Weekly Report #14: 12/8 - 12/15

Final Touches

Throughout this week, I was focused on two aspects of my path: interview analysis and Research Showcase. First, as it pertains to my interview analysis, I was able to assess my experience with Mr. Shiva Krishnamurthy, an interview which I felt went extremely well. Overall, his journey throughout employment has been unorthodox. He stated how he completely changed his field midway through his career, when he finally realized that he wasn’t enjoying or passionate for his work. Nevertheless, this unorthodox journey taught him invaluable lessons about how to approach one’s career, lessons which he was able to transfer over to me. I essentially learnt how important passion is, and more importantly utilizing that passion at an early age to achieve one’s dreams. We talked at great lengths about my goals and aspirations for the future, and he advised that I continue to further my passions into tangible aspects of my aspirations for the future. Furthermore, this week, I was able to put some finishing touches on my preparation for Research Showcase Night. I obtained all the materials necessary for the event, and I feel extremely prepared for the night. This upcoming week, I will be focused upon ensuring perfect execution at Research Showcase Night and finalizing my mentorship details.

Weekly Report #13: 12/1 - 12/8

Research Showcase Preparation Continues

This week consisted of interviews and preparing for Research Showcase. To begin with, I had an interview with Al Christianson. Our interview went extremely well, as we discussed the balance between computer science and business within his employment sector. In his job, Christianson creates healthcare solutions through leading teams in creating these solutions. Overall, he showcased the perfect balance between knowledge and leadership, a balance I intend to achieve in the future. Furthermore, I completed my interview assessment for my interview with Mr. Waicberg, which provided me with a constructive opportunity to analyze the lessons learnt from my interview. Moreover, my work on research showcase materials continued this past week. I was able to receive constructive criticism on my display board. This criticism came from various perspectives, all of which considered a multitude of the aspects within the board, including presentation, color, professionalism, and structure. As a whole, this experience provided me with an opportunity to improve how I present my work to the community, and how to mold the perspective of viewers throughout the Research Showcase. This upcoming week, I intend to focus on completing my preparation for the Research Showcase Night, conducting further research and interviews, and hopefully finding a mentor.

Weekly Report #12: 11/17-11/24

Invitations and Research Showcase

This week consisted of preparing for Research Showcase, which will be later in December. To begin with, I received input on my assessments, both research and interview, from my peers, and was able to fix simple grammatical mistakes I had overlooked in my initial creation of the assessments. Furthermore, I created an invitation list for the people whom I would like to invite to see my presentation at Research Showcase Night. This consisted of teachers, relatives, neighbors, and fellow classmates, all of which I felt would enhance or truly appreciate the extent of the research and preparation I’ve done for this program. Furthermore, I researched about Cloud Computing, which will become the future of the computer science as a technological facet and an employment field. Cloud computing is the idea of having a centralized database of information for users across the globe, allowing them to store and make use of various bits of data. Though the centralized aspect is a powerful source of efficiency and productivity, the risks of security and morals are naturally inherent. Such an analysis regarding the balance of the pros and cons within this technology was the basis of my research for this week. This upcoming week, I plan to create my research showcase presentation board and participate in an interview with Mr. Shiva Krishnamurthy.

Weekly Report #11: 11/10-11/17

Speaking on my Research

This week consisted of mainly my Research Speech and increased interviews. To begin with, my Research Speech was given in class on Tuesday. In this presentation, I showcased the knowledge I had garnered through my research, interviews, and ISM journey so far. To begin with, I discussed why I decided to pursue computer science as my field of choice for ISM, as it pertained to my interests, passions, and future. Next, I introduced the topics of my research, attempting to present the technical knowledge gained in a manner which the audience could understand and digest. Next, I considered my experiences in the interviews. I discussed the interviewee in each case and then went on to discuss the most important lesson gained in each interview, which naturally varied from each experience. Lastly, I went on to showcase how my quote for ISM has not only been a big part of my past month in the program, but more importantly how it will drive me in the future. Secondly, the other focus of this week was more interviews. I contacted Shiva Krishnamurthy and Sam Waicberg in regards to a possible interview. Though Mr. Krishnamurthy was the only one to respond so far, I’d like to follow up and pursue such further in the near future.

Interview Assessment #1

Interview Assessment #1 - Mr. Don Blasingame

My first interview took place with Don Blasingame, the Director of IT for ADT Security. The interview as a whole was incredibly successful; I effectively was able to garner knowledge regarding the technical aspects of the computer science and IT field, while also engendering a further foundation upon my comprehension of the communications aspect of the field holistically. Mr. Blasingame’s position as director allows him to be balanced in the technical and business aspects of the profession of computer science, providing me with the perfect equilibrium and experiences from which to extract and make use of during the interview.

To begin with, an important aspect of of the interview as a whole was the discussion of the balance between the cooperative, project-based work of the field and the individual, programming-focused pursuits of the field. When asked about his journey in employment, Mr. Blasingame informed me of how many people in computer science professions tend to start off with a few years in the programming and coding aspect of the job, and later transition into the business and management aspects of the company later on.  He mentioned how the initial programming phase of employment is stagnant as it pertains to employment progression and promotion. I found this extremely interested, for this common progression promotes a paucity in company loyalty, rather than the expected responsibility one seemingly should contain for his or her company..

Furthermore, we conversed upon the analytical and problem-solving conceptual basis behind the job, in both the technical and business aspects. This concept only furthered my desire to become a part of this field, for it truly enhances upon my traits and personality as an individual. Additionally, one of the most interesting topics we discussed was the concept of big-data analysis. Big-data, as Mr. Blasingame informed me, is the future of the field of technology. It is founded in the concept of analyzing large amounts of data through algorithms created utilizing human ingenuity and creativity. After the interview, I researched further into the concept and was astounded by the implications it hold for the future. Technology is becoming more and more powerful, but the personal touch required for technological development continues to be necessary and required for further progress.

For a first interview, I couldn’t have been more pleased with my experience with Mr. Blasingame. I not only furthered my knowledge on the pertinent information of the field, but also realized how I as an individual am a great fit for the field, for there is so much more to computer science as a whole than the hard programming and coding.

Research Assessment #1

Research Assessment #1

Subject: Computer Science vs. Computer Engineering vs. Software Engineering

Date: September 13, 2014

MLA citation:

Aki, Robert. "Computer Science VS Computer Engineering." Computer Science Vs. Computer Engineering. Software Engineer Insider, 23 June 2013. Web. 13 Sept. 2014.

Budden, David. "Degrees Demystified: Computer Science vs Software Engineering." David Budden. The University of Melbourne, 24 Nov. 2013. Web. 13 Sept. 2014.

Assessment:

Through reading the articles mentioned in this assessment, I’ve garnered a further understanding of the tangible difference between the different branches of computer science, whether it pertain to strictly computer science, computer engineering, or software engineering. Computer science concerns more of the software aspect of computers, with a heavy emphasis on coding, application creation, game design, and more. Many times, computer scientists are provided problems and must solve them through prior knowledge and creativity. On the other hand, computer engineering refers to the hardware and software aspects of computers. In fact, it is said that computer engineering is the combination of computer science and electrical engineering. Software engineering is simply a category which encompasses parts of computer engineering and computer science.The degrees and education vary as well; the last two years of a computer engineering degree delve further into the hardware aspect of computers, while computer science remains within the coding and software.

I’ve known for a long time that I want to work with computers when I’m older. However, I was never truly sure of what computer engineering or computer science meant. They were always vague terms regarding professions utilizing technology. I’d always wondered about the process: what they did, what they wanted, and how they achieved these aspirations. Now, I believe I have gained a better understanding of what each profession entail, and how it pertains to my desires and strengths as an individual.

Truthfully, I’ve never been incredibly interested in the hardware aspect of computers, which concerns the machinery involved within the computer to allow it to function as a machine. I’m more driven by the software aspect. Such is composed of the ability to solve problems for companies to increase efficiency and productivity, the ability to create software which can predict the growth of a disease within the world,  the ability to create programs which further the connectivity of today’s society, and more. The possibilities are endless in either computer pursuit, yet I find myself fascinated by the software aspect. Reading this article has provided me with a more definite foundation for the path I will take this year towards understanding my future.

Additionally, a misconception which I held previously was the belief that computer science and coding was simply about knowledge. I thought that the more computer languages one knows, or the more techniques and software one can understand, the better programmer one would be. However, after reading these articles, I’ve realized there’s far more than simply coding capabilities which are involved in the job. The problem-solving and creative arts skill necessary in software design and application creation is a critical base of success as a software engineer as well. Without these qualities, it becomes increasingly difficult to solve and create code which will serve the desired purpose. No doubt, the quintessential knowledge of how to code and different programming languages can not be replaced by a creative mind. However, the combination of knowledge and creativity in computer science truly define the field,

As I pursued computer engineering/science in the past, I was worried. I saw my peers with a preponderance of skills when it came to coding capabilities and knowledge of computer languages. My perspective was one of fear, for I wasn’t sure how I was to compete with others who had been coding their whole lives. However, the articles I have read have relieved this pressure off my shoulders, for now I understand that there’s more to computer science than coding. After this research, I’ve not only furthered my understanding of the field I want to pursue, I’ve also increased my confidence in my capability to succeed in computer science despite my lack of comparative coding experience.

Article links:

1. http://www.davidbudden.com/degrees-demystified-1/
2. http://www.softwareengineerinsider.com/articles/computer-science-vs-computer-engineering.html#.VBHx4sJdWSo

Weekly Report #10: 11/3-11/10

Prepping for the Presentation

This week consisted of two main parts: interview assessment #3 and research presentations. To begin with, I wrote an interview assessment regarding my interview with Mr. Manish Vyas, the Global Head of Telecom at Tech Mahindra. The biggest part of this interview, as showcased in my interview assessment, was our discussion over how the balance between computer science and communications will evolve over time. According to our discussion, I understood how, though the technology and computer science aspect of the field will constantly evolve, the communications aspect will always be necessary, as all individuals require a sense of face-to-face communication for business. Next up, I also began the preparation for my research presentation. After watching various presentations by my classmates, I’ve understood how to properly present my information in a way which is hopefully both engaging and informative, I will be posting the link to the speech after it is done on this blog as well. My presentation is founded upon my research assessments, my interviews, and my overall understanding of my topic as garnered over the course of the past ten weeks.

This upcoming week, I intend to finish the research presentation, present it to my class, and then continue on my search for more research interviews with various professionals in my field of study.

Weekly Report #9: 10/27-11/3

No Pain, No Gain

This week in my journey in the Independent Study and Mentorship Program was characterized by assessments of research and interviews. To begin with, my research concerned the employment attributes of computer science in the real world, and what preparation and characteristics result in success within such a future. My research article pertained to the experiences of an individual who had undergone a computer science education in college and was searching for employment afterwards. Through his perspective, I received valuable insight into two aspects of the professional field. First, as it pertains to preparation, one must have a proper and strong education within the proper aspects of computer science. An education must prepare one for the employment world, in which tangible skills and experiences far outweigh memorization and superficial understanding of conceptual ideas. Furthermore, as it pertains to characteristics, the prominent attribute within the successful is proactivity. The desire and passion to search and understand new ideas, languages, concepts, and knowledge, is what truly drives prosperity in this field. I intend to inherit such qualities through my experiences in ISM> Furthermore, I participated in an interview assessment this week, in which I evaluated my experience with Mr. Kong Posh Bhat. The assessment provided me with an opportunity to truly relish and understand the wide variety of knowledge which was exchanged through my discussion with Mr. Bhat. My overall satisfaction and increased sense of understanding was imbued throughout my assessment, making it a successful endeavor as a whole.

Weekly Report #8: 10/20 - 10/27

Displaying Learning

This week, the focus was on three different aspects of the class: display boards, interviews, and research. Regarding point one, we were provided the opportunity to view various display boards from the past which were used for various presentations. Based on such, I was able to successfully create a foundational plan for how my display board will look, regarding the information it will portray, the layout it will utilize, and the overall color scheme and design it will contain. Thus, I was effectively able to create a foundation for what I will create for my Final Presentation Night. Furthermore, in regards to interviews, I wrote my first assessment of my interview with Mr. Don Blasingame. Overall, the assessment furthered my understanding of what I garnered from that experience for I delved deeper into the content of the interview and successfully understood more from the analysis of the initial conversation. Lastly, I conducted a research assessment in pertinence to the history of programming and how the evolution of computer programming occurs. I understood how the creation of computer languages as a whole was prefaced by the understanding that languages need to be developed in the future. This understanding drove the creation through the method by which it occurred, from a simplistic base and complex design standpoint. In essence, this week allowed me to further my knowledge and learning of my field and my compatibility with it, which is the overall goal of this program.

Weekly Report #7: 10/13 - 10/20

Assessing my Learning

This week, my work consisted of three main parts: post-business Symposium work, topic proposal, and research assessment. To begin with, after our successful Business Symposium event last week, I wrote thank you cards to professional who I found were extremely helpful in their feed back throughout the event. Furthermore, I wrote a Business Symposium assessment, which showcased my experiences in the event and overall how the my interactions and participation will benefit me in my future in the professional world as a whole. I found the assessment to be a source of revelation, as I was able to truly understand the true extent to which this event assisted me and set a positive foundation for me future. Furthermore, I completed my topic proposal this week as well, which basically considered my field of study and why I should be allowed to pursue this subject based on my past experiences. I wrote about my passions as a child and how my personality and experiences holistically prepare me for this field of study extremely well. Lastly, I conducted further research this week concerning the idea of big-data. It was a topic mentioned in many of my interviews, and was a concept which has major impacts for the future of computer science. Overall, I was able to understand how, though the technology of society is developing and becoming more powerful, the future of this field will still be driven by human analysis, creativity, and ingenuity, a process which computers will never be able to harness as effectively as the human can. This was extremely reassuring, as it provided me with the motivation to further the communications aspect of myself, as it will be truly quintessential for my future.

Weekly Report #6: 10/6 - 10/13

Business Symposium

This week was focused on the Business Symposium held by the Independent Study and Mentorship programs of the East side of Frisco. This Symposium was an event in which students of various Independent Study and Mentorship programs were able to collaborate with real professionals in various aspects of employment. The Symposium consisted of interviews conducted by professionals to help us understand the spectrum of our interview capabilities. It also contained a period in which we were able to understand the benefits of the ISM program through the lens of past students, who demonstrated and explicated their various positive experiences in the class during their tenure in high school. Moreover, another integral part of the Symposium was the aspect of networking. We started off the day with an hour of networking with professionals in various fields. Additionally, as the day progressed, we were able to meet students from different schools, which gave us the opportunity for increased networking and contact obtaining. This opportunity at the Symposium not only helped me increase my contacts for later usage in the program, but it laid the foundation for the skillset of networking within me, and helped me understand how to successfully introduce myself as an individual and strike up a conversation with a person who I have never interacted with before.

Overall, the experience of Business Symposium was phenomenal; it gave me real life experience and helped initiate the growth of tangible communication skills within me which can be utilized in the near future. This following week, I intend to focus upon assessing the knowledge which I gained from the Symposium, my past interviews, and research upon my field.

Weekly Report #5: 9/29 - 10/6

It’s All About the Research

This week comprised of the beginning of the research interview process. During this week, I was able to utilize the wide variety of skills I had learned these past four weeks to contact professionals in my field and conduct research interviews regarding their field and experiences. Overall, I have to say that the experience for me has been amazing. Not only have I learned so much simply by talking to these individuals, but also I’ve broadened my perspective upon the field I am pursuing. The computer science field has so many aspects to it, which tie into business and communications. Also, the necessary traits for a prosperous computer scientist go beyond knowledge. In fact, as I’ve learned this week, it requires analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities. Overall, there’s so much more to the technology I know of, and I feel as if this past week, I’ve begun the process of opening my eyes to the world around me and the possibilities within my field. In essence, I realized throughout this past week how much there is to know and grasp about the field of computer science, and how I’m only beginning to uncover the vast secrets which the field encompasses.

This upcoming week, I intend to further my research through interview assessments, research assessments, and overall just furthering my relationships with a wide variety of computer science professionals who can lead me towards the path of understanding the mysteries and constantly evolving future which lie ahead for technology.

Weekly Report #4: 9/22 - 9/29

The Beginnings of Research

This week was defined by scheduling interviews. Throughout the course of the week, the main focus was to schedule multiple research-based interviews to understand more about the computer science field through understanding the perspectives of individuals who work in such on a daily basis. Therefore, I began the process of mapping out how to schedule interviews and with whom to schedule such research through various aspects. These methods included the creation of a communications log and finally the actual calling of professionals within the computer science field. The calls received mixed reviews; although at first, many of my initial calls went straight to voice mail, I received call backs and was able to schedule two interviews for this upcoming week. With my prior list of questions set for what I'd like to gain knowledge-wise from each interaction, I am prepared to participate in these interviews and garner a further understanding of the computer science field and what it holds for me in the future.

This upcoming week, I intend to not only participate in these interviews, but also begin the creation of my research portfolio, while continuing the calling and scheduling process for more interviews in the future. This will hopefully allow me to continue towards the path I have paved and envisioned for myself to find the mentor who will help me progress towards the ultimatum of better understanding of my future.

Weekly Post #3: 9/15 - 9/22

Presenting the Past for My Future

This week was focused on how to present myself to business professionals in a manner to ensure proper manners and ethics while successfully and efficiently broadcasting the information necessary to ensure the achievement of my goals. To begin with, I practiced proper handshakes and introductions in face-to-face conversation. I learned how the proper handshake takes place and how to keep  a conversation with physical aspects rather than the usual vocal attributes. Furthermore, I practiced calling an individual on the phone in search for a research interview with a professional in our respective fields. This provided me with some necessary understanding of the intangibles it takes to be successful in retrieving required information through the phone. To further this ability, I added professional aspects to my technology, from voice mail greeting to the signature of our emails. This furthers my presentation of myself by allowing me to showcase my professional and best etiquette to adults. Moreover, I worked on improving my resume's format and presentation to ensure my abilities are best showcased. To add to that, I wrote a research assessment in which I discussed the future of computer science as a field and how it has changed over time. Overall, this week was characterized by its preparation as it pertains to me towards presenting myself for prosperity in the future.

This upcoming week, I hope to utilize this experience and practice to begin calling and scheduling interviews with prospective mentors for my future in this program. This will hopefully be the essence of what I will aspire to become as I progress through the ISM journey.

Career Industry Forecast

This outlines some questions I'd like to answer over the course of my journey through the Independent Study and Mentorship Program:


1.  Difference between computer science and computer engineering as majors in college.
2   What exactly a profession of computer engineer entails.
3.   The correlation between a physics background and computer science/engineering
4.   What companies look for when hiring computer engineers.
5.   What jobs result from majors/minors in business and computer science together
6.    Different branches of computer engineering/science during and after college
7.    Income out of college
8.    Any forms of certification/requirements to become computer engineer (programming language fluency, experience, etc.)
9.      How do social skills play in the computer engineering department.
10.   Daily routine (projects or daily work, group or individual)
11.   How one receives promotions or moves up chain of command (experience? commitment?)

Weekly Report #2: 9/8 - 9/15

The Science of Computer Science

This week was the starting point of my research and blog. I began the week by focusing on the presentation of the information I will gather for the rest of this year. To properly present the research I will partake in for the next 6-8 months, I created this blog, which would sufficiently allow my readers and viewers to find and search information regarding the progress and extent of my research this year. I was advised on tips to make the blog a more succinct and positive representation of myself and my desired profession. I was able to utilize the capabilities of Google Blogger to initiate the creation of a blog which I hope will remain with me for the rest of my life and will ensure that I can store and present all of what I plan to do this upcoming year. By creating the blog, I've created the foundation for the upcoming research of this program.

Furthermore, I took part in my first research assessment. This assessment referred to the different aspects of computer science and engineering. The various branches and implications of each respective degree were previously unknown to me; therefore, through this research assessment, I was able to analyze the aspects of each profession in the computer science/engineering field and distinguish for myself a more distinct and specific path to follow for the foreseeable future. This further allowed me to understand my own capabilities and gather confidence within myself in my ability and potential to be successful in the field of computer science. Overall, this week served effective in that it allowed to narrow my path towards my future, and showcased to me how immensely capable I am despite limitations in the coding aspect of computer science. 

This upcoming week, I hope to further my research of computer science through broadening my perspective of what a computer science profession entails in daily life, and in essence, bettering my understanding of the field of technology which is my future.

Mission Statement

My mission in the Independent Study and Mentorship Program is to gain experience and knowledge in the computer science field as it pertains to its technical and business aspects. I intend to experience the computer engineering field through shadowing a mentor to receive a realistic viewpoint on life in the computer science field. Furthermore, I hope to garner the knowledge of understanding what is required to succeed in computer science, regarding both my personality and my intellectual vitality. This will lay the foundation for my future by setting the stepping stones through which I can achieve my potential as an individual.

Personal Quote

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself" - George Bernard Shaw

This quote showcases what ISM means to me. Opportunities in life aren't given to the individual. One must go out in the world and search for what he or she needs and wants. My aspirations in ISM are to increase the proactive capabilities within myself. This will allow my future to be dictated by my own actions rather than mere luck. I intend for my ISM journey to be one attempting to tap into the potential which I see within myself, and hopefully fulfilling my aspirations through my own proactive dedication.

Weekly Post #1: 8/25 - 9/8

Great Expectations

During these first two weeks in the Independent Study and Mentorship Program, I have been introduced to the program and the work ahead as it pertains to my research and activities. To begin with, I gave an introductory speech in regards to my personality, my aspirations, and my field for this program this year. I learned how to speak in front of an audience and common mistakes made by individuals when they speak. This allowed me to understand how to minimize flaws in speeches while maximizing the productivity of the message. Later in the week, I was given various words of wisdom regarding proper conversation, speech etiquette, professional dress reviews, and more. I learned how to properly greet someone with a firm handshake and professional dress, including, but not limited to, a suit and tie. This will hopefully set the foundation for the positive image I hope to showcase to business professionals and possible mentors in the future. Moreover, I have worked on setting the stage for what I want to research about computer science during the extent of this program, while also writing interview questions which will be utilized when I interview possible candidates to become my mentor for this program. Overall, I am content with the work done and knowledge retrieved these first two weeks, and I hope to further this beginning foundation this next week through resume work, contact information gathering, and more.