My Journey from Computer Science Graduate to Programmatic Campaign Manager


Hi, I’m Ahmar, a Computer Science graduate (2021) who once believed that completing a degree meant the golden gates of opportunity would magically open. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.

Like many students, I followed a path that was never really mine. From the day I chose Computer Science in matriculation to the day I received my degree, everything felt like a checklist rather than a passion. I kept waiting for that "miracle moment"—the one where life would align perfectly, and I’d land a high-paying job that would fix everything. But nothing miraculous came. And rightly so.

One quote I read during those days stuck with me:

"Don’t wait for the miraculous bus at Miracle Bus Station to pick you up and take you to your dream destination. Wake up and do the work."

And that’s exactly what I did.

The Job Hunt That Felt Like a Desert

After graduation, I entered the chaotic world of job hunting. A year passed, filled with rejections, ghosted applications, and unpaid internship offers. It wasn’t just demotivating—it shook my belief in everything I thought I was working toward.

Even though friends and mentors gave me pep talks, I didn’t feel a true connection with the IT industry anymore. I wasn’t driven by coding or backend systems. Something inside me whispered, "This isn’t it." At first, I feared that voice. But later, I realized it might be the best thing that ever happened to me.


First Step: Online Community Officer (Customer Support Specialist)

My real journey began with a Customer Support Specialist role, officially titled Online Community Officer. The pay was minimal, but I was proud—it was my first foot in the door.

I learned how to engage with online communities, understand user behavior, respond empathetically to queries, and build relationships that mattered. It wasn't just customer support—it was a digital human connection.

What I didn’t know then was that this experience would become the foundation of a career I never saw coming.


Level Up: Social Media Coordinator

I moved on to a Social Media Coordinator role, and this is where things truly started to shift. I wasn’t just answering messages anymore—I was building brand narratives, creating content calendars, and learning the art of digital storytelling.

I understood how different platforms worked, what kind of content resonated with audiences, and how data-driven decisions shaped campaigns. It wasn’t just posting—it was strategy, analysis, and brand voice rolled into one.

Most importantly, I started loving the idea of creative communication through technology.


Breaking Through: Social Media Executive

As a Social Media Executive, I handled end-to-end campaign management. I started thinking beyond just content—I dived into performance marketing, KPIs, ad creatives, and analytics dashboards.

This is when I came across a game-changing phrase in digital marketing:

“Programmatic Advertising” and “Real-Time Bidding (RTB)”.

It sounded complex, almost robotic. But I was hooked.

I saw how brands were reaching the right people, at the right time, with the right message—automatically. This wasn’t just marketing. This was next-level advertising intelligence. I knew I wanted in.


Now: Campaign Manager – Programmatic Advertising & RTB

Fast forward to today—I’m a Campaign Manager focused on Programmatic Advertising and Real-Time Bidding. From someone who once hated their degree and feared their future, I now manage data-driven campaigns that help brands optimize their ad spend, boost engagement, and drive ROI.

Each day, I work with Demand-Side Platforms (DSPs), analyze campaign performance, optimize targeting algorithms, and strategize how to make every impression count. It’s not just technical—it's creative performance at scale.


Key Takeaways from My Journey

  1. You don’t have to love what you studied. You just have to love what you’re becoming.

  2.  First jobs aren’t meant to be perfect—they’re meant to teach.

  3. Growth doesn’t come from waiting. It comes from showing up even when you don’t feel ready.

  4. It’s okay to pivot. In fact, sometimes that’s when the real journey begins.


To Anyone Who Feels Lost…

If you're a fresh graduate or someone feeling stuck in the wrong career, know this: your first chapter doesn’t define your entire story. I went from a frustrated Computer Science grad to a confident Digital Campaign Manager because I stopped chasing perfection and started chasing progress.


So, don’t wait for a miracle. Become your own miracle.

You never know—your dream job might just be one risk away.


Let’s connect!

I love sharing more about digital marketing, programmatic ads, and career growth. Feel free to drop a message or follow me for more stories like this. 

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