Module 2 - Learning Strategy, Time Management, Project Management, Reviewing Capstones, etc.

I feel like I've been writing all day and all week... It's been good practice and great opportunity to brainstorm and improve my creative writing skills!

Here are some topics that we covered for this week:

Part 1: Review and Reflect Learning Strategy

My learning strategy has improved a lot since I got my first bachelor's degree years ago, but it's always nice to review what can be improved.

After reading this article "Effective Study Skills" (http://www.adprima.com/studyout.htm), I listed my strengths and weaknesses.

Top 3 Strength

> Time Management:
I wasn’t good at time management before, but after taking several online courses while working full-time, I started to improve. It was tough to adjust at the beginning, especially after a long break from studying. However, after a few weeks of practice, managing my study time naturally became part of my daily routine.

> Researching:
I am confident in my researching abilities, which I learned from my previous experience working at a law firm. That role required thorough research for cases, enhancing my skills in finding relevant and reliable information. While academic research has stricter criteria for sources, tools like search engines and library catalogs make it easier to locate appropriate articles and resources.

> Taking and Organizing Notes:
I enjoy organizing my notes in a structured way, as it helps me review and retain information more effectively. By summarizing key points and using visual aids, I can refer back to them quickly, which improves my overall understanding of the material.

Top 3 Weakness 

> Reading Skills:
I’m not good at reading at a fast pace, and it sometimes takes me a while to fully digest complex topics. This becomes more challenging when faced with dense academic texts or unfamiliar subjects. I often have to reread sections to understand the meaning.

> Test Taking:
I get easily nervous during tests and quizzes, often leading to simple mistakes that I would not have made if I had read the questions carefully. This anxiety affects my performance, even when I’m well-prepared for the material.

> Concentration:
I sometimes struggle to maintain focus, especially when I encounter difficult problems or when tasks seem overwhelming. If I get stuck on an issue, it can cause me to lose concentration and make it harder to stay on track.

I always wish I could read faster. If anyone reads this post and has any good suggestions, maybe something I can do even with a busy life, I'd like to get some advice 🙏

Part 2: Preview Time Management Skills

I think I've been improving time management skills every time I take new course. For this week, I saved enough time to work on my Industry Analysis Essay, as I knew I would need lots of time to revise it. 

Here is my activity log from 9/4 - 9/8 (I took this screenshot on 9/8 at 10pm).

 

 

I work full-time, so my study time is normally after 7pm on weekdays and most of the time on weekends.

Part 3: Project Management Basics

 

This video provides a comprehensive overview of project management, clarifying the role of a project manager. A project is defined as a unique endeavor with a specific goal and deadline. It differs from routine operations because it must have a distinct scope. For example, a company building identical houses in the same location would not be considered a project, as it lacks uniqueness. Projects must also align with the company's business strategy, serving as investments that help achieve broader organizational goals. Since projects involve time and resource commitments, a solid plan is a must before execution.

A project manager is responsible for leading the project, overseeing both the team and processes to ensure success. They must possess a mix of project management knowledge, business acumen, workflow management, strategic thinking, and leadership skills. Effective project managers guide their teams toward achieving project goals while being accountable for the overall success of the initiative.

Part 4: Check Out Previous Capstones

I watched the capstones presentations from Summer 2024, and it looks like all the teams did amazing work! Here are three teams that caught my eye:

> US Naval Research Laboratory:
The presentation covered a tool designed to convert SARIF data into readable reports with charts and critical levels to improve understanding of security risks in code. The tool aims to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders by simplifying cybersecurity risk management. I really like that the reports are very readable and well-organized, making it easier to understand and act on security risks. The only improvement I can suggest is that some parts of the presenter’s voice were unclear.

> National AI Campus:
The presentation covered the use of computer vision and neural networks to identify tumors in brain MRI scans, using a U-Net model for image segmentation. This approach highlights the growing importance of such tools in the medical field. It’s impressive that the group successfully explored and applied this advanced technology in their capstone project.

> DriveDiary:
The presentation showcased a tool designed to help users track gas usage and vehicle maintenance, keeping their cars in reliable and safe condition. The user-friendly design makes it accessible, especially for a country like the U.S. where many people drive. Although the tool design is a bit too simple, it has strong potential to become a unique and useful resource. 

I enjoyed all the presentations and am excited about the future projects I'm going to work on with my team!

Part 5: This Week's Recap

This week, I focused on the Industry Analysis Essay. I enjoy researching, particularly learning about companies I’m interested in, as there’s always something new to discover. I also enjoyed reading everyone’s writing. There were industries and career approaches I hadn’t considered before, and their career strategies have provided me with great ideas for my own career path. Overall, this week has been insightful and has helped me see different industry perspectives and career options more clearly.