From Campus to Developer the transition from studying to building apps
By a Workday Extend Developer at CloudRock
Starting my career as a Workday Extend Developer at CloudRock has been both an exciting and humbling experience. Just a few months ago, I was sitting in lecture halls, scribbling down notes and preparing for final exams. Today, I’m building applications that are used in real-world business environments. Making the transition from university life to the professional tech world was filled with learning curves, growth, and discovery. Here’s how the journey unfolded for me.
Graduating with a goal
I graduated in 2024 with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. While university taught me the foundations of programming, databases, and system design, I always knew that the real test would come once I entered the industry. I had a clear goal: to work in a company that would help me apply my skills, continue learning, and contribute to meaningful solutions.
Joining CloudRock: a new beginning
My professional journey began on 30th September 2024 when I joined CloudRock. From day one, I was impressed by the company’s supportive environment and strong emphasis on innovation. As a Workday Extend Developer, my role involves building and customising applications that enhance the Workday platform for clients. This was a shift from what I studied in theory, but the learning curve was incredibly rewarding.
Bridging the knowledge gap
One of the biggest changes was transitioning from academic knowledge to real-world application. In university, projects often have clear instructions and timelines. At work, requirements evolve, and solutions must be adaptable. I had to quickly familiarise myself with the Workday ecosystem, understand client-specific needs, and learn to write clean, scalable code. Continuous learning became a daily habit, whether through documentation, peer discussions, or hands-on experimentation.
Collaboration over competition
University often fosters a sense of competition, but in the workplace, collaboration is key. At CloudRock, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside experienced developers, product managers, and solution architects. Everyone is focused on building great apps and supporting each other. I’ve learnt how to ask the right questions, give and receive feedback, and work as part of a team towards shared goals.
Problem-solving with a purpose
Building apps in a professional setting isn’t just about code, it’s about solving real business problems. Whether it’s improving a workflow, adding a new feature, or optimising performance, every task has a direct impact on the client’s operations. This purpose-driven approach makes the work more meaningful and keeps me motivated.
Personal growth and confidence
The shift from student to developer also brought a lot of personal growth. I’ve become more independent, organised, and confident in my abilities. Presenting my work, managing deadlines, and taking ownership of tasks were all things I grew into overtime. Every successful deployment and positive client response boosted my confidence and reaffirmed my choice of career.
Final thoughts
Moving from campus to the professional world was a big leap, but it’s one I’m glad I took. Working at CloudRock as a Workday Extend Developer has opened up new possibilities and helped me evolve from a student into a confident tech professional. The learning never stops, but that’s what makes this field so exciting.