🎯 Why I Chose BSc (Hons) Data Science After My HND in Software Engineering — The Turning Point in My Tech Journey

Hi DEV Community! 👋

I’m Mohamed Riham, currently pursuing my BSc (Hons) in Data Science after completing my Higher National Diploma (HND) in Software Engineering.

This is not just another academic update — this is the story of how I found my path, why I transitioned from Software Engineering to Data Science, and what truly led me to make one of the most defining decisions of my life.

🌱 Where It All Started — The HND Phase

When I began my HND in Software Engineering, my goal was very clear:

• Learn programming
• Build real projects
• Become a software engineer

And I did exactly that.
During the journey, I gained strong foundations in:

• Programming fundamentals
• Databases & SQL
• Web technologies
• Object-Oriented Programming (OOP)
• Software Engineering principles

I loved building systems, solving problems, and turning ideas into products that worked.
But as time passed, I started feeling a gap — a curiosity that traditional software development alone couldn’t satisfy.

I wanted to understand something deeper…
Not just how to build applications — but how to make them think, learn, and make decisions.

I didn’t just want to build software…

I wanted to build software that could think.

🧠 My First Encounter with AI & Data Science

During my second semester, I accidentally stepped into the world of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. It started small — with YouTube tutorials, GitHub projects, and online courses.

But that “small spark” turned into a passion.
I started exploring:

• What makes a machine understand speech?
• How can a system recognize a face?
• How do companies like Google, Meta, Netflix, and Tesla make data-driven decisions?

The more I learned, the more I realized that data was the core of everything.

“Software Engineering builds systems. Data Science gives those systems intelligence, insight, and purpose.”

That realization changed everything for me.

🚀 The Turning Point — When Curiosity Became Direction

There wasn’t a single moment — but a combination of three key turning points:

1. Building My First AI Projects

I began with my Face Recognition Attendance System — a project that used face recognition to mark student attendance with real-time alerts to parents.

It was my first hands-on experience with machine learning in a real-world use case, and it opened my eyes to how AI can automate, enhance, and transform everyday systems.

Soon after, I built my own Voice Assistant, ‘EDITH’, combining speech recognition, fuzzy matching, and AI-based responses.
This was the moment I realized something important:

It wasn’t just programming anymore — I was building intelligence.

These projects made me feel something new and exciting —
the power of AI to create real impact.

2. Discovering the Power of Data

I started seeing how data shapes:

• business decisions
• automation
• predictions
• recommendations
• personalization
• innovation

Every industry — from healthcare to banking to entertainment — was moving toward AI and Data.

I realized that the future belongs to data-driven engineers.

🎓 Why I Chose BSc (Hons) Data Science

Here’s the truth — my decision wasn't easy.

I was confused like many students who finish their HND.

Should I continue Software Engineering? Or specialize?

After deep thought, research, and reflection, I chose Data Science because I wanted to:

• 🔹 Become a Data Scientist / AI Engineer
• 🔹 Understand data, analytics & machine learning deeply
• 🔹 Build a future-proof career with global relevance
• 🔹 Work on impactful, AI-driven real-world solutions

And today, I can confidently say —

I made the right choice.

⚠️ The Struggles No One Talks About

Before choosing Data Science, I faced several challenges that many students experience but rarely speak about:

I almost chose the “safe path”...

But sometimes, the most difficult road is the one that leads to the greatest growth.

✨ What I Have Learned So Far

If I could talk to my past self, I’d say:

“Don’t choose a field just because everyone else does.
Choose the one that makes you feel alive.”

Here’s what truly matters:

• Follow your curiosity — it is the first step toward discovering your purpose
• Explore before you choose — exposure creates clarity
• Find a mentor — the right guidance can change your entire direction
• Choose your specialization wisely — it can shape your career and identity

🌍 My Vision Ahead

I’m working towards:

• Becoming a Data Scientist building impactful AI/ML solutions
• Becoming a researcher in AI/ML, contributing to knowledge and innovation
• Creating projects that help people and solve real-world problems
• Empowering Sri Lankan students to enter AI and Data Science fearlessly This is just the beginning — and I am excited for the journey ahead.

💬 Final Words for Students Who Are Confused After HND

If you are in that phase where you feel lost, confused, or unsure what to choose next — I want you to know this:

• It’s okay not to have it all figured out yet.
• It’s okay to explore before you commit to a path.
• It’s okay to change direction when you discover what truly excites you.

Don’t settle for what is “safe” or “expected.”
Choose what sparks curiosity, joy, and passion — and build your future around it.

Thank you for reading 🙌
If this helped you or if you’re on a similar journey, let’s connect!

Follow me — Mohamed Riham — for more posts on AI, Data Science, student life, and tech growth stories.