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Software Development Program Insights

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
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Software Development Program Insights

Uploaded by

gayvondavon
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Exploring my Academic Program

Orion Jones

First Term Experience & Tutoring Services, University of Maryland Global Campus

PACE 111: Program and Career Exploration

Krista Tomaselli

Date 10/17/23

Exploring my Academic Program

My research into the Software Development field led to the following answers to these questions:

• Why did you select an academic program in the Software field? Consider both internal and

external influences.

I chose an academic program in the software development field due to my love/hate

relationship with writing, when I was younger I loved making stories especially ones I'd draw pictures in

like diary of a whimpy kid, these books were so interesting and I wanted to replicate it, but not just that I

wanted to make stories for my family and my mom loved my stories, but from another standpoint I'd like

to do software development for better pay so I can have a better lifestyle, with writing as a hobby. I was

introduced to programming by seemingly myself if I remember correctly I was on "Khan Academy" and

saw games and group projects all written in python so it was my first exposure to actually programming,

as I remixed games and made games myself.

• What industry certifications are related to your career field? Are there any which you are

interested in pursuing?
I've wanted a certification in software development of all things, I'd love to be able to create an

application worth using, so I'd like to get the The Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP)

Exam from the IEEE which would be a great thing on my resume.

• What internships or apprenticeships are related to your major? Do any of them interest you?

Consider the potential titles, companies, and things you might learn.

Upon searching on indeed I've found multiple internships in my states for places like NPower,

Motorola and GEICO. I'll have to see if any of them interest me but so far I'm not on the caliber that

they're searching for but I'd definitely gain some hard experience, hopefully not just working with

numbers all the time.

• What kinds of career opportunities are there in your field? Consider the potential titles and

companies for whom you may work. Which do you find most interesting?

There are many career oppertunities for me when I searched on indeed, I'm most interested in GEICO

because they're the most known brand and have a great reputation, motorola is second with better pay

than I expected.

• What have you discovered about your academic program that you didn't know before?

I've discovered that most developers know about 4-6 different programming languages, which am

close to with just Python and HTML. I want to be the best I can be so I'll extend far past it.

Common questions

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Exposure to early programming platforms such as Khan Academy can significantly influence career decisions in software development by providing initial hands-on experience with coding and project development, fostering an interest in software creation and problem-solving from a young age .

Internship opportunities at prominent companies like GEICO and Motorola can provide students with hands-on experience, exposure to industry practices, and networking opportunities. Such internships help bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, fostering skills that are critical for career advancement in software development .

Obtaining a CSDP certification is advantageous as it validates an individual’s skills and knowledge in software development, enhancing employability and credibility in the field. It also represents a commitment to professional growth and can significantly improve a resume, making candidates more attractive to potential employers .

Learning multiple programming languages is crucial for a successful career in software development as it enables developers to adapt to various project needs and technologies. It enhances problem-solving abilities, increases employability, and allows for more flexibility in career paths and opportunities .

Personal hobbies and academic interests play a significant role in shaping career decisions in technology fields by providing motivation, creativity, and long-term engagement. Interests such as writing or storytelling can complement technical skills, leading to unique career paths that combine personal passion with professional development .

Working for well-known companies like GEICO can offer benefits such as brand recognition, competitive salaries, and career advancement opportunities. However, drawbacks might include high work pressure, less flexibility, and potentially bureaucratic work environments. Balancing these factors is crucial for career satisfaction and growth .

A love for storytelling can transition into a career in software development by engaging in the creation of narrative-driven applications and games. The skills involved in storytelling, such as creativity and structural thinking, are directly applicable in designing user-friendly interfaces and coding narratives within software projects .

Students might face challenges such as high competition and stringent qualification requirements when seeking internships in high-profile companies like GEICO and Motorola. To overcome these, students can focus on enhancing their skills through additional certifications and practical projects, participating in networking events, and tailoring their applications to highlight relevant experiences and competencies .

The internal influence for selecting the software development program was the individual's passion for writing stories, which transitioned into an interest in programming through early exposure to platforms like Khan Academy. Externally, the prospect of better pay and lifestyle through a career in software development influenced the decision .

Awareness of the typical skill sets and knowledge required in a career field is important as it guides students in their educational journey, ensuring they acquire relevant skills and certifications. This awareness prepares them for industry demands, enhances employability, and aligns their academic pursuits with career goals .

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