Despite not gaining admission to any public university in Bangladesh, Nafiul Adnan Chowdhury has crafted a remarkable journey that defies traditional academic expectations. Many students in Bangladesh view admission into a public university as the ultimate marker of success, but Nafiul’s story proves that there are many roads to achievement — some even leading to the global tech giant Google.
Graduating from Sylhet Metropolitan University, a private institution often overshadowed by Bangladesh’s prestigious public universities, Nafiul refused to let his initial setbacks define him. He focused on honing his skills in software engineering, continuously improving his coding abilities, problem-solving mindset, and technical expertise. Through persistence, learning, and real-world experience, Nafiul built a profile strong enough to attract the attention of one of the most competitive employers in the world.
In June/July 2022, Nafiul officially joined Google’s Dublin office in Ireland as a Software Engineer and Site Reliability Engineer. This role places him at the heart of maintaining and optimizing Google’s vast, global infrastructure — a job that demands high-level engineering expertise and resilience. His position is not just a personal triumph but also a symbol of how talent from underrepresented backgrounds and institutions can shine on the international stage.
Nafiul’s journey challenges the often rigid thinking in South Asian education, where public university admission is seen as the key to future success. He proves that private university students, too, can compete globally if they invest in the right skills, seek out opportunities, and stay committed to their goals. His success has inspired many young people in Bangladesh who fear their futures are limited by early academic results.
Beyond personal achievement, Nafiul’s story is a testament to the changing landscape of global hiring. Major companies like Google now look beyond just elite universities and recognize talent wherever it emerges. His experience encourages students to focus less on labels and more on what they can build, create, and contribute — showing that no dream is too big if you’re willing to put in the work.