How does someone become an instructor in the IT World?

Gábor Kisvarga, our newest instructor, shared his personal journey with us. He also spoke about how he began his path with Masterfield’s courses.

What challenges did he face, and how did this journey shape not only his career but also his professional outlook? Discover his story, which serves as true inspiration for those imagining their future in IT!

How did you find us, and why did you decide to choose Masterfield’s courses back then?

At the time, I was looking for a comprehensive and stable training structure where the competence of the instructors was one of the most important factors. Masterfield clearly stood out from the other available training options in this regard.

Do you remember what attracted you to our courses and which topics you were most interested in at that time?

It was clear that I was interested in the backend direction. Back then, the training wasn’t yet segregated. What made the course attractive to me was that I thought the knowledge I would gain could serve as a solid foundation for possibly starting a university education. As it turned out, this 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 great; I got the workload I expected and desired. Afterward, there was a bit of a slowdown in the pace, which was a bit disappointing for me, but I used that time to practice the material I had learned with István. Perhaps, paradoxically, I learned the most from him, even though we spent the least time with him. The anecdotes and professional comments I heard then are still valuable to me in my career. Of course, the other instructors were also well-prepared, and the whole training program was solid. Preparedness seemed like a natural atmosphere at Masterfield.

What has stayed with you the most from our courses, whether it's a learning method, a specific topic, or even an experience?

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

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

I started as a junior developer at a local company. The first year for every beginner is about survival and the professional growth that allows for productive work in the field. We received all the foundational knowledge needed for this. Later, when I worked in an international corporate environment, I was often told, “We never considered hiring people who were retrained until we met you.”

Is there a professional milestone or challenge that you are particularly proud of, to which your studies at Masterfield contributed?

I advanced relatively quickly in my career. I managed to prove myself in an international corporate environment early on, where I wasn’t hired simply because there was a shortage of people, but because I was considered the most suitable out of many applicants. Every one of my colleagues came from top universities and was an expert, but I never felt like I lacked the knowledge. I felt more that they had been in the field five or six times longer than I had. The knowledge I gained at Masterfield was incredibly helpful in preparing for university as well.

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

Once I felt I had enough years in the field, became well-acquainted with the core structures, and experienced their application, I began mentoring. When many of these "hobby projects" successfully came to an end, I thought, in my youthful arrogance, that I had something to share with those who would come after me.

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

Almost every alma mater has the saying: "We learn not for school, but for life!" This is especially true in IT. I believe it’s crucial that, after spending years in the industry, one continues to teach alongside working. Theory is incredibly important, but without its application paradigms, it’s just an art for art’s sake. In the industry, there are no textbook examples; due to system complexity, often unique or "non-textbook" solutions are necessary. Often, completely practical reasons override what is taught in academic settings. It’s like when a pilot has to land a passenger plane on a river… this is the mindset I find most important to convey. I don’t care how students perform in 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 in the field that it’s decided whether someone becomes an expert. My job is to prepare them for that first 12 months.

Which courses can students meet you in, and is there a particular topic you especially enjoy teaching?

As of now, I teach the Junior Java Backend Academy. But what the future holds, I don’t yet know. IT has been a passion of mine since I was 8 years old, and I don’t really have a field I wouldn’t consider important or dear.

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

I’ve already made all the mistakes they are about to make. I know the consequences. Colleagues like me know exactly what it takes to build a successful career or to give such an interview. This experience is worth more than any programming language.

What advice would you give to those 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 in your professional career, and that you would like to pass on to students?

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

Have we sparked your interest, and are you excited to start learning?

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