From Security Guard to Software Engineer – The Inspiring Journey of Abdul Alim
- ByStartupStory | October 11, 2025
“If you have the will to learn, no obstacle is too big.” – this belief defines the remarkable story of Abdul Alim, who transformed his life from working as a security guard to becoming a software engineer at Zoho, one of India’s leading tech companies.
A Humble Beginning
In 2013, Abdul Alim set out from his hometown with just ₹1,000 in his pocket — ₹800 of which he spent on a train ticket. He arrived in Chennai with no job and no place to stay. After weeks of struggle, he finally found employment as a security guard at Zoho Corporation, led by visionary founder Sridhar Vembu.
Though the job offered stability, Alim harbored a quiet dream — to do something more meaningful, to build, to create, and to learn. With only a Class 10 education and limited exposure to computers, his dream seemed distant — but his determination never wavered.
A Chance Conversation That Changed Everything
One day, while on duty, Alim met Shibu Alexis, a senior Zoho employee. Curious about Alim’s background, Alexis asked if he knew anything about computers. Alim modestly shared that he had learned a little HTML back in school.
Impressed by his interest, Alexis encouraged him to keep learning — and promised to help if he stayed committed. That one conversation became the turning point of Alim’s life.
Learning After Long Shifts
Balancing a 12-hour job and self-study, Alim began his journey into the world of coding. Late nights were spent watching tutorials, reading articles, and practicing basic programming. Within eight months, he built a small application that caught Alexis’s attention.
When Alexis shared Alim’s work with Zoho’s management, they were amazed by his initiative and passion. They invited him for an interview — not because of his degrees, but because of his skills and dedication.
Alim cleared the interview and began his new chapter — not as a guard, but as a software engineer trainee at Zoho.
Rising Through the Ranks
Over the years, Alim continued to upskill himself. From learning HTML and CSS to mastering JavaScript, React, Node.js, and MongoDB, his journey became a story of self-made success. He even earned professional certifications and LinkedIn skill endorsements in areas like Angular, PHP, and D3.js.
During the pandemic, Alim created a COVID-19 tracker app that integrated live updates and global data — a testament to his technical growth and social responsibility.
Today, Alim proudly serves as a Software Development Engineer at Zoho, embodying the company’s core belief that talent and perseverance matter more than formal qualifications.
Lessons from Abdul Alim’s Journey
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Opportunity can come from anywhere – sometimes all it takes is curiosity and courage to ask questions.
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Hard work and consistency beat credentials – Alim’s story proves that persistence opens doors degrees cannot.
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Mentorship matters – a single person’s belief can transform another’s life.
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Learning never stops – success favors those who keep growing, regardless of where they start.
A Story of Hope and Possibility
Abdul Alim’s story is more than just a tale of personal success — it’s a reflection of India’s changing tech culture, where merit, not background, defines success.
From standing guard at Zoho’s gates to building software inside its offices, Alim’s journey is a beacon of hope for countless dreamers who believe that education, curiosity, and effort can rewrite destiny.
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