From a Slow PC to Smart Cars — My Journey Beyond Engineering

“Clarity doesn’t arrive on day one. You build it, bit by bit, through curiosity and mistakes.”

If you’ve ever been an engineering student in India, you know the feeling. Everyone’s talking about placements, startups, higher studies — and you’re just trying to figure out what you actually enjoy.

That was me during my Electrical and Electronics Engineering days at NMAMIT, Nitte — curious but confused, hopeful but unsure where I’d end up.

The Beginning: When the Internet Changed Everything

Looking back, my real journey began much earlier — in 2011 — when I got my first home PC with telephone-line internet. The speed was painful, but that noisy dial-up tone changed my life. It opened a new world.

I discovered programming — first C, then C++, and later Python — and suddenly, the computer wasn’t just a machine; it was a playground.

In college, I realised my interests were leaning toward embedded systems — the intersection where software meets hardware. While most of my classmates focused on high-voltage subjects, I was tinkering with Arduino boards, connecting sensors, and building small projects.

I loved experimenting with Arduino boards, connecting sensors, and building small projects just for fun.

That’s when I learned an important truth: clarity doesn’t arrive all at once. You build it by trying, failing, and trying again.

The Turning Point: From Campus to Corporate

My first big break came when I landed an internship at Robert Bosch through campus placement. Walking into that office for the first time was surreal. The world suddenly looked bigger — real deadlines, real teamwork, and real code that made a difference.

That internship turned into my first job as an automotive software developer, and those two years at Bosch gave me something priceless — confidence.

But deep down, I wanted to explore further. I was fascinated by how technology could make machines see and think. So, I took a leap — I moved to Germany for my master’s in Embedded Systems at Hochschule Darmstadt.

Finding My Direction: The World of Smart Mobility

Those two years changed everything. I got my hands on advanced hardware — NVIDIA Jetson, Raspberry Pi, and projects in autonomous driving.

I learned how cameras, radars, and LiDARs help vehicles understand their surroundings. It was like watching science fiction turn real.

That experience opened doors to work with Mercedes-Benz, Scantinel, and Magna Electronics, all in the exciting space of embedded AI and perception systems.

Today, I’m based in Munich, working as an Algorithm Developer for autonomous driving systems. Every day feels like solving a giant puzzle — blending math, code, and creativity to make vehicles smarter and safer.

The Growth: Learning Beyond the Books

Moving abroad meant starting from scratch — managing finances, working part-time, and adjusting to a new culture. My education was made possible through family support and an education loan, and I picked up student jobs to stay independent.

I realised that planning doesn’t eliminate pressure, but it makes life easier.
Now, balance is key. The gym and long walks are part of my routine. I’ve learned that what you eat, how you rest, and how you move directly shape how you think.

And when burnout hits — I take week offs , just to breathe and reset. Recovery is not laziness; it’s maintenance.

What I’d Tell My Younger Self

If I could go back and talk to my college self, I’d say this:
Use your time wisely. Build real connections. Don’t be scared of confusion — it’s a sign that you’re learning. Keep experimenting, and never underestimate the power of communication.

For me, success isn’t about titles or salary. It’s about progress — being a little better today than yesterday.

From that slow PC with dial-up internet to building algorithms for cars that drive themselves — my journey wasn’t fast, but it was real.
Step by step, it all came together.

So, to every confused student reading this — don’t rush. Start small, stay curious, and you’ll figure it out.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Vikas Shetty is an Algorithm Developer in the autonomous driving space, currently based in Munich, Germany. He studied Electrical & Electronics at NMAM IT, pursued his master’s in Embedded Systems at Hochschule Darmstadt, and has worked with Bosch, Mercedes-Benz projects, Scantinel Photonics, and Magna Electronics.

Connect with Vikas: LinkedIn