CST 300 week 4

Part 1:
    One of my main goals throughout this program is to understand the big picture when it comes to software development. As of now, I don't have any experience outside of java and object oriented programming. I understand how to code and create logic, but I have yet to apply this knowledge to a project that would introduce me to areas of work that I should know as a software developer. I also hope to learn more of about engineering methodologies through some the group projects along the way. My previous classes for computer science have not required me to work with anybody else, so I hope to get better at this. Another area of concern for me right now is that I am only proficient in Java at the moment. As I take classes that require me to learn new languages, I am going to take additional time study these languages and strive to become proficient in them. Right now, I want to learn Python and C the most. Outside of school, I am working on a data structures and algorithms course taught through leet code, and my goal is to finish this course by the end of the calendar year. I have really enjoyed this course so far since I am learning new ways to solve problems. The classes I have taken so far in school have really only taught me how to solve problems with brute force so this course has been very insightful. Additionally, this course is taught in python, so this is also helping me with learning Python. Once I am able to finish this course in Java, I will start the course again but in a different language. Lastly, before I reach my capstone project, I want to start working on projects that will provide me with experience that would be relevant to what a developer would do in the industry.

Part 2:
    Before I graduate I would like to work an internship, but given the structure of this program and my work schedule, I am not sure if this is too likely. Realistically, I think one thing I can do to get some experience is to contribute to open source projects on Github. Upon graduating, like anyone else, my goal is to find a job. Right after school, I will prioritize finding work experience over pay. I am not going to be too picky about what the is salary or what kind of company it is as I am more concerned with getting work experience. Within a few years of finding an entry level position, My next goal would be to find a mid level jos or move into a leadership position. Once I am comfortable with with my skills as a developer, I would either look for a second job (if I worked remotely) or possibly try to work at a larger tech company. One of the things I am concerned about at any step during my career progression are job interviews. I feel like I am on the right track if I continue working on my data structures and algorithms course. What I need to do outside of this is learn how to better verbally communicate technical ideas for these interviews.

Part 3:
    I believe I will score somewhere around the 60th percentile. I think the class I struggled with the most was discrete math, and this area of study makes up 21 percent of the exam. I learn/relearn things quickly through youtube, so at some point before the exam, I will probably have to go back and refresh on it. I am also not sure how well I will do with questions pertaining to operating systems, databases, and networks since I have never worked with them. I believe I will be ok in classes at CSUMB with the help of teammates, but I am not sure if this will translate well to the exam. I usually do pretty well in the classroom, but I tend to struggle more with final exams or any tests that cover a wide variety of topics. Again, I think I will have to make time later on down the road to study, but given my previous track record of being successful in my classes, I think I will perform slightly above average compared to other students across the country.

Part 4:
    I spent much of this week conducting research for my ethics paper, which covers the ethics of technology and the military. I had a good idea that there were going to be severals areas I could focus on for military ethics, but I found myself drawn to the ethical argument pertaining to lethal autonomous weapon systems. I learned that there were many layers to this discussion that go beyond just creating dangerous technologies. There are concerns about the discrimination towards other people when using AI to look for certain kinds of people and concerns with militaries becoming even more aggressive with more advanced weapons. I also read about ethical frameworks that deal with post war conduct, and how they are often ignored in today's conflicts. Outside of war, this assignment also helped me refresh on different ethics. I took a philosophy class earlier this year, so most of the ideas that we that were discussed in the module were still pretty fresh in my head.