Computer Science BS Journal: Week 4

 Part One: Set Your Educational Goals

 Something I want to achieve by the end of this CS program at Monterey Bay is to have a portfolio full of projects. We learned in the recent weeks that a portfolio is more important than a resume for a programmer and I stand by that. I would like to have several large scale projects completed with my group and perhaps a few solo projects in said portfolio so I may display all that I have learned. My goal? Port-Fillio (Fill out my portfolio).

Part Two: Set Your Career Goals

    It may not seem like much but my career goals are sort of simple. I want to be a full-stack developer, the company I work for does not matter to me so much as the work-life balance. Traveling is very important to me so a remote job that gives me the freedom to move around is a must. I envision myself with my significant other putting in our hours and then going out to explore a new country we just landed in. This lifestyle has already been attained by my significant other so I'm eager to join in that lifestyle and work remotely while exploring the world.

Part Three: Take a wild guess of your percentile of the ETS Computer Science test

In 18 months I think I'll do pretty well, especially since this practice test seems pretty specific. I think I'd be a little worried about memorizing some definitions, but with enough practice I think this would all become second nature. I believe that I'll score in the low 90th percentile because I'm now aware of this test and have 18 moths to study and prepare for it. 

Part Four: Keep Up With Your Learning Journal

 In this weeks readings and activities I've worked on my goal setting, reviewed and reflected on my goals, previewed the ETS computer science test, worked on my ethics argument essay as well as reviewed argumentative essay. I mainly worked on my ethics outline which took some time to find valuable sources, but I feel like I have a good set of sources as well as information to create a good ethics argument essay. I also enjoyed working on the group assignment this week, we had some good interactions as well as some social time. I look forward to working on more computer science based projects with them in the future. After learning a bit more about my group members I realize that we actually have a very well rounded team and should do well in large scale projects. I have yet to figure out what I'll be doing for the Industry Expert interview, but I do have a friend that has been in the industry for some years. Hopefully interviewing them will be acceptable. As these weeks progress I find myself wanting more and more to start on some programing in the class, looking forward to it everyday.

Comments

  1. VladimirFebruary 8, 2025 at 4:53 PM

    Hey Josh,
    I too learned that building a portfolio is a very important asset to have when trying to find a job. As you mentioned, one important thing for myself, which is why I wanted to get into this field, is having the ability to work from anywhere. Traveling is also important to me and after doing my first overseas trip last year, I'm ready for more! The world was made for traveling and I hope you get to see everything it has to offer. Keep at it! We're all doing good so far.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Raquel ZFebruary 10, 2025 at 8:42 PM

    Hey Josh, having a full portfolio of projects can have a huge impact when applying for jobs. I am also considering starting projects to see how progressively I grow. However, when you apply for internships or other jobs, and you do not think you have enough projects, don’t let it stop you from applying to those jobs because you will always miss a chance to have a successful career. Also, it would be an accomplishment to have a remote job as a full-stack developer, so don’t sell yourself short. That is also what I want to do in my life as I have my family already, so I am excited to finish my bachelor’s degree to have more time with them again. After accomplishing your degree, you should enjoy living your life. You got this!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kha AiFebruary 11, 2025 at 2:12 PM

    Hello Josh,

    Portfolios really are a great way to showcase your abilities as a programmer. I think that it is also important because we are able to show our personalities and to help companies have a better idea of who we are as a person. I think that it is super sweet that you and your significant other are working hard to create your dream lifestyle. I am in a very similar situation where my Fiancé has already started his career and is able to work remotely. With that said, it's nice to see that we are both working hard to be able to create a future full of adventures with our partners!

    ReplyDelete

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