What is my goal/dream concerning your course/program?
I've always been the competitive type, so I always strive to excel in my studies, pass with flying colours and all that. Now that I'm officially a UTM student, I want to make the most out of my time here, not just academically but also dipping my toes deeper in the IT field, acquire as much skills and insight regarding computer software, big data, technology as I possibly can.
I have a longstanding wish to make my parents proud by graduating with a Dean's list and getting a stable, respectable job because they have sacrificed so much for me to get to where I am today. As their youngest child, I want them to be happy and content with my achievements, knowing I have grown up to be an independent young man. I'm attracted to job prospects related to the program I'm taking because it's one of the most rewarding in my opinion.
What is the action/improvement/plan necessary for me to improve your potential in the industry?
We are living in a digital age, which has brought many improvements and changes to our lives but also resulted in much higher requirements to be considered 'desirable' by employers and the likes. It's hard to stay up to date with the most basic of developments, and in order to be competitive you really have to put in the hours.
I usually remind myself of the advice my high school alumni gave me when I was conducting a mock interview with him. He said "you should always be flexible", as in don't confine yourself to one idea, one goal and one mold. Only then will it be possible to improve oneself and I took that to heart. Once I realise chemistry was becoming an increasingly hard subject during my foundation, I quickly scrapped my initial plan to pursue chemical engineering and instead focus on my passion for tech. So I think, not putting all my eggs in one basket and diversifying my skillset will help me tremendously.
Next on the list would be my soft skills, particularly my communication skills. We as students are constantly reminded by our lecturers that comm. skills are incredibly important and that we best start building our experience starting from now. I agree, I realise how communication is a key component for us social animals to function the best we can. That's why I already signed up for Toastmaster and will be participating in their classes soon. I also want to increase my affability among fellow students, I'ts been quite a while since the last time I was in a physical class so I'm excited to go back to campus!
My opinion on whether this subject contributes to my knowledge on specific area?
In my opinion, this class has contributed the most to my furthering my understanding on current and developing technologies as well as their practical usage in this field. Even though it is conducted purely online this semester, I feel that it was a testimony of how ubiquitous technology has become in most people's lives that we could continue learning almost exactly the same. The group projects and assignments especially has been influential in my confidence with a number of softwares and online tools like Canva, PowerBI, Photopea, Lucidchart and OBS etc. My favourite was probably the Industrial Talks, the insider perspective was such a valuable insight to have, it definitely informed me more on what is it that is looked for in new graduates by employers and what sort of personal preparations should be made. Of course, I can't fail to mention the AWS badge that I received for completing the 10 modules of study course we were given. I was pleasantly surprised that we were generously given such exposure to a topic that is so relevant to this course's students so early on, now I can say with certainty that I am familiar with more than surface level knowledge about AWS.
Acknowledgement for my lecturer
Given this opportunity, I'd like to say alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for all that we were blessed with this past semester. I am deeply grateful that even in the current pandemic, I am fortunate enough to still be a part of this class, continuing my studies. Syukur!
To Dr. Izyan Izzati Binti Kamsani, I am forever grateful for the guidance and compassion you have shown us in each class. I know online classes have its own set of hurdles and challenges, Thank you for facing them head on and doing your best to impart your knowledge upon us with your unending patience and drive, it must have been much more demanding on you than it is on us, despite what we might believe. In the short and limited time we had together, your humbleness and intelligence helped solve all our problems and troubles, your willingness to learn from us, your students was also very commendable. It inspired me to always consider myself a student, a perpetual learner. Thank you again Dr. Izyan, I sincerely hope that you'll be rewarded for your contributions, may Allah shower you with His blessings and hope we meet again campus inshaaAllah :)