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.