Chapter 4:

Wired for Change

Childhood Dreams and Early Influences

When I was a kid, I was always curious about the world and driven by a desire to find a profession I could pour my heart into. My aunt called me “little Einstein,” and I dreamed of becoming a scientist. But, like many children, my father became my role model. He worked tirelessly and often spoke about how engineering could create meaningful value for society. Influenced by his vision, I decided to follow a similar path.

Entering Sharif University: A Hub of Talent and Emigration

My journey led me to Sharif University of Technology, one of the most prestigious universities in Iran. Getting accepted there was a challenge in itself, and once I arrived, I discovered a campus brimming with talented young people, all full of ambition. Yet, what struck me was the staggering rate of emigration among the top students. In my year alone, about 120 out of 180 classmates left the country immediately after earning their bachelor’s degrees.

Questioning the Exodus

This sparked questions for me. Why were so many leaving? Was it really for a dream they couldn’t pursue at home, or was it about something deeper—like finding work that truly resonated with them? In 2014, Electrical Engineering was the top choice among high-ranking students, with nearly 90% of the top 100 scorers in the Konkur Entrance Exam choosing it. But by 2016, Computer Engineering (CE) took over as the most popular choice. It’s funny because, in Iran, CE is more favored than Computer Science (CS); there’s this cultural mindset where families want their kids to be “engineers,” not “just” scientists!

Exploring New Perspectives: Beyond Engineering

I began to wonder why I’d chosen Electrical Engineering. Was it my own interest, or the influence of my father? Around this time, some professors, many of whom had returned from places like MIT, started holding talks encouraging students to consider careers outside of traditional engineering. They spoke about the importance of business and management skills in a world that seemed increasingly centered around innovation and entrepreneurship. Dr. Mashayekhi, a pioneer in establishing the MBA program at Sharif, often highlighted the broader impact students could have by thinking beyond technical disciplines alone.

The Rise of Entrepreneurship and a New Path Forward

At the same time, a wave of entrepreneurship was building across Iran. Technology company founders sponsored events on our campus, and Sharif’s alumni were spearheading an overwhelming 80% of Iran’s startup ecosystem. This shift inspired me to explore management courses and dive into computer science—a path that felt more aligned with the emerging trends I was seeing.

Reflecting on Global Influences and Choices

Reflecting on it all, I now see how global trends, especially in places like the United States, influenced our choices. It’s not so much that engineering or business is “better” but rather that capital and opportunities often dictate which professions seem viable. This influence isn’t inherently wrong, but it creates an unstable system for students from countries like Iran. Without comparable resources, we face two choices: stay and struggle to make change, or move abroad to build a different kind of dream. For many, the allure of the “American Dream” is strong, though it’s rarely as flawless as it seems.

The Factors Shaping Our Paths

1. Location Is Not the Barrier—Capital Is

Western countries don’t necessarily have better resources than places like Iran. Iran is rich in natural resources, ranked fifth globally, and geographically diverse, with beaches and ski resorts just a flight apart. But the issue lies in capital and governance. Western narratives often focus on Iran’s problems—some of which are valid—to overshadow its potential. This narrative makes it easier for outside forces to attract our talent or exploit our resources. While Iran’s lack of systemic control might make it easier to succeed quickly (and even exploitatively), this is changing.

Decentralization is a game-changer here. It allows people to thrive without needing validation from traditional markets. For example, platforms like Instagram have become universal, transcending borders and bringing opportunities directly to individuals, even in Iran.

2. Value Defined by Government, Not Humanity

For too long, our values and aspirations have been shaped by governmental or societal expectations rather than the needs of humanity. But with decentralized technology, individuals are increasingly empowered to define their own value and contribute to global progress.

Finding My Own Path

Through all of this, I’ve learned that it’s not enough to follow trends or inherit goals from others. True fulfillment lies in carving out a path that aligns with my own vision for impact, unbound by borders and free from outdated ideas of what a career should look like.