From Patna to Chennai: How CIMAGE Shaped Javed Ahmed’s Tech Career

It was a regular day on the CIMAGE College campus in Patna—students walking to class, laughter echoing through the corridors, and the usual hustle and bustle. But for one visitor, it was anything but ordinary. Javed Ahmed, a former student of CIMAGE, was back after seven long years, and with every step he took, memories came flooding back.

Javed studied B.Sc. in IT from 2015 to 2018, and today, he’s working as a Data Engineer at HCL Technologies in Chennai. But as he stood once again in the very place where his journey began, he looked less like a tech professional and more like a student—nostalgic, smiling, and full of stories.

"College Days Were Golden"

When asked about his college life, Javed didn’t hesitate. “Those were the golden days,” he said. He spoke warmly about how structured and disciplined the classes were. One thing that stood out for him was the bridge classes—extra sessions designed to help students strengthen their basics.“They really helped me understand things better. And the best part? Teachers were always there to guide us.”

He recalled how the college wasn’t just about theory. From classroom projects to real-world workshops, students were constantly encouraged to learn by doing. That hands-on approach turned out to be a game-changer for Javed.

A Rainy Day and a Life Lesson

One story from his college life made everyone smile. “It was raining heavily one day. Most students assumed class would be canceled, but I showed up anyway,” Javed said with a grin. To his surprise, he was the only student who came.

But instead of canceling the session, his teacher conducted the class—just for him.

“That day taught me something important. Even if no one else shows up, you still can. That kind of dedication pays off.”

Celebrations, Friendships, and Memories

College wasn’t all books and assignments. Javed fondly remembered the cultural events and celebrations that made campus life so colorful. “The Holi Mela, Diwali celebrations, Ramzan Iftar—those weren’t just events. They were moments of togetherness,” he shared. These occasions brought students from different backgrounds together, and for Javed, those friendships were as valuable as any lesson in class.

Taking the First Step

After graduation, Javed landed his first job at a startup. The salary wasn’t great, but he remembered a piece of advice from one of his teachers: “Don’t chase money at the start. If you like the work, grab the opportunity. Learn, grow, and money will follow.”

So, that’s what he did. He put his heart into learning and building experience. Today, at HCL, he looks back and realizes that those early lessons—and that first job—were stepping stones to something bigger.

The Project That Opened Doors

One of the turning points in Javed’s journey was his final year Java project. He spoke about how much time and effort he put into building something meaningful. And it paid off—during job interviews, recruiters were impressed with his technical knowledge and the clarity with which he explained his work.

“That project made all the difference,” he said. “It showed that I wasn’t just learning—I could build something real.”

He also got a chance to attend a workshop of IIT Guwahati, thanks to CIMAGE’s initiative. That exposure, he believes, gave him a confidence boost and an edge in the job market.

Coming Home

Visiting CIMAGE after so many years felt like coming home. Teachers and staff welcomed him with the same warmth they showed during his student days. “It didn’t feel like anything had changed,” he said. “They still care about students the same way.”

A Message to Current Students

Before leaving, Javed had a heartfelt message for the students of today:“Take your classes seriously. Build your skills. And most importantly, don’t take your final year project lightly. You never know—that one project could land you your dream job.”

He encouraged students to stay curious, stay committed, and not to be afraid of starting small. “Your first job might not be perfect, but it’ll teach you things no textbook ever will.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

Javed Ahmed’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s built on hard work, patience, and a little bit of faith—faith in your teachers, your college, and most of all, yourself.

To all the CIMAGE students out there: the road ahead may not always be easy, but with the right mindset, dedication, and a strong start—your journey can be just as inspiring.