Educational Goals, Career Goals, ETS Comp Sci Test Estimate, and Weekly Reflection

 Part One: Educational Goals

By the end of the Computer Science Online program at CSU Monterey Bay, I will have gained a comprehensive, practical understanding of software engineering, specifically focusing on preparing to begin projects regarding the development and implementation of network security and encryption tools. I will achieve this by applying my coursework knowledge to real-world programming challenges, possible internships, and by building a portfolio of projects of all varieties that demonstrate my growth in both coding and cybersecurity skills. I will actively pursue certification programs like CEH and CISSP to supplement my academic education and ensure I am industry-ready. I don't regard this as Plan A, but if AI truly does obliterate the computer science job industry, I will need to sharpen my skills and knowledge even further through a Master of Computer Science or Data Science or perhaps even AI or Statistics. 

This goal is vivid because it specifies what I aim to learn (a solid enough understanding of each class that helps me build toward developing cybersecurity code that handles data in the context of network security, encryption tools, and other conventional cybersecurity tools and beyond). This plan revolves around trackable and measurable progress.

Part Two: Career Goals

Within two to five years of graduating, I aim to be a cybersecurity software engineer at a leading tech company like Cisco or perhaps a smaller cybersecurity-focused firm, where I can develop or refine security software that actively combats emergent threats of tomorrow. I want to contribute to the development of innovative software tools and be part of a team that builds software solutions to protect sensitive data and networks.

This goal is vivid because it envisions a clear role in a company, focused on a desire for cybersecurity software development. I find it exciting because it involves working on new challenges in a fast-growing field that does not show signs of waning. The timeline is short enough to feel motivating, and the goal is simple enough to stay focused on. Both my educational and career goals revolve around S.M.A.R.T. planning: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timebound. 

Part Three: ETS Comp Sci Wild Guess

While I don't find the questions in the sample test completely daunting, I feel that I have a lot of work to do when considering the test's overview which breaks down the ratios of different subjects. I absolutely loved Discrete Structures and find those challenges both thrilling and very sensible, I really enjoy Programming but have much to learn still: I am comfortable with many of the conventional superficial programming tools such as recursion, loops, some sorting algorithms, and others at about that level of technicality. Hash maps, binary trees, and some of the later Programming II concepts require some serious review on my end, but they made sense at the time and were very satisfying challenges to conquer. I have hardly cracked into advanced data structures so I have a lot to learn there. I do feel more comfortable in the Assembly level machine organization as that is one of my most recent Comp Sci classes and the way the instruction register, program counter, and other components of assembly language are relatively clear (if not varied and also requiring more review). I have yet to work on database systems and data modeling, but I do work on some security through work currently. I would honestly guess I am somewhere around 50-70% on the ETS material as I currently am (70 being a miracle, in truth). Here's to a productive 18 months.

Part Four: Weekly Reflection

This week has been a bit overwhelming with work so I have been a little on-edge balancing tasks but I do really appreciate CSUMB CS Online's openness to discussing the reality of AI impacting and mutating the Computer Science umbrella of jobs and industries. I will be writing my ethics outline on the environmental havoc wreaked by AI data centers and the power/resources required to use them. Tying that into our weekly discussions, I am feeling a bit sour on AI. This plagiaristic and endlessly warping beast is destroying the intellectual property landscape, generating countless instances of stunted learning, and emboldening employers/companies to stop prioritizing human labor in a world where labor is often already exploited, beyond what organic destruction I am already intending to address in my AI ethics paper. 

 


Comments

  1. EthanFebruary 8, 2025 at 2:06 PM

    It is good to identify what is necessary to do in this industry, first you've identified building a strong foundation through your bachelor's degree, then internships and certifications. Even going one step forward to identify beneficial certifications that will further enhance your knowledge on the subject. A masters degree is not needed but it good that you idenfiied the possibility of needing one further down the line for more job opportunities. It is important to be realistic and understanding of career goals and yours seem totally achievable. If you maintain a great work ethic I'm sure you will meet all your goals.

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  2. M IFebruary 8, 2025 at 7:16 PM

    I really appreciate your pragmatic approach to mapping out your education. It takes so much time, energy, and money. Best to do it with intention and forethought. I’m trying to think along those lines too. Your plan to supplement your academic credentials by building a portfolio of relevant projects is also a good idea. It gives employers something tangible to grade you on. What stands out to me is that you plan to assess the need for an MS degree when the time comes. You’re right, there’s a bit of uncertainty in the field right now so it’s best to keep an eye on things and be ready to pivot. I’m doing something similar - leaving room to re-assess when the time comes before making a decision about grad school.

    Your approach of being flexible about working for a small or large company while being more specific about the type of role and team makes sense. In the end, I think that strategy is more likely to land you in a position that you’re more likely to find fulfilling. I see it the same way. There are pluses and minuses of working for big and small companies but it’s the localized, day to day stuff that matters the most.

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  3. Keshab NeupaneFebruary 10, 2025 at 6:21 PM

    That's very well outlined and well-structured goals, Liam. Very good focus on cybersecurity and encryption, as there's currently a big shortfall in the business security professional demographic. The very fact that you are already thinking about industry certification in CEH and CISSP puts you way ahead in this game. You could still consider working on a security-oriented portfolio with projects on penetration testing, encryption algorithms, or security automation tools that may give an edge to your application for a cybersecurity position. This secondly is a good move you have already planned for your subsequent education, just in case.

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  4. Aida Vahid PiriyevaFebruary 11, 2025 at 9:24 PM

    You're thinking ahead about how to contribute rather than just securing a job, which is the right mindset! Don't let fears of AI disrupting take over. I think cybersecurity is expected to evolve rather than vanish, as AI increases security risks in itself.

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