Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Francis, a Software Engineering graduate who has taken a fascinating detour from his expected career path. Instead of only writing code and developing applications, Francis now finds himself selling farm inputs in Kutus, Kirinyaga County. Let's dive right into his unique journey and discover the motivations behind his unexpected career path.

Francis, after studying and graduating with a bachelor's degree in Software Engineering, how did you find yourself selling farm inputs? What led to this surprising shift in your career path?

It is indeed an unexpected turn of events. After completing my studies in software engineering, I was fully immersed in the world of coding and technology. I enjoyed every moment of that journey and even contemplated pursuing a master's degree. However, life had other plans in store for me. Since graduating in December 2022, I embarked on a path I hadn't envisioned. While I still apply some of the skills I learned in school, I find myself constantly unlearning and adapting to the realities I encounter in the world around me.

Many would find it hard to see the connection between software engineering and selling farm inputs. Do you believe there is any alignment or similarity between these two seemingly disparate fields?

Surprisingly, there are more similarities than one might expect. Both software engineering and selling farm inputs involve practicality and the ability to understand cause and effect. Software engineering is about creating virtual worlds within machines, while selling farm inputs creates a small world where I am entrusted with authority and a responsibility to give value. The patterns that unfolded during my studies still reveal themselves in this line of work, allowing me to grow as a better software engineer through this unexpected journey.

That's intriguing! Could you share some of the patterns you've observed that exist in both software engineering and selling farm inputs?

At the core of both professions is the undeniable presence of people. While money plays a role, it doesn't materialize out of thin air; it comes from people. The best technological creations by software engineers are designed for and used by people, and the farm inputs I sell are bought and used by people. The way we interact with one another, understanding and meeting the needs of individuals, determines our success in any profession. That's the most apparent pattern I've discovered so far.

In your interactions with people, what have you learned about human nature? Is there one aspect of dealing with people that stands out to you?

Every individual is unique, shaped by their experiences, interests, and perspectives. However, amidst these differences, we are united by a common thread: self-interest. Each of us desires what we believe is best for ourselves. It is in the methods and approaches we employ to achieve our desires that our individuality truly shines. While our similarities are important, it is the richness of our differences that brings depth to our interactions as human beings.

Reflecting on your journey so far, what would you say is the most valuable lesson you've learned from your experiences?

The most valuable lesson I've learned is the importance of establishing personal boundaries and mercilessly enforcing them. In my line of work, I've discovered that people are often willing to overstep boundaries to satisfy their own desires, often without considering your own needs. To maintain self-respect and your value, it is crucial to set clear boundaries. For example, if I purchase a product for KES 500 and a customer tries to negotiate it down to KES 450, I set my boundary at, say, KES 550, with a strict no-crossing line at KES 540. This empowers me to sell my products at a fair value while promptly ending any interaction that falls below my threshold. I have my own self-interests to meet. This principle extends beyond business—it permeates every aspect of my life.

Amidst your unexpected journey, what aspect of your work do you find most intriguing or captivating?

The most captivating aspect of my work is the opportunity to meet and engage with a diverse range of people, each in their own emotional state. It is incredibly fulfilling to interact with happy customers, but equally fascinating is engaging with individuals who are angry or emotionally charged. These encounters allow me to explore uncharted territories within their minds, broadening my understanding of human emotions. Such interactions motivate me to master my own emotions, to exercise self-control to the best of my abilities.

Francis, I'm curious to know how your unique experiences in selling farm inputs have contributed to your growth as a software engineer. How has this unexpected journey made you a better professional in your original field of study?

Ah, an excellent question! The knowledge I've gained about people since venturing into the world of selling farm inputs has proven invaluable to my growth as a software engineer. In school, my focus was primarily on technical aspects, but now, I have a deeper understanding of human behavior and the challenges businesses face. This newfound perspective has allowed me to develop a more holistic approach to software engineering.

Drawing from my experiences in the field, I recognized the need for practical solutions to address the recurrent challenges encountered by businesses. Armed with this insight, I embarked on designing and developing a business management software (BUMASO) tailored to their specific needs. This software has become my own work companion, enabling me to navigate real-world issues and constantly refine it based on the practical challenges I face daily.

The beauty of this symbiotic relationship between my unconventional journey and software engineering is that it has propelled me to create solutions that add genuine value to businesses. By leveraging my firsthand experiences in the industry, I have been able to infuse empathy and practicality into my software development process, resulting in more effective and efficient solutions.

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