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.