The knowledge and technical skills gained from studying software engineering and having the right mindset are important to become a successful technopreneur.
Dr Behrang(Hani) Parhizkar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chamrun Digital Group, a digital marketing agency, was speaking today on ‘From Software Engineer to Technopreneur’ . The online WOU talk organised by the School of Digital Technology (DiGiT) and Penang Regional Centre was attended by over 40 people.
THE LONG AND WINDING JOURNEY FROM SOFTWARE ENGINEER TO TECHNOPRENEUR.
He said studying software engineering will empower students with nine advanced technological skills which are part ofthe Fourth Industrial Revolution. They are Simulation & Augmented Reality; Horizontal & Vertical Integration; Industrial Internet of Things; Cybersecurity; Cloud; Additive Manufacturing; Supply Chain; Big Data Analytics; and Autonomous Robot.
He explained, “Programming or coding is fundamental to create and build technologies. Technology needs software to operate it in digital space. Without software, your phone, laptop, have no value.” Software engineering teaches how to develop software to manage technologies and will lead to a great career as a programmer, he remarked.
THE NINE TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS ACQUIRED FROM SOFTWARE ENGINEERING.
He shared that the main reason why Google Plus failed while Facebook was successful is because Facebook had a better understanding of users, could fulfil their demand and requirement, and solve their problems.
Dr Parhizkar said software engineering involves identifying the requirement and needs of the market, analysing, problem-solving, and then designing, developing and testing the software to solve the problem. Therefore the top 6 skills for software engineers are problem solving; attention to detail; clear communication; continual learning: teamwork; and empathise with end users.
DR (HANI) PARHIZKAR.
He stressed that a successful technopreneur must not only possess the skills and knowledge from software engineering but also have the necessary mindset. Elaborating on the mindset, he said, “Stay focused. Do not give up on your dream.” Prior to landing his first project with Chamrun, he had presented over 75 times, and had opened companies seven times before he finally found success.
He advised, “The moment you want to give up, go one more round. Everything that happens is an experience that can help you move forward.You never fail, you gain more experience.”
PARTICIPANTS TOLD ABOUT THE QUALITIES OF SUCCESSFUL TECHNOPRENEURS.
Dr Parhizkar also called on future technopreneurs to believe in their mind that they can achieve. “It should first happen in your mind. Then it will happen in reality. So before you register for software engineering, see yourself as a successful tech CEO.”
He listed other attributes for successful technopreneurs, such as to contribute to the life of others so that more opportunities open up, to keep moving, to build a good team, and to grow their network or connections through events and LinkedIn.
IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING CONNECTIONS THROUGH EVENTS AND LINKED IN.
He said that technopreneurs should also be good in sales so that they can sell themselves, their brand and their products. “This is the only way to be successful in business, do it, try it, get the experience, know there is no failure, and then move on,” he reiterated.
During Q&A, he said 70% of employers lack digital skills and that Malaysia is fast moving into adopting digital content in education, finance and other areas.
