How does someone become an IT instructor?

Gábor Kisvarga, our newest instructor, shared his personal journey with us—and how his own learning path started with Masterfield’s training programs.

What challenges did he face, and how did this journey shape not only his career but also his professional mindset? Discover his story—true inspiration for anyone planning their future in IT.

How did you find us, and what made you choose Masterfield’s courses back then?

At the time, I was looking for a comprehensive, stable training framework where the instructors’ expertise was a key factor. In that respect, Masterfield clearly stood out among the available options.

Do you remember what attracted you to our courses, and which topics interested you most at the time?

It was clear that I was drawn to the backend direction. At that time, the training wasn’t yet split into separate tracks. What made the course appealing was that I felt the knowledge I would gain could provide a solid foundation if I later decided to start university studies. As it turned out, that was a valid assumption.

Gábor Kisvarga
Java Backend Academy Instructor

What was your first impression of our courses, teaching methods, and instructors?

The first intensive week with István Bakos was excellent; it delivered exactly the workload I expected and wanted. After that, the pace slowed down a bit, which was slightly disappointing for me, but I used that period to practise the material I had learned with István. Paradoxically, I probably learned the most from him, even though we spent the least time with him. The anecdotes and professional insights I heard back then are still valuable in my career. Of course, the other instructors were also well prepared, and the overall program was solid. At Masterfield, being well prepared felt like the default.

What has stayed with you the most from our courses—whether it’s a learning approach, a specific topic, or an experience?

For me, it’s definitely the “Bakos week.” The mindset I gained there clearly set my professional attitude on the right track. That’s when I decided I wanted to pursue this at university level as well.

After completing the course, what path did you take, and how did the knowledge you gained at Masterfield impact your career?

I started as a junior developer at a local company. For most beginners, the first year is about survival—and about the professional growth that enables you to do productive work. We received all the foundational knowledge needed for that. Later, when I worked in an international corporate environment, I was often told: “We never considered hiring career-changers until we met you.”

Is there a professional milestone or challenge you’re particularly proud of—something your studies at Masterfield contributed to?

I progressed relatively quickly in my career. Early on, I managed to prove myself in an international corporate environment—where I wasn’t hired simply because there was a shortage of people, but because I was considered the best fit among many applicants. Every one of my colleagues came from top universities and was highly capable, yet I never felt I was missing knowledge. Rather, I felt they had been in the field five or six times longer than I had. What I learned at Masterfield was also incredibly helpful when preparing for university.

What led you to return as an instructor? When did you first feel you wanted to share your knowledge with others?

Once I felt I had enough years in the field, became familiar with the core structures, and saw how they work in practice, I started mentoring. When many of those “hobby projects” reached a successful end, I thought—perhaps with a bit of youthful arrogance—that I had something worth sharing with those who would come after me.

What teaching philosophy do you follow? What do you consider most important to pass on to your students?

Almost every school has the saying: “We learn not for school, but for life.” That’s especially true in IT. I believe it’s crucial that after spending years in the industry, people continue teaching alongside their day-to-day work. Theory matters a lot—but without practical ways to apply it, it becomes art for art’s sake. In real projects, there are no textbook examples; because systems are complex, you often need unique, “non-textbook” solutions. Practical constraints frequently override what’s taught in academic settings. It’s like when a pilot has to land a passenger plane on a river… that’s the mindset I think is most important to pass on. I don’t care how students perform on their final exams; I care about how they do in interviews and in the following 3–12 months. After all, we often forget that it’s not at school, but in the first year on the job, that it’s decided whether someone will become a true professional. My job is to prepare them for that first 12 months.

Which courses can students learn with you on, and is there a topic you especially enjoy teaching?

At the moment, I teach the Junior Java Backend Academy. As for what the future holds—I don’t know yet. IT has been a passion of mine since I was eight, and there isn’t really a field I wouldn’t consider important or close to my heart.

Why do you think it’s beneficial for students to learn from an instructor who has walked the same path?

I’ve already made the mistakes they’re about to make—and I know the consequences. Colleagues like me know exactly what it takes to build a successful career and how to handle an interview like that. This kind of experience is worth more than any programming language.

What advice would you give to those who are about to start a new career through our courses?

Practice, practice, practice…

Do you have a motto or piece of advice that has always helped you professionally, and that you’d like to pass on to students?

If you’re in a room where everyone is asking you questions and there’s no one you can ask, you’re in the wrong room…

Has this sparked your interest—and are you ready to start learning?

Then join our students in one of our upcoming courses! Take a look at our training programs!