From Noida to the USA: An iOS Developer’s Journey
An iOS Developer’s Journey
My journey from an iOS intern to a Senior iOS Lead in the USA has been an incredible adventure filled with hard work, learning, and a passion for problem-solving.
It all started during the final semester of my MCA in 2013. Determined to find the right career path, I began applying for roles outside my college. On December 31, I landed my first internship. I was offered a choice: work in iOS or .NET. After careful research, I decided to pursue iOS development — a decision that would shape my career.
The Early Days: A Unique Learning Approach
Learning iOS was a challenge, but I took an unconventional approach. Instead of studying theory first, I started by building features, learning concepts only when I encountered roadblocks. Whenever I got stuck, I reached out to experienced developers on Stack Overflow. Engaging with this community not only solved my problems but also helped me understand how to contribute back.
The Birth of Swift
In 2014, Apple introduced Swift, and I immediately began learning and experimenting with it. Swift was a game-changer. Soon after, I joined a startup where I built a smart education app entirely in Swift. This rare expertise in a new programming language opened doors to bigger opportunities.
The Bangalore Experience: Building an E-Commerce App
In 2015, I moved to an IT service company. They soon assigned me to Bangalore to develop an e-commerce app for a startup. This project was a turning point — I single-handedly completed the app in 56 days, integrating advanced features like payment SDKs and barcode scanning. It was an intense yet rewarding experience that solidified my skills.
Growth and Diversification
By 2017, I was working on an enterprise airline app, where I advanced to a Team Lead position. This project introduced me to cutting-edge technologies like Couchbase, IBM Worklight, and MDM AirWatch. Alongside iOS, I explored other technologies like Android, React Native, and Flutter, broadening my skill set.
The Move to the USA
In 2021, I began developing an offline-sync iOS app for airline crew members. This project brought me to the USA in 2022, where I led its development. Moving to a new country and working on a global stage was a dream come true, but it was also a testament to years of consistent effort and growth.
Key Lessons and Giving Back
Throughout this journey, I’ve relied on two principles: never stop learning and always give back to the community. Stack Overflow was instrumental in my learning process, and I made it a point to contribute as much as I benefited.
Despite doubts about the future of mobile development, I trusted Apple’s vision, regularly following WWDC to stay ahead of trends. Continuous learning, persistence, and community engagement helped me evolve from an intern in Noida to a Senior iOS Lead in the USA.
Explore my work : https://linktr.ee/ShobhakarTiwari
