The Hidden Code: Unlocking The Secrets To A Successful Software Engineering Career

About the Book

"The Hidden Code" is a powerful guide carefully penned down for those who believe the future lies in understanding technology, no matter where they come from. Akum Blaise Acha, or “Engineer Zo,” brings a story of tenacity, heart, and dedication. It is one that begins from humble roots in Bamenda to becoming a DevOps Software Engineer with a knack for transforming challenges into opportunities.  

This book is more than a how-to; it’s a roadmap for anyone who, like Blaise, started with little more than a spark of curiosity and passion for problem-solving. Through relatable stories, practical advice and concrete evidence, he shows that becoming a software engineer is not just for the "big book people," but for everyone willing to work hard and think smart.

With relatable language, wisdom, and memorable anthems like “Curiosity doesn’t kill the cat; it feeds it,” Blaise inspires readers to dig deep into their passion and unlock a world of immeasurable possibilities. From learning the basics of coding to handling complex algorithms, "The Hidden Code" arms you with the tools and confidence to begin, whether you're an eager beginner or someone who’s been unsure of how to start a software engineering career.

As Blaise says, "Success in this field isn’t measured by the degree you hold, but by the skills you master." With a good dose of humor, a touch of grit, and an abundance of real-world insights, "The Hidden Code" prepares you to embrace a future where technology, AI, the internet and digitalization is spreading like wild fire. His aim is to help you dominate the future with relevant skill set and shape your destiny, "where you serve before kings."

About the Author

Akum Blaise Acha, also known as Engineer Zo, is a dynamic Cameroonian DevOps Engineer, Full Stack Developer, and Tech Entrepreneur with over five years of grounded experience in the tech world. His journey began at PSS Mankon in Bamenda and led him to the University of Buea, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering and Technology. Currently, he’s building on his expertise with a Master’s in Telecommunications and Networks Engineering.

Blaise has worked with leading organizations, including Crystal House, USA, WaziEats PLC, Gozem Africa, Distributed UK, and Hero Technologies Limited, where he has led impactful projects across various industries. 

As the founder of Zotech Company Limited, he has developed products like Workamnow, a freelance platform, and Zocamhost, a web hosting service that’s creating opportunities for businesses. His other ventures, Infiniteschool and Salezoft, are making waves in the education and business management sectors, while his mentorship has helped over ten junior tech professionals kick start their careers in software development and DevOps.

Beyond his development work, Blaise is also an author, having written Navigating the Digital Job Landscape: Your Pathway to Employability in 2023. He runs a popular newsletter, DevOps Weekly, where he shares practical advice on software engineering, DevOps, and leadership with his growing community. His skill set includes AWS, Google Cloud Platform, Docker, Kubernetes, NodeJs, Ansible, PHP, Laravel, and React, making him a well-rounded engineer with a passion for building scalable systems that drive real-world impact.

From his early days at PSS Mankon, Bamenda to leading teams in the tech industry, Blaise’s journey shows that with passion, hard work, and a commitment to learning, you can build a successful career in technology and inspire others to do the same. His mission is to empower the next generation of engineers in Cameroon, proving that with the right mindset and continuous growth, tech can be a powerful tool for social change.