From Science to Code: My Journey into Full-Stack Development

Introduction and Early Days

Every journey begins with curiosity. For me, that curiosity wasn’t about computers or programming at first—it was about systems, how things connect, and how problems could be solved with the right tools. I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a developer, but somewhere along the way, technology found me. What started as a general interest in understanding the world soon evolved into a passion for creating solutions with code.

My path into full-stack development wasn’t linear. It was filled with unexpected twists, late-night debugging sessions, and more than a few moments of doubt. But it was also marked by breakthroughs, collaborations with amazing friends, and the thrill of watching my ideas come to life through technology.

This is the story of how I went from a curious student to a full-stack developer, with the help of supportive friends, transformative internships, and a lot of determination.

The Pivot: Discovering Information Systems

I always thought I'd pursue a more traditional career. After high school, I wasn’t entirely sure where my path would lead me, but I knew I had a fascination for systems—how things worked, how they connected, how small actions could trigger larger outcomes. In 2021, that curiosity led me to an Associate Degree in Development of Information Systems.

It was a huge turning point in my life. At first, it was overwhelming—algorithms, databases, software architecture—but gradually, everything started to make sense. The more I learned, the more I wanted to dive deeper. It wasn’t just about writing code; it was about creating solutions, solving problems, and seeing the bigger picture of how technology could transform lives. This experience laid the foundation for what would become an exciting journey into the world of full-stack development.

First Taste of Professional Development: redgato Internship

By 2023, I was ready to take what I’d learned out into the real world. That summer, I found myself in Al Hoceima, walking through the doors of redgato for my very first internship. It felt surreal. I was nervous but equally excited.

At redgato, I got my hands on real projects—no more classroom exercises. One of the first projects I worked on was Dentalix, a system that allowed dentists to order from laboratories with just a few clicks. Simple, right? But behind the scenes, there was an incredible amount of coordination, development, and problem-solving. The second project was Anomalia, an AI-based system designed to detect anomalies in water dams. It amazed me to see how technology could literally protect the environment and save lives.

The challenges were real—there were moments when I doubted myself. Working with Java Spring Boot and Angular for the first time wasn't easy, but I was determined. Slowly, things clicked. It wasn’t just about learning the technical side but about seeing how my work could impact industries, people, and communities. This was where I realized that full-stack development was my calling.

Deepening My Skills: Bootcamp Experience

After redgato, I felt like I had only scratched the surface of my potential. My hunger for learning grew stronger, and when I heard about the Simplon Maghrib Bootcamp by JobInTech in Casablanca, I knew it was the next step in my journey. From November 2023 to May 2024, I dove headfirst into a world of intense coding, sleepless nights, and constant problem-solving.

But it wasn’t just about mastering the technology—it was about collaboration, handling pressure, and pushing my limits. I wasn’t alone on this journey either. My friends Nabil, Hamza, Yassin, and Abdessadek, along with our classmates, stood by my side. Together, we shared long hours of debugging, brainstorming, and late-night breakthroughs. Their support was invaluable, and I look back on those moments with much love and gratitude.

One of my proudest achievements during the bootcamp was working on LabXpert, a platform designed to help laboratories manage inventories and analyze data. It was intricate, detailed, and complex—the kind of challenge that made me realize just how far I had come. Another project, Connexia, a social network aimed at fostering vibrant communities, showed me how tech could not only solve problems but also bring people together.

These months were about more than just coding. I learned how to adapt, manage time under pressure, and embrace feedback as a tool for growth. Each project wasn’t just another line on my resume—it was a story, a lesson, and a stepping stone that shaped me into the developer I am today.

Expanding My Horizons: ID&A TECH Internship

By June 2024, I was ready for my next adventure—this time, with ID&A TECH in Casablanca. Walking into that office on my first day, I felt more confident than ever, like I had something to prove, not just to the company but to myself.

For three months, I immersed myself in full-stack development, diving deep into the MERN stack—MongoDB, Express.js, React, Node.js—technologies that I hadn’t extensively worked with before. Every day was an opportunity to tackle new challenges, whether it was designing user-friendly interfaces or managing complex databases. Collaboration was at the core of every task, and I often found myself brainstorming with my team, testing features, and even staying late to ensure everything was perfect.

The highlight of my internship was working on Hikma Invest, a platform that analyzes human choices in the investment field. The platform intelligently recommends the best investment choices or sectors based on user behavior and preferences. This project pushed me to think critically about data analysis and decision-making algorithms. It was incredibly rewarding to see how technology could help guide people toward smarter investment decisions.

This internship was more than just a technical learning experience—it was where I truly felt like a full-stack developer. I wasn’t just someone who could code—I had become a problem-solver, a creator, a builder.

Conclusion

Looking back, it’s hard to believe how far I’ve come—from a curious high school graduate wondering what the future holds, to a full-stack developer with real-world experience, ready to take on bigger challenges. My journey in tech has been anything but straightforward, but every twist and turn has taught me something new and brought me closer to where I am today.