Bloganuary writing prompt

What’s your dream job?

View all responses

Who knew MapleStory would start me on the path to a career in data? While my friends focused on leveling up their characters and acquiring rare items, I was fascinated by the databases behind the scenes that made the game work. When my friend Ben demonstrated how editing items and character attributes via SQL allowed you to transform game mechanics, I was amazed. Seeing firsthand how manipulating data could reshape a virtual world was eye-opening to me.

Witnessing this power sparked my interest in databases and programming. Although I explored other fields like psychology in school, my mind kept returning to those formative MapleStory experiences. I realized I wanted to develop expertise in databases, whether as a database administrator structuring intricate systems behind applications or a data scientist gleaning impactful insights through analysis.

Now pursuing my Programming and Analysis degree, I feel reconnected to that childhood curiosity and sense of possibility. Learning how thoughtful database design and how query building can solve real-world problems inspires me. My work experience leveraging SharePoint and CMDB in IT roles has further clarified that managing and understanding data aligns to my strengths and interests most closely. Although my career path has taken some unexpected turns, I feel well-prepared and enthusiastic about contributing my database skills as a professional soon. Where exactly that takes me next, I look forward to discovering. ^^