Cumulative Reflection Iowa State has given me the opportunity to develop a lot of the skills I will need succeed in life. I have learned more than just the technical skills of an engineer. The professors, labs, group projects, and jobs I have had here have all contributed to my success. Iowa State has given me a great life experience that will continue to shape who I become not only as an engineer, but as a person as well.
To start, I believe Iowa State has provided me with an excellent curriculum. I have had the opportunity to take a wide range of classes, which have given me a wide view of what computer engineering is. I have had the opportunity to dig deeper into areas of interest while still building on my range on knowledge. I have learned to code in a number of different languages, including python, C/C++, java, java script, html, assembly, and more. I have also learned how to use a number of software tools such as Android studio, MySQL, Springboot, Gitlab, and the list goes on. I have learned to design and build circuits, software programs, and even my own version of a processor. Iowa State has provided me with all the technical knowledge I need to pursue whatever area of computer engineering I may have interest in.
Aside from the technical knowledge, I have gotten to work on all different kinds of labs and projects with classmates that helped me develop more skills. I learned how to work with a team of engineers to solve a variety of engineering problems. Some of the time I have spent working with these classmates will also be remembered. I have learned how to communicate with a team: bouncing ideas off of each other, giving and receiving advice and distributing work while still staying engaged with my teammates and their work. The biggest thing I have learned working on these team projects is to ask for help. As someone who has always tried to figure things out on my own, I have learned that my teammates can be one the most valuable tools at my disposal. Everyone I have worked with here at Iowa State has always been eager to help out when a problem arises.
Another great experience I have had here at Iowa State is working for ISU Dining. I started worked at Conversations my sophomore year. Since then I have worked my way up to a student management position. I have met some great people during my time here and have connections I will keep for a long time. Working here as a student manager has taught me a lot. I feel that I have gained a lot of leadership and management qualities. In engineering, the ability to not only work in a team, but also lead a team is a great quality to have. It will allow me the opportunity to lead my own team of engineers to complete a project or solve a problem. I will have the skills and knowledge needed to manage my team, keep them on track, and motivated to deliver a quality solution. Along with leadership, this job has taught me a lot about the professional world. I have learned more about professional communication and how to conduct myself in these kinds of environments. Another experience that I really value from this job was getting the opportunity to be on the interview committee for another management position. I had the chance to ask questions myself, be a part of the discussions on candidates and give my input on each interviewee. As I begin applying and interview for jobs after college, getting a taste of the interviewers perspective was very educational.
My time at Iowa State has been a great experience beginning to end. I feel that I have gained all the knowledge and skills I need to succeed not only in my career, but also in life. If I could go back and change one thing, I would have gotten more involved in clubs and organization around campus. I feel I missed out on some relationships and experiences that Iowa State provides. However, I am still very happy with my time here. Iowa State will always be a part who I am and I’m excited to see how I can use everything I’ve learned in the real world.
