My Competitive Programming Journey
My journey in competitive programming and technology is a story of passion, dedication, and continuous learning. I graduated with a dual major degree in Computer Science and Engineering and Electronics and Communication Engineering from Adama Science and Technology University (ASTU), which laid a solid foundation for my career. This academic path didn’t end there; I furthered my expertise with a Master’s in Data Science.
One of my most significant achievements came in 2021 when I reached the pinnacle of competitive programming as an ICPC World Finalist. This achievement wasn’t just about showcasing my problem-solving skills and strategic thinking; it was a testament to my ability to perform under pressure in one of the most prestigious programming contests globally. My journey to the ICPC World Finals was not just a personal milestone but also served as an inspiration to aspiring programmers and a proud representation of my alma mater and Ethiopia.
My role extends beyond personal accomplishments. As a coach and mentor, I have had the privilege of guiding ASTU teams to regional competitions in 2021 and 2023. Being the head of the Scientific Committee for the Ethiopian Collegiate Programming Contest (EtCPC), I am deeply involved in elevating the standards of competitive programming in Ethiopia. My responsibilities include overseeing training, strategy development, and organizing the annual contest. My commitment to this field is further demonstrated through my active participation on platforms like LeetCode, Codeforces, and Kattis, and my involvement in numerous contests organized by the CSEC Club at ASTU. These experiences have not only honed my skills but also allowed me to contribute significantly to the competitive programming community.
My Inspiring Journey Through the World of Competitive Programming
Strong Foundation in Mathematics
My journey in competitive programming was deeply rooted in my strong foundation in mathematics. This proficiency in mathematical concepts was not just academic; it became the cornerstone of my approach to problem-solving and algorithmic thinking in programming. Understanding complex theories and their practical applications allowed me to tackle challenging computational problems with a unique perspective, blending logic with creativity.
Joining the CSEC Club and ICPC Involvement
Joining the CSEC club at ASTU marked a pivotal moment in my journey. Initially, my interest leaned toward Architecture, but a growing fascination with Computer Science and Engineering changed my course. This shift, although it made me miss the initial opportunity to be part of Ethiopia’s first ICPC batch, only fueled my determination to excel in this new field. The ICPC introduction by KAIST University and their summer boot camps in 2016 and 2017 at ASTU opened a new world for me. These boot camps, mentored by seasoned KAIST students, were not just learning sessions; they were immersive experiences that deepened my understanding and passion for competitive programming.
Weekly Contests and Summer Bootcamp Participation
My regular participation in the weekly contests organized by the CSEC club was a crucial part of my growth. Each contest was an opportunity to test my skills and learn from both successes and failures. The KAIST summer boot camps complemented this learning, offering advanced problem-solving techniques and exposure to a broader range of coding practices. These experiences were instrumental in sharpening my competitive edge and deepening my understanding of complex programming concepts.
Tutoring Juniors and Developing Video Tutorials
Teaching juniors about data structures and algorithms was an enriching experience that went beyond traditional learning. By creating video tutorials on Python and C++ for fresh students, I not only helped others but also reinforced my own understanding. These tutorials, spanning over three years, were not just instructional; they were a medium for me to connect with and inspire the next generation of programmers.
Test Case Development and Community Contribution
Developing test cases for problems on platforms like UVa was a unique way of giving back to the competitive programming community. This task required a deep understanding of problem nuances and solution strategies, further enhancing my skills. It was about challenging others and simultaneously challenging myself to think from a problem-creator’s perspective.
Developing the Andalus System
Developing the Andalus system for hosting contests was a significant milestone in my journey. This project was a testament to my ability to translate theoretical knowledge and competitive experience into a practical and impactful tool. The Andalus system was not just a technical achievement; it was a contribution that benefited the wider competitive programming community.
Dedicated Internship at CSEC Club
My 4th-year summer internship at the CSEC club was a period of intense focus and contribution. Working alongside Amir, I dedicated myself to enhancing the competitive programming activities at the club. This internship was an opportunity to immerse myself in the world of competitive programming, contributing to its growth and simultaneously expanding my own skills and knowledge.
National and Regional Contest Participation
Competing in national and regional contests for four years and winning three of the national contests was a demonstration of my competitive spirit and expertise. The evolution of these contests, from aligning with South Korean problems to being hosted by Egypt, presented a diverse array of challenges. Being part of ASTU’s pioneering participation in these contests was both an honor and a responsibility that I took very seriously.
Overcoming Challenges and Setbacks
My journey was marked by several challenges, including a lack of official understanding and support for competitive programming. Despite these obstacles, I found crucial support within my department, which helped me navigate through these difficulties. The missed opportunity due to visa issues for the 2019 ACPC and the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic tested my resilience but also strengthened my resolve.
World Finals Participation
Participating in the ICPC World Finals, a journey filled with logistical and financial challenges was a defining moment in my career in competitive programming. The ticket cost per person was a substantial 70,000 Ethiopian Birr (ETB), a significant sum that my team — comprising Mustefa, Amir, and myself, representing Team Andalus — had to self-fund, as our university, Adama Science and Technology University, could not sponsor us. We faced this challenge head-on, determined to represent our university and country. Our participation was particularly noteworthy as we were the first team from Ethiopia to qualify for the ICPC World Finals. Overcoming the absence of a coach and limited institutional support, we proved our resilience and dedication. To authenticate our representation, we even provided our transcripts, underscoring our commitment to upholding the reputation of ASTU on this global stage.
Meeting Professor Jelani Nelson
My encounter with Professor Jelani Nelson and his wife in Dhaka Bangladesh remains a cherished memory. Their guidance and support filled the void left by our coach’s absence. Jelani was particularly encouraging, expressing his happiness at our achievement of being the first Ethiopian team to qualify for the ICPC World Finals. This meeting was more than an exchange of ideas; it was an infusion of inspiration and a recognition of our efforts in reaching this prestigious level of competitive programming.
Coaching ASTU Teams
In my role as a coach, I guided ASTU teams through the intricate process of qualifying for various competitions. This task was challenging, especially due to recurring visa issues, but it was also incredibly rewarding. My aim was to not only teach technical skills but also to instill a sense of confidence and ambition in the students, drawing from my own experiences as a competitor.
Problem Creation and Contribution
I actively contributed to the competitive programming community by developing problems for the CSEC ASTU closing contest and participating in ACPC problem contribution calls. This endeavor required a creative approach to problem setting, blending technical challenges with innovative solutions, and engaging a wide range of programmers in these intellectual exercises.
Get Mukerem Ali’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Welkite University Training
Delivering a week-long training session at Welkite University was part of my continued commitment to spreading knowledge and enthusiasm for competitive programming. This experience allowed me to reach out to more students, sharing my expertise and inspiring them to explore the dynamic field of programming.
EtCPC Tutorial and Training
Providing tutorials for EtCPC contestants was an endeavor that went beyond basic teaching. It involved preparing them for the rigors of competitive programming contests, focusing not only on algorithms and programming techniques but also on strategic problem-solving and mental preparation for competition.
Leading the Scientific Committee
As the head of the scientific committee, my responsibilities spanned the creation of training materials, problem-setting, and system administration. This role demanded a careful balance of technical expertise, leadership, and organizational skills, ensuring the committee effectively supported Ethiopia’s competitive programming standards.
Joining A2SV
My decision to join A2SV from February 2023 to November 2023 was motivated by my enduring passion for competitions. This experience represented a broadening of my engagement in the competitive programming sphere, allowing me to face new challenges and collaborate with a diverse group of programmers.
Mentorship at AddisCoder
Mentoring at AddisCoder, founded by Professor Jelani Nelson, provided me with a unique opportunity to share my journey and insights in the field of programming. The program selects 100 of the top high school students from Ethiopia, hosting them at Etege Menen Girls’ Boarding Secondary School for an intensive month-long course. My role as a mentor involved delivering a curriculum focused on data structures, and algorithms using Python. Guiding these enthusiastic students was a rewarding experience, where I blended theoretical concepts with practical applications to inspire and prepare them for their future in programming and technology.
My Achievements in Problem Solving Platforms
As an avid competitive programmer, I have engaged with a variety of online platforms, each offering unique challenges and learning opportunities. Codeforces has been a regular destination for me, where its extensive problem set and vibrant community discussions have sharpened my problem-solving strategies. I have also frequently used LeetCode, a platform essential for interview preparation, offering a wide range of problems from basic to advanced levels. Both HackerRank and HackerEarth have served as platforms for a diverse array of coding challenges, often utilized for recruitment, allowing me to align my skills with industry standards. Project Euler has been my go-to for deepening my understanding of mathematical and algorithmic concepts. Lastly, CSES has been a valuable resource with its 300 advanced problems covering a vast spectrum of algorithms, enhancing my expertise in areas like Sorting and Searching, Dynamic Programming, and Graph Algorithms.
In my journey through competitive programming, one of the standout achievements has been my experience on Kattis. Here, I’ve surpassed Hermon Mulat, previously the top scorer from Ethiopia, and have taken pride in becoming the top scorer from my country with over 800 problems solved. Notably, Ethiopia ranks first among African countries on this platform, with 90% of this score contributed by ASTU, further underscoring our collective achievements in this domain.
My personal accomplishments in competitive programming are quantifiable and a source of pride. I have solved 450 problems on Codeforces, over 450 on LeetCode, over 800 on Kattis, solved 61 problems on CSES, 50 on Project Euler, I have solved 135 problems on HackerRank, and accumulated 1581 points on HackerEarth. Each platform’s dashboard reflects my journey and growth in this field, showcasing my dedication to continuously enhancing my problem-solving skills.
Notable Achievements
My journey extended beyond a single technology realm. I earned a dual degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering, showcasing my comprehensive knowledge. I graduated as the top scorer, highlighting my commitment and outstanding academic performance. Venturing beyond my home country, I secured an invaluable one-month internship opportunity in Japan, where I was exposed to advanced technology and international work environments, broadening my perspective and enriching my professional experience.
Entrepreneurship and leadership also define significant parts of my journey. As a co-founder of Toptech IT Solutions, I utilized my technical expertise and competitive programming background to venture into the business realm, demonstrating an initiative that goes beyond coding. My role as a Python developer at Turing, an AI company in California, USA, sees me applying my programming skills to cutting-edge AI projects, pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. In addition to this, my leadership roles, such as being the president of the CSEC club and the head of capacity building, reflect my commitment to fostering a community of learning and excellence.
The culmination of these experiences has not only made me a well-rounded individual in the tech and programming community but also a figure of mentorship and inspiration. Whether it’s contributing as a backend engineer in my startup or securing third place in the A2SV Champions League among 250+ contestants, each step has been a learning experience and an opportunity to grow. My current roles, both as a developer at Turing and as a co-founder and backend engineer of my startup, are continuations of this journey, allowing me to leverage my comprehensive understanding of software engineering and entrepreneurial skills to make impactful contributions in the tech world.
Empowering Success: The Impact of Competitive Programming on Professional Careers
My journey in competitive programming has not only been a personal triumph but has also seen many of my peers achieve remarkable professional success, underscoring the value of these skills in the real world. One such success story is that of Temkin Mengistu, known as Chapi, who now works at Infonas Company in Bahrain. Temkin introduced the concept of freelancing through Upwork to our club, and impressively, he earned over $10,000 before even graduating.
Another peer, Yohannes Melese, who pursued a dual degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and Computer Science and Engineering, has had an equally impressive journey. He worked at Turing while still a student and his prowess in competitive programming led him to qualify for the ICPC regionals twice. Yohannes was not only the top scorer from ASTU when he graduated but also a winner in Zindi data science competitions. The influence of competitive programming extends further, with over 20 Turing developers hailing from our CSEC ASTU club. Abdi Adem, another peer, found success working at Turing and managing two other remote roles. Elias Amha, also known as Echo, although hindered by visa issues for ICPC regionals twice, now works with more than three companies remotely. These stories are a testament to how the skills honed in competitive programming can pave the way for diverse and successful careers in technology.
A Journey of Gratitude: Reflecting on My Path in Competitive Programming
As I look back on my journey in competitive programming, my heart is filled with immense gratitude. First and foremost, I express all praise and thanks to Allah for guiding me through this journey and for the successes and learning it has brought. My teammates, Amir Kheiru and Mustefa Kamil, have been pillars of support and collaboration, making each achievement a shared triumph. The CSEC club and its members provided a nurturing ground, fostering an environment of growth and community. A special thanks to Coach Desta Zerihun, whose guidance and mentorship were invaluable in navigating the complexities of competitive programming.
The members of Toptech IT Solution have been instrumental in applying our competitive skills in a professional setting, enabling us to innovate and excel in the tech industry. I am also immensely thankful to the heads of the CSE department who initiated this competition, paving the way for many like me to explore and thrive in this field. My experience with A2SV has been enlightening, expanding my horizons, and connecting me with a broader community of passionate programmers. Professor Jelani Nelson deserves a special mention for his guidance and support, particularly at times when it was most needed. Lastly, I extend my gratitude to the ETCPC organizers and the manager, Mebatsion Sahle, for their tireless efforts in fostering a competitive programming culture in Ethiopia. This journey has been more than just about coding; it’s been about building relationships, learning from others, and being part of a community that shares a common passion for technology and problem-solving.
