From Electrical Engineering to Front-End: How Oussama Ended Up at Progreso (and Why He Doesn’t Regret It for a Second)

From Doubt to the Right Mix

Oussama started studying electrical engineering in high school. He found engineering interesting, but it didn’t feel like the right path for the long term. At the same time, he had a passion for design. Software development turned out to be the perfect combination: visual thinking and building. Front-end, in other words.

Since late 2024, he has been working at Progreso as a junior front-end developer. He’s part of a team of developers and is responsible for the visual side of the software: clear, user-friendly, and a pleasure to work with. His primary focus? Elevating the user experience. In addition, he translates functional specifications into design and layout—and is already starting to build new features.

Short lines of communication, he says. Stand-ups every morning. Colleagues who help each other out. He can even go straight to the managing director. No hierarchy getting in the way, just a team that thinks along with him.

Ramadan, motorcycle rides, and an industry that never stands still

Oussama observes Ramadan every year. “Many people think that eating only after sunset for a month is tough, but it’s not as bad as you’d think. The first few weeks take some getting used to, but then your body adapts.” On the he doesn't really notice it at work, except sometimes at the end of the day, when it gets a little harder to concentrate.

What he does feel, though, is that the IT sector—and front-end in particular—is a blend of creativity and technology that’s constantly evolving. New frameworks, new possibilities, always something to learn. That’s exactly why he wants to grow into a full-stack developer over the next few years: deepening his front-end knowledge and strengthening his back-end skills.

He found the job posting on LinkedIn. It was exactly what he was looking for. After a few interviews, he started. “I haven’t regretted it for even a second.”

A tip for recent graduates

Don’t wait until the last semester is over. As soon as everyone graduates at the same time, the job market gets more competitive. Get a head start on time.

Oussama shows that taking a detour isn’t a problem—as long as you find the right mix for you, have the support of friends and family, and dare to take the first step. From a motorcycle ride to the office to an interface that a customer will use tomorrow: that’s not just a final score anymore. That’s impact.

Do you also want to work on software that’s actually used? Maybe it’s time to start that LinkedIn search. Oussama did it. And he still rides there with a smile.