Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts! I'm Anmol Bansal, and I'm thrilled to share my incredible journey through the tech world so far this year. Join me as I recount my transformation from a petroleum engineering student to a passionate full stack developer, exploring the power of open source and embracing futuristic technologies. 🎉🚀

Background: From Conventional to Cutting-Edge 🔍💡

As a final year petroleum engineering student in a college without any connections to computer science, my journey into the tech realm was entirely accidental. During the pandemic, while spending my college life online, I stumbled upon the fascinating world of blockchain technology. Its allure was irresistible, but I soon realized that to dive deep into this space, I needed to learn programming and web development.

My determination drove me to embark on a continuous learning journey, simultaneously working on projects and applying for internships in both tech and blockchain domains. Despite winning accolades like the Smart India Hackathon, UNESCO India Africa Hackathon, and EthIndia bounties, I faced challenges landing an internship due to the economic downturn.

A Game-Changing Opportunity: XROS Fellowship 👨‍💻🏆

In the midst of uncertainty, a glimmer of hope emerged when I stumbled upon the XROS Fellowship—a pilot edition of the XR open-source program sponsored by the Government of India and Meta. This was the first time I actively pursued an open-source program, and I decided to give it my best shot.

I prepared my proposals and applied to four organizations, and to my delight, I was shortlisted for interviews with two of them. Eventually, I got selected by GMetriXR—a prestigious moment that altered the course of my life. The three-month-long fellowship not only enriched my knowledge but also boosted my self-confidence.

Seeking New Horizons: Hyperledger Mentorship 🌐💼

As my fellowship journey was nearing its end, I set my sights on the Hyperledger mentorship offered by the Linux Foundation. Eager to delve into enterprise-based blockchain technology, I once again followed the same approach and applied to two projects.

Though both projects invited me for interviews, only one converted, granting me the opportunity to work on an open-source project alongside industry mentors. While balancing my fellowship commitments, I embraced this part-time role with enthusiasm.

Embracing the Future: Zaubar and Generative AI ✨🔮

My pursuit of new opportunities led me to discover Zaubar, a Berlin-based startup focused on creating immersive tourism experiences. Intrigued by their innovative work, I decided to reach out to the founder, despite no internships being publicly available. With my XR experience from the fellowship, I presented myself as a potential asset to their team.

The founder was impressed by my enthusiasm and offered me a shot at proving myself. He presented me with a challenging assignment that required modern generative AI technology. Determined to succeed, I poured my heart and soul into the project, working tirelessly to deliver the best possible solution within the given timeframe.

Sealing the Deal: A Life-Changing Opportunity 🤝💼

The day of reckoning arrived as I nervously presented my solution to the founder. To my relief and delight, he was genuinely impressed with my work. After evaluating my assignment, I received the news I had been longing for—I was selected to join the team at Zaubar!

Working at Zaubar has been an enriching experience, surrounded by talented individuals from whom I learn something new every single day. I am not only expanding my technical skills but also honing my ability to respond to code reviews, present ideas in product meetings, and much more.

Grateful for the Journey: Halfway Through 2023 🙏🚀

As I reflect on the first half of 2023, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunities that have come my way. Open source has been the catalyst that opened doors beyond my wildest dreams.

Looking ahead, I'm excited to continue my journey, making significant contributions to open source and witnessing how technology shapes our future. The first half of 2023 has already been life-changing, and I eagerly anticipate what the rest of the year has in store for me.

Join me in celebrating the power of passion, dedication, and open source as I venture into the next chapter of my tech odyssey. Thank you all for your support and encouragement—it means the world to me! 🌍❤️

Keep exploring, keep innovating, and let's make the most of what the tech world has to offer! 🚀💻