We are already halfway through this Proseminar course. So quick! I like how the course moves fast because it keeps me engaged and allows us to cover a lot of material in a short time.
We covered some topics about setting goals and started constructing our next essay, an Ethical Argument, by writing an outline.
Part 1: My Educational Goals
My biggest educational goal is to successfully complete my Computer Science degree in the next two years. I've always been curious about diving deeper into the world of technology, and now that I'm actually enrolled in this program, I'm excited to see where it will take me. This degree is more than just an academic achievement for me; it’s the foundation of my career in tech.
Throughout the program, there is so much to explore and absorb. However, beyond the coursework, I also want to actively work on personal projects that I can add to my portfolio. These projects will not only help me reinforce my skills but also prepare me for job hunting after graduation. By the end of the program, I aim to have a strong, diverse portfolio that showcases my technical abilities and takes me to exciting career opportunities in software development or security engineering.
Part 2: My Career Goals
Several job titles come to mind as I picture my future career: Software Engineer, Data Engineer, Security Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and more. Initially, I aimed for a cybersecurity path, but after diving into various topics, I realized that some concepts were difficult to grasp without a broader foundation in engineering.
After reflecting on my background, particularly my years of experience in accounting, I've come to the conclusion that starting as a Software Engineer or Data Engineer might be the most practical step for me. Data engineering especially feels like a natural fit, given my strong foundation in Python and SQL and my strong analytical skills. I’ll need to build on that by gaining knowledge of ETL processes and data pipelines. However, starting as a Data Engineer seems like a solid option that will allow me to apply my strengths while continuing to grow.
Part 3: ETS Computer Science Test
After looking at the ETS page, test description, and sample test, I feel a bit nervous, but I also hope to prepare enough to take the test in 18 months. With steady studying and practice, I think I can build a strong understanding of the material and do well. The test covers a lot of topics, including algorithms and systems, which seems challenging. However, I believe I can improve by focusing more on these areas through this program.
I hope to score in the 70-80 percentile range. This is because I have studied some of the subjects, such as programming and networking, and I am committed to learning more. The topics I am less familiar with, such as algorithms and more advanced programming concepts, will need more practice, but 18 months should be a good amount of time to strengthen those weaker areas and build confidence.
Part 4: This Week's Recap
This week, I focused on several important topics, including the goal-setting process, career aspirations, and the ETS Major Field Test in Computer Science. I reviewed the steps involved in setting effective goals and reflected on my career objectives, which helped clarify my aspirations in the tech field. I also worked on an outline for an Ethics Argument essay, constructing persuasive arguments. Additionally, I participated in a team assignment that required collaboration and self-reflection., where we engaged in an activity, 2 Truths, 1 Lie. This activity not only encouraged us to learn more about each other but also fostered communication and teamwork skills. We documented our findings, including insights on each team member's contributions, preferences for group dynamics, and strategies for improving our collaboration.
Hi Eriko!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate that your educational and career goals have already displayed some flexibility based on what you've learned so far - that kind of nimble thinking and planning is going to be key to success in a field that changes as quickly as tech. I also think having security engineering as your ultimate endgoal is smart, since that is only becoming more necessary as technology advances, and having human oversight of security will remain important even if AI begins taking over other aspects of software development and maintenance.
The description of educational and career goals appear to be very well thought out and I appreciate how you see it as a continuous building on top of previous experiences. I can definitely relate to some of your considerations between security-forward versus data science and software engineering forward careers. I believe both are valuable fields. I encourage your interest in growing as data engineer and building upon your knowledge of Python and SQL skills. You got this!
ReplyDeleteHi!
ReplyDeleteI compared your goals with mine and noticed some key similarities and differences. Like me, you're focused on completing your Computer Science degree, but your approach centers more on building a portfolio with personal projects to help you land job opportunities. I’m more focused on transitioning into data analytics, but I think your approach of showcasing your skills through projects is a great way to stand out.
When it comes to career goals, we both started with broad interests, but while I’m honing in on healthcare data analytics, you’re exploring roles in software and data engineering. Data Engineering seems like a great fit for you with your strengths in Python and SQL. I’d recommend continuing to build on those skills, especially around data pipelines, just as I’m focusing on mastering data science tools for healthcare.
Overall, both of us are creating clear paths based on our strengths, and I think you’re on the right track with your thoughtful approach to career development. Keep it up!