile. Plus, seeing your code come to life is pretty darn satisfying.
If you're considering AASTU for Software Engineering, come with an open mind and be ready to work hard. It's not perfect, but it's a solid launchpad into the tech world. And hey, you might just find your coding family here!
Stay tuned for more posts where I'll dive into specific courses, share study tips, and maybe rant a bit about what I’m working on . Trust me, it's a love-hate relationship!
