CST 349

Industry Expert Interview – Exploring Career Paths and Industry Trends Introduction For my Industry Expert Interview, I had the opportunity to speak with Amrita Kohli , a seasoned technology leader and software engineering manager based in the Bay Area. Amrita currently works at a leading global technology company, where she oversees teams building scalable cloud-based systems and AI-driven applications. I selected her because of her extensive experience leading diverse engineering teams and her background in both software development and product innovation. Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for women in technology and mentorship programs, which aligns with my own interests in creating inclusive, forward-thinking tech spaces. I wanted to learn not only about her technical expertise but also about the leadership mindset and adaptability required to thrive in a rapidly evolving field. Summary of Key Insights Amrita began by describing her career path , which started with a deg...

  Part One: Educational Goals My primary educational goal in the Computer Science program is to build a strong foundation in algorithms, data structures, and software engineering so that I am prepared for both academic and professional challenges. I want to graduate with not only technical knowledge, but also the ability to think critically about problems and design efficient solutions. A more personal goal is to become confident enough in my coding skills to take on projects independently, from planning through deployment. I can envision myself walking across the graduation stage, knowing I have built up the skills, habits, and resilience that will carry me into the next stage of my life. Part Two: Career Goals My career goal is to secure a position as a software engineer with a focus on full-stack development. I want to contribute to projects that have a real impact on people’s lives, whether in technology, healthcare, or education. Long term, I would like to grow into a lead ...

  Part 1 – Study Tips Reflection This week, I focused on improving my time management skills , which I identified as needing improvement in my last journal. I learned that breaking tasks into smaller, manageable segments and setting specific goals for each study session can significantly improve focus and efficiency. I plan to implement a daily schedule with short study intervals and regular breaks to enhance productivity. Part 2 – Weekly Readings and Ethics The readings emphasized the importance of ethical behavior in computer science , including honesty in assignments, responsible use of technology, and respecting others’ work. I learned that ethical lapses, even small ones like copying code without acknowledgment, can have serious consequences on trust and professional reputation. Incorporating ethical practices helps maintain a positive learning environment and prepares us for professional integrity in our careers. Part 3 – Reflection on Reading Assignment From the readi...

  Part 1: Review and Reflect Learning Strategy Top 3 Strengths: Organized Note-Taking: I naturally summarize information well and can easily review key concepts later. Consistency: I maintain a regular study schedule without procrastination. Active Learning: I engage with content by asking questions and doing practice exercises. Top 3 Weaknesses: Time Management: Sometimes I spend too long on one task and neglect others. Seeking Help: I hesitate to ask for assistance when I don’t understand a concept. Distractions: I get sidetracked by social media or other online activities. Part 2: Preview Time Management Skills After reading the Indeed article on time management skills, I created an Activity Log to analyze how I spend my time. The article emphasizes the importance of organizing tasks to complete work on time, prioritize projects, and communicate progress effectively. Key tips include: Analyzing Your Time: Tracking tasks helps plan schedules a...

This week, I focused on getting started with online learning and exploring tools to enhance my study strategies. I completed quizzes on CSUMB and SCD introductions and reviewed strategies for online learning success. I explored ChatGPT student prompts, finding them useful for generating practice questions, creating study guides, and practicing knowledge through guided interview-style learning.  Finally, I created my learning journal blog and published my first post, reflecting on what I learned and how I plan to track my progress throughout the semester.