Introduction

We are four computing students at Plymouth University:

• Alexander Richardson (Computer and Information Security)
• John Fletcher (Computer and Information Security)
• Jacky Tang (Computing (Integrated))
• Zakaria Amarray (Computing (Integrated))

On this blog we will post our professional profiles detailing our backgrounds in computing to date and our qualifications,and a reflective document which evaluates our current positions as IT professionals based on our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis), behaviours, goals etc.

We will also evaluate our current position against the SFIA framework including our skills so that we have a structure for future development.

Please note - to see the conclusion post, please click the link at the top right of this page - there are too many blog postings to show on one page on Blogger.

Alex Richardson

Alexander Richardson - Professional Profile

Qualifications

GCSE:-
Mathematics - B
English Literature - B
English Language - A
Russian - D
French - C
Information Technology - A
Science (Double Award) - B
History - C
A-Level: - 
Computing - A
Media Studies - C
AS-Level:-

English - A
HNC: -

Music Technology- Double Distinction
Background

I left 6th form 10 years ago without any inclination towards a particular vocation, but with a strong personal enthusiasm for computing, particularly security-related aspects - network security & penetration testing, forensics, and programming. I spent a year backpacking around Australia and New Zealand, worked a variety of jobs in a wide range of challenging environments, and studied Music Technology at college.  It was at this point that I felt I had experienced a wide enough breadth of what the world had to offer for now, and began looking for a career that I could focus on and progress in.

I joined the Met Office on the IT Trainee Scheme after an intense but eventually successful application and selection process.  This was a 2 year scheme designed to recruit both graduates and non-graduates with the right mixture of enthusiasm for technology, ability to absorb, learn, process and apply new information in a variety of contexts, and technical skills - though the focus was on the softer skills, rather than the applicant's current amount of technical skills and knowledge.

The Trainee Scheme at the Met Office allowed my to gain a large breadth and depth of technical skills whilst expanding my soft skills, through rotating between different teams within the IT department, attending a variety of technical courses, delivering presentations, and communicating on a daily basis with a variety of people; this could range from internal colleagues and customers to external customers including the armed forces on deployment, members of the public, and commercial customers.

For the subsequent 2 years after the end of the IT Trainee Scheme, I was lead developer on a  Business Intelligence project, from inception through to going live in a production environment and providing ongoing support.  It was as this project was drawing to a close and moving into a business-as-usual state that I began to look for a new challenge.

After examining my options, I submitted a personal development request to the Met Office detailing my ambition to become a technical Information and Computer Security expert, my selection of training (Bsc Information and Computer Security at the University of Plymouth), the benefits that both the Met Office and I as an individual could expect, and the value that the training would instantly add to the business.  I also outlined the potential threats and difficulties that came with the request, such as leaving a knowledge gap as I fit my studies (be it part-time or full-time) in with my work or supporting the applications that I had developed during critical time periods (i.e. when the Business Intelligence systems were being used for end of month and year-end executive reporting) when out of the office.  I felt that this was an important part of the application so that I could demonstrate due diligence and forethought regarding my responsibilities.

I was given approval to begin my part-time undergraduate course, with a 1:4 split of days allocated to university studies and Met Office work.  This presented a huge time-management challenge, as even fitting 50% of an undergraduate year into one day a week has been a gargantuan undertaking.  In my first year, I achieved the following grades:

Computer Systems: 81.82%
Database Development: 74.24%
Software Engineering:  96.57%

I feel this is a tremendous achievement, considering the challenges I have faced from time-management, and considerable pressure coming from being the lead developer and support colleague for an office-wide Business Intelligence and reporting suite.  I have just reached the end of my first term of my second year which will allow me to finish off the final 6 modules of stage one, and I hope to continue achieving the same levels of success and enjoyment as last year.

(N.B as of today, I scored 87% in my Computer and Information Security exam).

            Reflective Document & SFIA Framework Evaluation

I find that an effective baseline to review my current position as an IT Professional is a SWOT analysis, including my behaviours, values, skills and performance.  This is summarized below:

SWOT analysis

Strengths: - 

• Technical Skills - These are skills that I gained and expanded upon at the Met Office and at Plymouth University.  These skills give me a grounding in a breadth of areas, and I hope to take them forward to an expert level over the coming years (See SFIA Technical Skills)
• Presentation and communication skills - The IT Trainee Scheme required me to deliver a fortnightly presentation for 2 years, and this is an essential skill to have in the modern. 
• Time-management - This is an important skill to have under normal circumstances, but as I am studying 50% of an undergraduate degree in 1 day per week and trying to balance that with work, it has become essential that I am organised and prepared.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills - Problem solving is a skill that I have had to learn through necessity while working at the Met Office; I have often been required to use tools that I am unfamiliar with, but I was and still am able to apply problem solving methodologies to them and contribute effectively.
• Team-working - Whilst on the IT Trainee Scheme, I was required to rotate through 4 different teams over two years.  This taught me a lot about working as a team and with a huge range of different and sometimes challenging colleagues.  The strong focus on group work at university, particularly for me being a part-time mature student with a full-time job and doesn't live in Plymouth has been a difficult challenge to meet.
• Employability - I feel that my mix of 2 years as an IT Trainee at a respected organisation, 3 years working in the IT industry and wide variety of previous jobs and life experience put me in a strong position in terms of employability.  My role as lead developer of a Business Intelligence project and degree in Information and Computer Security give me two unique and in-demand specialisms which contribute further to my employability.

Weaknesses: - 

• Procrastination - This is a habit that I have built up recently, and I am aware that it is something that needs to be dealt with in order for me to meet deadlines and reduce stress.
• Mathematics - This is one of the key skills required for programming in Computing in general and it is one that I have struggled with since school.  Since starting my degree course however, I have begun to grow in confidence with the key concepts of mathematics and am enjoying the challenge and learning process.
• Time-management - Although I identified this as a strength, I feel that I can (and need to) do better at it.

Opportunities: - 

• Certified Ethical Hacker certificate - This has been a personal goal since I first heard about it and at the end of my first year of university it was identified by the module leader that there was an opportunity to undertake this course.
• Employer and manager willing to support ongoing learning – my employer is willing to fund my degree course which is critical to my ongoing education as I would not be able to afford it privately.  My team leader is supportive of my studies and allows me to work flexibly.

Threats: - 

• Pressure from work - some of my internal customers have time–critical dependencies on the systems that I support. This means that if I am away from the office whilst studying I need to make sure that I am available as much as possible.
• Stress - Constantly trying to balance my full-time job and part-time degree course, as well as hobbies sometimes leads to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Future Goals

• Successfully develop an iPad app
• Become a certified ethical hacker
• Finish my Computer and Information Security course with a 1st class honours degree.
• Start a computer security consultancy, analysis and (penetration) testing company.
• Maintain a healthy work-life balance, and keep active physically in order to counterbalance the time spent working at a desk.
• Reduce my stress and anxiety levels

Development Requirements

One of the most important goals for me to achieve is reducing my stress and anxiety and creating a healthy work–life balance. Achieving this goal will allow me to focus on the other goals in a healthy way. One of the first things that I intend to do in the New Year is look at try to tackle my procrastination and improve my prioritisation skills.

An area of skills that I am missing out on in order to start a business are business and management skills.  This is something that I have not studied academically, and this will need to be addressed at the right time; however, this does not need to happen immediately as it will conflict with my current studies.  I am considering an evening course during the summer holidays.

I feel that writing this reflective document has been a very worthwhile exercise, as it has helped me to develop a plan as an IT Professional in terms of what my goals actually are and how to achieve them, and allowed me to spot areas of weakness such as my lack of business skills and procrastination habits.

I think that this process will be something I repeat each year at work as well as the SFIA assessment, to help me mark progress and re-evaluate goals.

SFIA Framework Evaluation

Autonomy

Level 5

As the lead (and for a time, only) developer on a Business Intelligence project, I was the only person responsible and accountable for meeting project deadlines and milestones, as well as being fully accountable for project and technical objectives to the user stakeholders.  I also was responsible for two IT Trainees, and a contractor in terms of delegating them tasks relating to the project, as well as their performance monitoring.

Influence

Level 4

I provide guidance and best practice advice to my team and to the colleagues who are involved in the Business Intelligence project.  I also influence key stakeholders about the direction to take the project in and technical decisions, as well as making decisions relating to the technical aspects of the system design and maintenance as well as tasking and prioritising the workload.

Complexity

Level 2/3

Unfortunately, this is where I feel that I am lacking in the SFIA framework as I am limited to solely working within the Microsoft SQL Server Business Intelligence stack, with some interaction with Oracle Line-of-Business systems.  However, thanks to my degree studies I am able to broaden my complexity by working with a variety of tools and languages in a range of environments.  I feel that within the next 18-24 months I will need to move on from working in a B.I capacity in order to grow as an IT Professional.

Business Skills

Level 4

I am solely responsible for selecting from Business Intelligence methodologies and techniques, and communicating and explaining my decisions to both technical colleagues and non-technical stakeholders alike; I find that my experience in giving fortnightly presentations for two years as well as working in a variety of customer-facing roles both within and without the IT industry has a given me a range of communication skills that I choose from appropriately, depending on my audience.  I deal with a variety of stakeholders in my weekly Business Intelligence meetings and am often able to lead the meeting, facilitating collaboration between the stakeholders who are often competing for resource on the project.  I plan, schedule and monitor both my own work as well as trainees and contractors, and through my degree am able to maintain a skill level and an awareness of developments in the wider IT field.

Technical Skills

Information Management - Level 4 - I am responsible for a B.I system that stores, manages and controls key information within the organisation.  I take responsibility for identifying and mitigating risks associated with the data, and understand the relationship between my system, stakeholders, the executive, downstream systems and the organisation as a whole.

Information Security - Level 1 - I have completed one module on this topic and scored highly in the final test, and feel that I can work under general direction in this area, learning and applying knowledge as appropriate.

Technical Specialism - Level 5 - I have an in-depth knowledge of the Microsoft SQL Server Business Intelligence stack, and provide expert advice within the organisation.  I have been responsible for tasking specialist consultants.

Database Administration (& Design) - Level 3 - I use SQL Server Management Studio every day to design, develop, maintain, and use databases.

Software Development - Level 2 - During my degree and IT Trainee scheme, I have designed, developed, maintained and documented simple applications using C# and JavaScript, two of which were released on a production platform to commercial customers.

Zakaria Amarray

Zakaria Amarray - Professional Profile

Qualifications:

2012-2013: BSc (Hons.) Computing at Plymouth University International College (PUIC)

Principles of ICT (A)

Interactive Learning Skills and Communications (B)

Numerical Techniques 1 (A)

Physics (A)

Business Management (D)

Numerical Techniques 2 (A)

Scientific Method (B)

Programming Techniques (A)

2013-date: BSc (Hons.) Computing at Plymouth University, Stage 1.

Background Information

Ever since I was young, I have been fascinated by the way the development of Information Technology, Computing and Telecommunications has impacted our lives. Consequently, I developed an aptitude for Computer Sciences, which is why I have always wanted to study a Computing-related course at university and pursue a career in programming.

I have always excelled in my programming and mathematics courses while studying. How can computing help people tackle everyday problems? How can new and developing technology be made accessible to everyone? These are the questions I always strived to answer. I have been actively involved in the study of computing since I was first introduced to it in 2008. As the curriculum got more complicated, I was eager to find out something new to me and generally strived to learn more about how computers functioned. For instance, I have always enjoyed interactive entertainment software. The way operating systems and networks function, how websites are designed and built and other related topics always caught my attention. I was actively involved in practical work done in class and in the past 4-5 years I have developed knowledge of programming in such fundamental languages as C++ and the newer C#.

Upon graduating from high school with a BAC Experimental Sciences degree, I have enrolled into a 3-year Networking degree at the Specialized Institute of Applied Technology (ISTA) in Morocco, Rabat. During my studies, I have taken part in work placement programs, which included a networking technician job at the National Society of Broadcasting and Television (SNRT). The time spent there allowed me to extend my knowledge of various networking infrastructures and related operating systems (such as Windows Server 2003). I am currently studying a BSc (Hons.) Computing degree at Plymouth University, UK.

The future is built by Information Technology, and I want to be a part of that future.

Other work experience included a technical service hotline technician job at a WebHelp call centre. This greatly improved my communication, planning and organisation skills through solving practical problems related to various areas of technology (such as internet connections issues and hardware management, among others).

I speak English, French and Arabic fluently. Through my interest in languages, I was able to socialize with people from different cultures, from all over the world. As a result, my communication skills improved greatly and I get along with people very well.

Because a wide array of Computing-related jobs is available, I believe my studies will kick-start my career in the programming or gaming development industries. As a student, I am confident of making the university a better place as I am committed, motivated and hard working with extensive leadership and teamwork skills.  I look forward to the prospect of developing my passion into a successful and useful career, and hope that this personal statement will be the beginning of a new chapter in my life.

Reflective document and SFIA Framework Evaluation

SWOT analysis

Strengths:

·         Technical Skills developed and expanded upon during my current and past studies gave me a good level of confidence in a variety of areas; furthermore, I am expanding them to a professional level. These include:

i)                     Programming in C++ and C# (Software development)

ii)                   Networking maintenance, security and support

iii)                  Knowledge of operating systems (e.g. Windows Server 2003)

iv)                  Project management

v)                   Presentation skills

vi)                  Database design/administration

·         Non-technical skills gained during my work at the WebHelp call center and other workplaces include:

i)                     Working in a team

ii)                   client support

iii)                  Practical problem solving

iv)                  Knowledge of foreign languages

Weaknesses:

·         Presentation skills, although identified as a strength, need to be improved to include presentations in other languages

·         Time management

·         Work pressure management

Opportunities:

·         University-supported work placement for future career development

·         Independent expert critique of my projects (websites, software etc.)

Threats:

·         Unreasonable demands from customers

·         Excessive work-related stress

·         Non-work related problems (e.g. family issues)

Plans for future development

Based on the SWOT analysis, I believe I possess an appropriate basic skillset necessary for an IT career; however, a lot of these could be expanded upon to reach professional/expert levels.

First of all, among the technical skills, knowledge of more programming languages would be required at a workplace. In the coming years and especially during my studies at the University, I plan to learn object-oriented languages, such as JavaScript. My Database Management skills need to be improved, which is my goal in the next 2 years, considering this is a relatively new topic for me. Currently the main focus of my studies and hence my most effective skill is the knowledge of programming in C++ and C#, and further development of this skill, I believe, will enhance my career opportunities. Another skill I’m striving to learn is the Computer and Informational Security, as I do not have much background in that area.

I possess a wide array of non-technical skills, such as efficient communication (in French and Arabic), presentation skills and stress management. These could be further improved as I study new languages, including English (as a 3^rd language); in turn, my communication will be more efficient and effective. Furthermore, my time management skills need to be improved as it would affect my performance at a workplace in the future. I have participated in a number of group-work projects and am continually enhancing my interpersonal skills and even developing a better level of work ethics.

SFIA framework evaluation

Technical skills:

Programming (Software development): I believe I am currently at level of 3 of this skill as I can apply my knowledge fully to solve IT-related problems. That said, I still work under supervision and require guidance with some of the harder problems, so my autonomy is not yet sufficient for completely independent work.

Database design: I believe I am currently at level 2 because I am able to design databases under routine direction and do not require constant reference to colleagues. However, I still need to be supervised.

Database administration: I am at level 3 of this skill at the moment as I can solve complex problems, albeit not without guidance. Nevertheless, this required application of my own approach in order to solve practical problems.

Data analysis: I believe myself to be at level 2 of this skill as I’m currently able to use elementary data analysis and data modelling techniques.

Network Support: this skill currently relates to a level 2 due to being able to perform a range of different activities in several work environments. Other than that, I still require guidance to perform these tasks.

Client support: I used to deal with clients during my work at the call center; however, I was under constant supervision and was expected to rely on others to deal with unexpected situations. In addition, I had to follow instructions and a set of rules in my work with the clients, and hence had little discretion in my actions. This is why I believe I am at a level 1 responsibility for this skill.

Autonomy:

I believe to at level 2 of this skill as i'm not yet ready to create/use my own solution/approaches to perform the requested tasks. However, I could still perform these tasks without reference to other colleagues.

Influence:

I assume being at level 3 of this skill because i interact effectively with other members of the team/group and at the same time i'm able to have working level contact with customers/users which allows me sometimes to take critical decisions.

Complexity:

I believe to be at level 3 of this skill regarding my ability to perform a wide range of activities sometimes qualified as difficult or complex in more than one environment. However, i still apply a methodical approach to problem solving.

Business Skills:

For this skill, i believe to be at level 2 because of my ability to understand and use appropriate methods, tools and applications in order to solve a problem. In addition to that, i'm completely aware of health and safety issues and i'm able to identify and negotiate my own development opportunities.

John Fletcher

John Fletcher - Professional profile

Qualifications:

OCR NVQ Using Information Technology (Level 1)

Pitman Qualification Desktop Publishing (Level 2)

RSA Integrated Business Technology (Level 2)

NCFE Intermeditae Web Design (Level 2)

RSA Integrated Business Technology (Level 3)

ECDL Word Processing (Advanced)

OCR Clait Plus Web Page Creation (Level 2)

OCR Clait Plus Desktop Publishing (Level 2)

CompTia Network Plus Computer Support Technician Award (Level 3)

7407 in Further Education Teaching

7407 in Further Education Teaching

Access to Computing (Level 3)

Experience:

Computer Engineer - Friend Computers LTD: November 2001 - July 2003

I.T. Support Analyst - Centrax Turbine Components LTD: October 2009 - June 2009

Reflective document and Sofia Framework Evaluation:

Swot Analysis

Strengths

• Skills enhancement through learning at Plymouth University
• Previous experience within a computer role
• Dedication

Weaknesses

• Mathematics
• Time management

Threats

• Health issues affecting concentration and tiredness
• Busy Schedule - Work and University

Opportunities

• Degree
• Ethical Hacking Certificate
• Placement
• Secure job through placement

Motivation and Choices

I am very interested in a wide range of computing studies, and in particular Computer Security to which I am presently studying at degree level.  I wish to undertake an additional qualification which specializes in hacking procedures such as the Certified Ethical Hacking qualification to which may be available through Plymouth University at a later date and is being sort by the programme leader for Computer Systems & information Security.  This qualification in conjunction with my degree would enable me to seek employment as a Penetration Tester or Security Analyst.

I am motivated to succeed through my ambition to work and secure a career in this industry.  I will be seeking to secure a placement at the end of year 2 so that I can gain valuable experience with a company and possibly secure a job with either the same company that I undertook my placement with or with an alternative company.

Behaviours and Working Practices

Should a task be of an essay or report I tend to read first any materials relevant to the task until I understand the points required to complete the task, and then revise through reading books, journals and Internet articles to gain an understanding of the subject, and then I write down relevant points to research further.  I then write out a basic draft and structure using the tradition method of using paper and pen which I find helps absorb the material and or subject into my memory.  I then type out the report or essay using a word processing  programme, perfect mistakes as i type, reading the material and then correcting mistakes and structural issues.  I then type out my report and again check for errors and then correct them, and reprint if necessary.

Should the task be of a practical nature (hands-on), then i find that continual practice or study is the best policy for me to succeed.

I try not to leave work until the last minute, preferring to allow plenty of time for feedback and to correct the work as necessary.

I feel that my strategy for studying is sufficient for success but would be open to new or alternative strategies should they be offered or suggested to me by others.

Current Learning

Currently, the year 2013 term 1 has been largely successful and I am reaching my goals.  I have successfully passed the first two assignments within the ISAD 139 module consisting of group presentations, and I have found the module very interesting and informative, and have learned a lot through watching other presentations from other completely independent groups and subjects.

In the 2012/ 13 academic year, I struggled to understand the Maths module and its materials, due to the subject being my weakest subject.  This has been a major factor in blocking my future success.  This year in term 1 of the 2013/14 academic year, I have undertook my first attempt at passing the maths exam and feel that through constant study and help form my peers, I may have passed the exam.

I have decided that this academic year 2013/14, I should review the programming module SOFT 130 materials to which I previously studied and successfully passed in the academic year 2012 - 13.  The reason for this is because I feel that although I passed the module, I wasn't sure about certain aspects of the materials taught and feel that by resolving these issues and practicing the materials again, I will become a stronger programmer to which I will be ready to resume in year 2.

Future Development:

Ethical Awareness:  To improve my ethical awareness I will continue to broaden my knowledge of the subject through the use of academic journals and other such literature, and practice what I have learned.

Specialization: My current specialization is aimed at primarily Computer Security, but the Computer Systems and Information Security degree consists of a vast range of related computing disciplines and skills such as Database Design and Administration and Networking that will broaden my knowledge and scope and increase my chances of possessing the correct skills to which an employer requires. 

Team Working:  I have a vast amount of proven team working skills having used these skills in my present job as a Ranger at Woodlands Leisure Park, and having used them in the past working as a PC Engineer and IT Support Analyst.  I will be improving these skills further while studying at University while working on group based assignments.

Customer Service:  I feel that I have excellent customer service skills through my present job as a ranger at a leisure park.  My job is largely customer service based, and will be an important attribute to have in any future employment. 

Employability:  As mentioned in the above section on team working I will be improving these skills further while studying at University and in a future work placement, and through my present job as a ranger, a position that I have held for the past 2 years. 

Self-Management:  I feel that I now have the skills to manage my own schedule and or workload,  previously offered by Disability Assist.  I previously accepted one to one tuition in maths, which really benefited me, but I now feel this is un-necessary as I am due to complete the module this term, and now feel that I work better with my peers.

SFIA Framework Evaluation

Autonomy

I believe that I am at a level three because although i can assist in work routines at level 2, I believe I can further apply my skills under general direction.  I can often resolve issues myself and know when to ask for help, which can then result in a task being completed. I would like to get to a level 3 by continuing to complete my degree and increase my performance and knowledge further.

Influence

I believe that I am at a level 2 because when I worked on the ISAD131 project the group members listened to my input and altered the database accordingly if thought a practical reason.  While working at friend computers I was constantly interacting with both colleagues and customers to resolve issues relating to the job.

Complexity

I believe that I am at a level 2 because in my two previous jobs, I performed a range of activities in structured environments such as PC repair, fixing hardware and software issues and queries of a technical nature and contributed to regular routine problem resolutions.

Business Skills

I believe that I am at a level two because I understand and can use a number of hardware and software tools and programmes.  I have used these skills both in my previous jobs and as part of my degree.  I can create a UML to form a business plan and I can use these tools in the security modules and I can use certain network tools and programmes.  I can use different tools and programmes to suit the work being carried out.  I am aware of health and safety issues having completed a course at Torbay Hospital, in a previous job,  I can work in an organised way and this can be proved through my previous jobs where I had to plan, and carry out work in an ordered way such as when building a computer for a client.

Security Administration

I believe I am at a level three because I have worked in a previous job implementing access rights and privileges and password administration using Microsoft Active directory and other software programmes.  I will continue to improve within the area of security administration by completing Nathan Clarke’s security modules.

System Software

I believe that I am at a level 4 because I can install software, operating systems and drivers at a very proficient level having previously worked as a PC Engineer for two years, and having obtained three previous PC Engineering qualifications at South Devon College

Database Administration

I believe I am at a level 2, and moving towards a level 3 because I have completed a whole year as part of my degree designing and creating databases within my degree.  I have designed and created databases as part of the Access to Computing course undertaken at South Devon College, and included maintenance, security and administration.

Application Support

I believe that I am at least a level 2 because it was a big part of my two previous jobs.  At Centrax Ltd, one of my duties were to resolve desktop issues within the very large offices, troubleshooting and resolving desktop issues for both operating systems, Microsoft office, and in-house programmes. 

Network Support

Although SOFIA does not include a level 2 description for Network Support I believe that I am at least a level 2 because I have worked with basic networking procedures in two previous jobs and have undertook the Network + qualification and completed the network monitoring module in 2012 at Plymouth University as part of my ongoing degree. 

Jacky Tang

Jacky Tang - Professional Profile

Qualifications
2012-2013: BSc (Hons.) Computing at Plymouth University International College (PUIC)

A level
Maths-E

Principles of ICT (A)

Interactive Learning Skills and Communications (B)

Numerical Techniques 1 (A)

Physics (D)

Business Management (D)

Numerical Techniques 2 (B)

Scientific Method (B)

Programming Techniques (B)

Background information
I come to Plymouth university to have a degree in the computing area. When I was young, computer is a mysteries thing to me, How do people built computer? How can they let they program run? How the image and sound come out? To me, all of them are new land to waiting to discover.

In the secondary school, the computing lesson made my Curiosity strong that ever, I start to realize each topic in computer is a large area. in the lessons, I learned database, a little bit of programming and picture fixing. they are very useful skill to learn. in that, I find out programming is the basic in the computer. all the software is made by program. without the code, they can't even run in computer. for that reason, I was crazy with programming. because of the busy work in each subjects in that time, I don't have time to keep 'digging' program. After finishing the high schools,  my score is not enough to get me in into the subject that I want. Lucky I was find the chance again in PUIC and Plymouth university. Becoming a programmer is my dream, wish and fantasy, no matter what it cost, I will clear all the obstacle in my way to my dream.

for the working experience, I worked on a tutor on children in a little private company, in this part time, I have learned how to communicate with customer and how to survive in long working time.

My habit are reading, basketball and watching movie. science fiction is my favorites.  

in the future,my short term purpose is to pass this three years. programming is look easy, but is a hard thing to do.I will make myself to become 'king of programming' or fail in first year. For the long term purpose, I will get myself into a place in a computer company to get more knowledge of computer.

In summary,
I will do what I can do, try what I can't do, also to fight with the things that impossible to do !


Reflective Document & SFIA framework evaluation

those are the skill that I have in present.

information analysis - 
i judge myself to have a information analysis level 1 skill.  there have some practical in CNET115 is to tell us some powerful software to check the information flow in the internet. I can use the software to analysis the data to find out the detail.


information security - level 1
I assess myself have the level 1 skill in information security same as the information analysis. because I have done one module in the Plymouth University. it teach us the basic thing in computer security. 

Programming - level 1
base on the sifa frame work, I have the skill level 1 in programming for C#. by following the rule, I can write a simple program for loop, if statement and for loop else.

database/repository - level 1
I think myself have reach level 1 skill of database/repository. I have another module that teach us the basic theory, relationship of the data. those are the rule to write a database. 

weak points and the skill that I need to be improve

Programming - estimate level that I have to get :4 or 5
For these whole module, I have to get my programming level in to 4 or 5. the code have to be simple, short, and can be run. 

database/repository - estimate level that I have to get : 4 or 5
Database is a important skill to learn. It is very useful after graduate form university. it is good things to skill more higher. 

weak points:

Time management
I will try to improve this immediately.  It make me fail to do all the things in university in the first semester.  

presentation
I will get nervous when speaking in front of a group of people. I have to do more practice to release the pressure  when I am facing to the people. 

Total skill level in SFIA framework:

All of the evidence have point out that I am between level 1 and level 2 in the total skill level. level 1 is follower, level 2 is the Assistant . I think i am the assistant follower.There have four factors to define what level that people are. They are autonomy,influence, complexity and business skill. In autonomy,it mean self management. I don't need to work under supervision.I can do the things without supervision, but my time management is very bad.so I am the level 2 for the autonomy not level 3 .For the influence, I can only interact with my colleagues.I have never meet the customer and supplier in the pass.so i only get the level 1 influence, lack of experience make me can't make my skill into level 2 . In Complexity, I can only do the simple things in the special area.complex program need more skill and experience to deal with it .It need to be improve in the future. my basic skill have not develop that well so I only get the level 1 in complexity but not level 2. In business skill, I understand how the application, tools, method, demonstrates a rational and organised.
approach to work. I also get some skill to negotiate with the customer and also to be able to work on a team , follow the plan and schedule., so I get the level 2 for the business skill but not level 3, level 3 business need ability to finish the work before deadline, also it need special technique to build a good plan schedules and monitors own work, also need a good communication skill with your own teammate. level 3 is too far for me now. In total, I have got the  level 2 for the autonomy,  level 1 in influence also level 1 in complexity and the level 2 business skill.


Plan for the future development

those are the things that I want to improve in the future:

• technical skills
• language
• knowledge
• experience

In the plan of skill improvement, the programming skill have to be improve cause this is the basic things that we run the things in computer. C# the language that we are using in university, the skill of If, loop, IDE. those things that I have to be improve. Also, there have other two subject that need to improve the skill, database structure skill, information analysis skill and the referencing technique and the essay writing. those are the skill. those are the skill that I will set a plan to revise .For c#programming, I will redo the exercise in every day, make sure it will stay in my mind forever. For the database structure skill, I need to find out how  the normalization forms work, the relationship between those form  must be understand clearly. For the information analysis skill, I have to read the note and slide for CNET115 computer security again.It also have to keep the computer security things in my mind.

In language, I have to rise my English level in the future,sometimes, I can't understand the teacher is talking about.the listening skill have to been improve by read the book and dictionary. English is a big barrier that I have to crossover it.Without it, I can't even talk with customer to know what they need. 

For the knowledge, all the update of IT,technology, business have to be known. By knowing those update, It can be more easy to understand what the market need . it is good to know what is market need in that time.

For the experience, there have a pathway between year 2 and year 3 to get to a placement in a company, It can get lot of experience in that. experience only can increase in working environment.

on my word, I will do what I can do, try what I can't do, also to fight with the things that impossible to do !