I learned with my own personal experience, that we only know better our own culture, education, bias, and our own self, when we have lived at least few years in a different country and different culture (especially amongst locals). These (many years living in different countries and cultures) have expanded my horizon and my own identity, both professionally and especially personally. There is an emotional cost of "expatriating" oneself, but it is also truly a gift. There are many things that we cannot fully comprehend with only short visit, books or else, they have to be experienced over and over.

A friend invited me to apply as a software developer, so I did. When I got the results from the assessment test – the examiner informed me that I failed the exam but suggested me a QA position. I immediately jumped on the opportunity without knowing what QA was. The manager offered me that opportunity in the company as he knew my learnability. Nokia provided training, coaching, and mentoring, and I enjoyed the work. As I developed my knowledge, an architecture and specification position opened, and I was excited about it. But I thought I was not yet ready for the role. I consulted my manager about it and asked for his opinion, and he encouraged me to go for it and to try it out. Fast forward to hardship and several leaps of faith, and I am excited to grow and try new things. This year I started my new position. Looking back, I am grateful to mention three key points: 1. Don’t be afraid to try new things. There’s no additional knowledge if you already know it – what is QA? 2. Develop your knowledge. Learning is a never-ending process: if you don’t know – study! 3. How will you know if you don’t try? You might regret it one day if you haven't tried.

My top advice for everyone is simple yet powerful: always surround yourself with peers you can look up to. This idea has been key to my personal and professional growth, and I believe it can greatly impact your career path. There's a special feeling when you're in a room with people you admire for their knowledge and skills. It's like you become smarter just by being around them. This kind of environment not only gives you many chances to learn but also pushes you to become the best version of yourself. Being part of a group of exceptional individuals naturally motivates you to improve. You'll want to match their level of expertise, creativity, and hard work. This ongoing challenge keeps you growing and improving all the time. Also, within such a group, you're likely to find mentors – people who can offer valuable guidance, share their experiences, and help you navigate your career. A good mentor can make a huge difference in shaping your professional journey. Remember the saying, "If you're the smartest person in the room, then you're in the wrong room." Take this idea to heart. Look for places where you can learn, grow, and be inspired by those around you. It's in these settings that you'll find the best opportunities for both personal and professional development.