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Monday 16 December 2013

Graduate Position

Graduate job positions are being advertised on company websites and job agencies therefore it is my advice to ALL THIRD YEAR STUDENTS to apply as soon as possible, as the job won’t wait for you.  The goal is for you to go for the job, wait, and see what happens.

I have had heard and also seen for myself that GET in university are conducting workshops to help you with interviews, CV and Cover Letter writing etc.  I have booked myself on the CV and Cover Letter workshop as well as the Interview techniques workshop which on both occasions I found very helpful.  From the workshops that I have attended, I can now apply what I have learnt from them to any job applications and interviews I get.

The university support students like us to do well and they also prepare us to go out there in the world to look for jobs and get jobs.  I believe that the services that are provided to us students should be taken advantage of because this will benefit each of you in the long run as well as the short run.  I have been informed that the services that are provided to students of the university are extended to graduates of the university for up until 2 years after graduating from the university.   This is for those of you that need more guidance and help in finding a job etc.


To be perfectly honest, just knowing there is only a few months left for us final year students seems unreal.  We’ll be in or looking for our ideal jobs or even furthering studies.  Whatever the path in which you take just remember the opportunity does not wait for you. 

Tuesday 3 December 2013

Raspberry Pi??

Have you heard of a Raspberry Pi? Not “Raspberry Pie”, “Raspberry Pi”.   Well if you’re an engineer then you should know what this is.  Of course, I am not talking about the food that people eat; which I personally detest but, that is just me.  I am actually talking about the engineering tool that is used by engineers. 

You can do loads with a Raspberry Pi.  It is quite a nifty tool if I must say so myself.

Just a couple weeks ago, I had to do a presentation of what I designed using my Raspberry Pi.  I developed a dynamic website for a bookstore.  It was quite easy to do once the work and knowledge began to flow.  The website did not need to be very over the top and technical.  It just needed to be a simple website showing different features which had been developed on it to make it user-friendly.  This was a part of an assignment in the Advance Hardware Systems course.  The good thing about it was you were able to share the workload by working in pairs.  The next assignment will be a group project with only 6 members allowed.  I am quite excited to know whom I will be working with and what the group and I decide to design and develop as a large system or software application.



I have always wanted to build a robot so perhaps I will get the chance to do that in this course using the Raspberry Pi.  Overall, to me, the course is going well because I like the incorporation of the practical aspects that it allows you to do.  It is quite like preparation for the real world of work when working on designing and developing new concepts/ideas.

Tuesday 19 November 2013

Applying what you have learnt and Proceeding

When applying what you have learnt, do you sometimes think “oh no, what did I do again?” I have thought like that before, so you're not in the boat alone.  I guess it is a common sign of memory relapse.  Somehow, it is considered normal in some cases because many people have this happen to them almost all the time.  So there is no need to worry.  All we have to do is concentrate and focus on what is necessary.

Trust me; it is hard to keep everything in your head whilst dealing with other things.  I have a tip that may help some of you that have the occasional memory lapse.  Try to practice writing things down and memorising them.  For me to keep things in sometimes I have to write the important things down and make a list especially a things-to-do list or else I may forget.  This helps me immensely as it provides me with order and structure so I don't get lost or confused on certain things.  When I write things down in my own way and words, I have a better understanding and this improves my memory.  After this, I am then able to apply what I have learnt from my notes and do the practical actions without having to relate back to my notes or anything else again.  My notes allows me to process all what I have learnt and then store it all in my head which allows me to fully concentrate and focus on what needs to be done.


There are cool games that are available on web and mobile applications so please try them out.

Friday 15 November 2013

Final Year Project

Perhaps some of you are wondering what is happening with the Final Year Project, well for all my lovely wondering people, I can officially say the final year project is awesome.

The awesomeness of it is the different aspects it provides and the process in which you have to go through to get the end product.  Whenever you start a project, you have to already have a thought or idea in your mind of what you want to do and what you expect to achieve at the end.  The most important thing that is considered when starting the project is the start and end times and how much time you have for each part of the development of your idea.  The first stage of the project is to propose your system or idea of the system that you want to either research on or develop.  I know a few people that are developing systems and others that are just doing research on existing systems and trying to develop/ enhance on them.  Either way, the whole project idea is cool as it allows you to think, research and develop every little bit of the proposed system.  There is always something to develop when it comes to these sorts of projects.  Along with proposing the idea you have come up with, you also have to plan or schedule of the duration of the project.  This should be thought of before the start of the proposal but continued during the thought process of the proposed system or idea.


The good news is I have completed my Proposal Report, submitted and now on the Analysis phase of the project. I can’t wait to get to the design and development stage of the project because that is going to be an accomplishment in my eyes.

Monday 28 October 2013

What happens next?

Being in your 3rd year at university on your undergraduate degree course it is important to be on top of your job prospects.  A lot of research needs to be carried out in order for you to have a good idea of what kind of job and company or employer you would like to work for in the future when it comes to you having to work.  You can carry such research out online or in newspapers etc. looking at job adverts, and different companies that may interest you in the line of work or industry you would like to be involved in.  As this is the final year of studying on an undergraduate course of your choice, it is always vital to see and plan your future now.  Think about where you want to be after you leave university.  You should ask yourself these questions:

  1. What do I wish to do with my life after university?
  2. Where can my degree take me?
  3. What opportunities are out there for me?
  4. How can I find a job and earn money?
  5. Do I need to do a Masters?

Etc.

These are just a few things to think about and ask yourself.  There are more questions you can ask yourself.  If you do come up with more questions that could be mentioned that are different from the ones I have stated in this blog, then please leave your questions in the comments section below. 

Always apply what you have learnt from your course, your own knowledge then I have no doubt you should be fine. 

I believe this is the final year at university that needs to count towards what you want to do in life and where you would like to go.

It’s almost time to face the real world.


Comment and leave questions below in the comments area please.  I appreciate your good feedback and questions.  I always reply back to them all.


Thank you for reading J

Friday 11 October 2013

3rd and final year

I believe this is my final year at university which will be missed but I can’t wait to face the real world where I will be working in the IT industry, gaining experience, and earning a full-on salary. Yayy!! J

BRING ON THE £££!

Before all of that though, I need to work hard this year to achieve a good degree classification.  There is nothing like receiving a good degree class and going to your graduation to celebrate.

This year may be packed with a lot of work to do but, as I have done in the past, I will strive to do my best.  The only way to succeed is to try and have a positive mind set and pushing yourself to do well.  I do like the encouragement that my parents, family, and friends give to me on a regular basis.  It is very comforting to know people are behind me and supporting me all the way.

Looking at this being my final year at university is a shocker. Where did the time go? After the 3rd year at university here, it is going to be a scary feeling, as there will be no more lectures or tutorials to attend, no more labs and assignments or projects to submit.  It’s scary thinking about it right now. 

Overall, it has been fun though and I have learnt a lot so far about myself, other people and most importantly about my course of study.  I enjoyed every minute of my previous years at university; therefore, I don’t see that changing now that I’m in my final year.  I will perhaps miss hanging out with everyone at uni when I leave but hopefully those that are dear to me will be in constant contact.


Monday 23 September 2013

Welcome back everyone

Congratulations to you all for coming this far.  Isn't it good to be back at university on the way to finishing your degree course?  Even if you are retaking the year; which I know at least two people are, it is still good as there is a second chance for you to still progress to reach the goal of passing and achieve a good classification of your degree.  To all our new direct entry students, I also would like to extend my welcome to you.  Thank you for coming to study with us.  You’re going to love it here.  University life here involves putting in the hard work but also having fun.  Everyone needs some fun in his or her life so we cater that here also.  After working hard, we students like to take a break at least to rest our minds for a little while then go back to work.  There are facilities at every campus at this university.  As the School of Engineering is based in Medway, we have an on-site campus bar called, “Coopers”.  This bar is shared for all the universities based at the Medway campus.  They are known as the Universities at Medway: University of Kent, Canterbury Christ Church University, and University of Greenwich.


I’m guessing everyone is settling down or at least getting back into the routine of being back at university.  You can probably see old and new faces roaming around campus for example in your classes, in the library, walking by etc. but please make them all feel welcome as you would like them to show a welcoming attitude towards you.  

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Wednesday 18 September 2013

New Timetable, Third year here I come

Guess what guys and girls! My timetable is up on portal and it is looking great! I’m so excited and I just can’t hide it.  The third year timetable looks quite decent in terms of the number of hours and days we third year students have to attend lectures and/or lab sessions.

I am all registered and ready to go back. I will miss the freedom I had over the summer but getting my good degree class is top priority in my eyes. I can’t wait to get cracking on my final year of the course so I can develop my knowledge more, experience new interesting things, and finish my course.   My main goal is to get my good overall degree classification in BEng Computer System Software Engineering.

So back to the topic on my new timetable which I like so much.  I feel there are mainly advantages and moreover benefits for me as a third year student from the basis of my university timetable.  It is not overpowering with so many lectures or lab times or sessions which is a huge advantage.  I believe it has taken into account the final year project a bit as well as the other assignments or projects we’ll have to face over the terms across the course.

I plan to manage my time very effectively this year as there will be, I’m guessing at least 3 projects to hand in one after the other if not at the same time.  It’s going to be a lot of work but with time management and focus, everything should be great.  I’m sticking to my timetable, attending all lectures unless I fall ill then I’ll send in my absence note to my lecturer of the lecture I missed and I will definitely catch up.


Well that’s it for now.  Have a great day and good read of my other blogs found on the student blogs website/ webpage.

Monday 9 September 2013

Second to Third year

Although I have opted out of undertaking the sandwich course, I believe it was probably the best decision I made now.  This is because when continuing onto my third year at university, I can gain all the knowledge from my lecturers and then be able to decide in what field or area I would like to get my practical experience.  For those of you that do not know what the sandwich course is, well I can tell you.  The sandwich course is an additional year added to the normal 3 year undergraduate programme.  Furthermore, a sandwich course is referred to as the 4 year course (1 year industrial placement included).  It is where you can take a year out of your university studies between the end of second year and start of third year at university to join a company on a work placement.  

Even though I have not gone for the year industrial placement, for a month over the summer holiday I got a part-time work experience in a small organisation where I could develop and project my skills related to IT.

For third year, I have seen the modules that I will be doing.  Ahh my worst nightmare is back… Hardware is back in my life and guess what? It’s Advanced Hardware.  Although I did ok overall for my theory exam, assignments and my practical exam was as I expected, I still don’t like it much.  I preferred every other module in second year even though my hardware lecturer made the module very engaging; my mind rejected it to an extent.  I thought I would never have to do that module or anything to do with Hardware again because I found it more to be on the electronic side of the hardware with the main part of getting down to the core of the hardware which wasn’t so bad.  Overall experience of second year was good especially gaining knowledge and friends from the electronics course.  They knew loads when it came to the Hardware lectures.  I was amazed.  I can take away a few bits from Hardware in terms of the different levels of a system i.e. low level to high level.

The first year to second year experience was a quite a change compared to going from college to first year at university.  In a way, the first year to university experience was easier to adapt to rather than moving from first to second year.  Hopefully, second to third year will be good.  Thinking positively.


Thursday 15 August 2013

First to Second year

Before I begin this blog, I just wanted to say congratulations to all second year students now for passing your first year.  Although the first year of the course does not count towards your final degree mark/ class, it is still a good indication for you to see how hard you have worked to achieve the result you have received for your first year.  Also, if you were not so happy with your first year marks and the result wasn't as you expected, you have an inclination as to what you need to do to improve your performance to achieve a better and more deserved grade for your second year and even your final year.  As your overall first year result does not go towards your overall degree class, there is no pressure if you did not do as well as you had hoped.  There is still hope so please don’t feel disheartened or worried that you are not going to do well overall in your degree.  Time is still at hand for you to turn the outcome around.  You need to look at the key areas in which you didn't do so well in and work on them.  That’s the first thing.  The second thing is to know what modules you will be doing in your second year.  Get an understanding of what it entails.  It is best to know what modules you will be most comfortable with (if any).  If you found first year hard then that’s a shame.  I guess you need to focus more.  Second year will not be as easy as first year.  The work begins there.  Spend time on your work to go far.




Monday 12 August 2013

Comparison of First year to Second year

First year was the basic foundation of your course.  It shows you the weakness and strengths you hold to continue on the course.  It is vital that you grasp the first year to progress quite confidently onto your second year.  For me, I loved my first year so much. It felt more relaxed compared to just doing my A-levels.  In my mind before I entered university, I believed it required more work from me especially at the start of the course but it didn't.  Clearly wasn't as I expected.  I enjoyed it immensely.  I just hope that the first year students do too.

If you’re in your first year, treasure those moments thoroughly as you won’t get them back.  After your vacation in first year where you are breezing through, be prepared for a whirlwind in second and third year.  The calamity of work and pressure that will come over you might be quite overwhelming.  Sorry if this seems to scare you but it is the absolute truth.  Sometimes the truth is harsh to bare.

Second year was quite overpowering and a drastic shock from first year to second year.  The work load got more intense and deadlines got closer.  Although there was good support and guidance from the lecturers, I believe there was too much to do in such little time. 


If I had one wish to go back to the easy first year again and pass my degree with this ease I would take it 100%.  Miss those nice and stress-free days but I guess it’s the fact of life to face some difficult days but to try and strive through them.

Tuesday 30 July 2013

Summer

Oh how I love this season.  I think it is one of the best seasons out of the four.  When I hear the word “summer”, flowers, sunshine, and butterflies come to mind as well as the fact that my birthday is on its way.  If you haven’t already figured it out, then surprise! I’m a summer baby.  I guess you could probably say I am a little bit biased towards my love of the summer season over the other seasons but…

Can you blame me?

Everything happens in summer.  Parties (mellow and very wild ones), family and friend gatherings, BBQ’s, water fights, camp outs, theme park trips, adventures, and most importantly of them all, VACATIONS ABROAD!



I love the sun shining down; it always puts a smile on my face.  I've realised a lot; if not all the people I encounter with during summer are happier, smiling people.  You can hardly find a grumpy face around at this time.  Seeing other people smiling and happy enjoying the summer makes me happy and it always makes my day.

There are many things to do around town but even more events are put on in the summer such as carnival, festivals etc.  Just get out and explore.  I can assure you that you will have a brilliant summer with all the entertainment that is in store.  If you don’t find great fun in shopping then you can’t turn down a party or going off to the cinema. As you probably know or have gathered from my previous blog on Movies, you may have concluded that I love my movies.  Nothing can beat a good romcom or action movie.  I have just recently, seen the Wolverine movie out in cinema with one of my good friends and that was awesome.  It does have a few scary parts in it but overall it was a very good movie.  MUST SEE!!


Monday 1 July 2013

Movies

Maybe you don’t know this but I’m a movie fanatic.

I love movies so much because they make my day.  My favourite types of movies are: COMEDY, ROMCOMS, THRILLERS, ACTION, and DRAMA.  These might be common for you and others too or maybe different. It all depends on you as a person as well as the most important factor of what you like.  I believe the company in which you are around whilst watching the movie(s) is a number one factor for me to enjoy the movie.  Having great company and watching a really good movie is a bonus.  Having poor company and watching a good movie isn't that great as the mood or atmosphere changes my perception of the movie regardless if it is something I like.

One thing you should know about me, I can watch movies all day long with or without people round me.  All I need is a comfortable place to sit, no distractions and lots and lots of popcorn and sometimes ice cream.

As I am writing this blog, I have dual screen meaning I can type and watch one of my all-time favourite movies: “Rush Hour”.  In addition to that, I have the privilege of indulging in eating one of my favourite foods which is ice cream.  So it is a great time right now to be blogging, watching a movie and eating ice cream with nobody around.  It is absolutely great stuff.



This is the life to chill and enjoy the entertainment.  Instead of going to the cinema now and again, I like to chill at home and go through my movie collections which always bring back good memories.  I can hold my hands up and say I am sometimes “the person” that quotes script lines from scenes of the movie I like and have watched over a number of times.  It’s a terrible habit of mine which I have recently developed.  Didn't notice it so much until my friend pointed it out.  Oops *shy face* I promise I’ll keep it zipped.

It’s a different story when I’m out at the cinema though.  I can assure everyone that I am on my best behaviour when it comes to watching a new movie.  There are quite a few good movies out showing at the cinema nowadays.  I have recently seen the new Superman: Man of Steel movie which I would give a rating of 8 out of 10 for the overall story-line and effects. 

One quick moan though before I go comes down to the fact that if you haven’t seen a movie yet and the person you are with has seen the movie already and knows that you haven’t seen the movie yet but in their head they still like to spoil it for you anyway and tell you all the good parts of the movie, that is a no no.  Mind you this doesn't happen often to me because I like to be one of the first to see a new movie if it’s worth spending money and time to see it.

Well that’s all I have to say about this and movies.

Saturday 15 June 2013

Exams are over!

Thank God, exams are finally over, now time to party, and have a good time.  The summer (hopefully with sunshine and no more rain) will be here for all of us to enjoy those nice BBQ’s that turn into late night early morning (till the next day) parties, shopping days, chilling with family and friends back home and getting on with work or our daily schedule.  No more studying for exams because the good news is it is all over for now.  One more year left to look forward to then that will be the end.  I can’t believe where the time has gone.  It feels like only yesterday I was back in Secondary school year 9 listening to those lessons.
 

I miss those times but I am more excited about the future and where my life is going. 


After doing all the five exams, I have evaluated how each of them went.  The exams overall were not bad apart from my practical.  That was an absolute disaster.  The worst exam I have ever experienced in my life!!!  I had such bad luck the day of my practical exam.  I even had to pray to God for the computer I was working at to work properly.  After a quick prayer, it started to work normally but then half way through the exam it was playing up again.  That was my biggest problem.  However, I finally got through it.  I don’t want to happen to anyone or for anyone to experience that plus I would not want that to happen to me again.  That was horrible.


Well I am so happy the exams are over and I can continue with my life without concentrating on those past modules. Thank God.

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Exams for Computer Systems and Software Engineering Students

For your information if you are planning to do Computer Systems and Software Engineering, in second year, you will have five exams.  One of the exams will be a practical exam done on the computer.  Make sure your computer works properly and isn’t as temperamental as my one was before and during the practical exam. 

 
I have been informed however that the new second year students will not be doing the database module which I had to do this year as they have considered changing the course modules for some reason.  I am not sure why. 

 
Anyway, back to the reason you are reading this blog today.   My exam timetable schedule for second year was slightly different to first year’s exam timetable.  That being, the amount of exams to do this year was in total five whereas in first year it was only two official exams, assessment quizzes, and assignments.  Second year had five exams, (one being a practical), quizzes, assignments, and a group project.  A lot had been crammed into my second year course.  My overall experience from the exams for second year was good apart from my practical exam which I never want to talk about again.  Second year has taught me a thing or two about university.  I guess people would say you haven’t been to university without experiencing or having a few stressful moments with exams, projects, and assignments all with times/ deadlines mounting on top of you.  They say, it all officially begins in second year so there you go. 

 
Another difference from first year and second year exam timetables was the exam period.  This year, the exam period lasted three weeks (started w/b 13th May 2013 ended w/b 27th May 2013).  Last year it was a two week period and ended quite early.  This year it felt much longer perhaps because there were more exams to do over the three weeks.

 
Just some advice before I go, prepare for your exams, know your timetable, the time, date and place where the exam will be held.  That is very important.  Work hard.

 
If you need any more information leave a comment and I’ll tell you the 411 related to exams for the Computer Systems and Software Engineering course. 


Have a good day J

Thursday 11 April 2013

The Key to Success (Part 2)


Continuing on from the last blog on “The Key to Success”, this blog illustrates further ways to succeed and what needs to be done. 

Firstly, I ask you to examine yourself.  How do you feel with yourself?

Have you achieved what you wanted so far?

If the answer was NO to that question, then please do not worry yourself, hopefully my blog can help you to put you in the right direction.  It is almost like a manual or guide in how to succeed.  Everyone has set goals or desires; being either big or small, still they are recognised as desires that individuals have set for themselves to achieve. 

To start anything, you have to understand what you want.  Secondly, start with a master plan that needs to be set in stone.  Next, identify the components that are needed to develop and accomplish/ succeed this plan which needs to be evaluated.  This may even have the financial aspects of the situation which may be needed to be considered.  Once those elements have been discovered, carry out your own research and if necessary, ask for some useful advice from experienced people that are where you plan to be.  Taking these actions is to make sure the set plan is realistic for you.  It is very important to know this.  You cannot begin something that is not possible to do.  The truth hurts but it is for your own good.

Words from my friend corresponding to my blog on “The Key to Success”, she said and I quote, “Sometimes it takes something bad to happen for you to achieve the good”.  I believe this 90 percent. It is all about the decisions you make in life.  Hopeful you make the right ones.  However, if for some reason the decisions you made turn out wrong, all you need to do is get back up and try a different approach.  Stay positive! A positive person always wins.  A winner always has hope and faith to strive to do well in anything they put their mind to achieve and succeed.


Tuesday 9 April 2013

Happy Days


As assignments are being handed in and the May examination timetable has been released, it means my second year is drawing to an end.  Reflecting on my second year at University of Greenwich, I can say it has been a great time spent in my second year.  I have never been worked so hard before in my life however, a lot has been learnt and I can take away a vast amount of information that will impact me on my career path.  Now I know I have the strength and ability to strive through tough times from just completing my second year at university.  Friendships have been made, relationships have grown, and respect has been obtained.  All in all, great things have happened throughout the year at this university.

With that in mind, a time of pleasure was on the cards after the pressure of doing university work therefore my bff and I decided to plan two nights for chilling.  There has been a few good movies that have been released in the cinema this time such as the new Bruce Willis movie: A Good Day To Die Hard, and Beautiful Creatures. So, we went off to watch Beautiful Creatures and on another night, we went to enjoy the new Die Hard movie.  On both occasions, I enjoyed myself thoroughly, had a good time at the movies, and felt good to finally spend some quality time with my bff just hanging out and having fun.  A Good Day To Die Hard was the movie we both wanted to see so, it was an absolute must!  In the end, the movie was good, the company was great, and the freedom was so sweet.  No guilt came, no pressure, just fun.

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Thursday 4 April 2013

The strangest weather EVER!!


Winter conditions in Spring and Summer? How bizarre!  Not only is it cold and raining in Spring/ early days of Summer, it is also snowing.  Come on, SNOW in Summer is beyond me.  Only God can explain this. 


It is just a little TOO MUCH.  


The funniest thing that happened on the same day from one of my weather experiences was having the morning lecture cancelled because of the heavy snow fall but then have the afternoon lecture as planned because the weather was absolutely gorgeous.  Still till this day, I cannot get my head around the fact that the snow was falling so heavily in the morning but by the afternoon, the snow disappeared and no one would have ever known it snowed heavily in the morning of the same day.  To me it is very, very bizarre!


One minute it is raining and windy, then snowing, then sunny, then raining again.  Ahh this is some crazy weather.  It’s not just me that thinks it is very hard to plan what to wear out.  You can experience all the seasons in one day when living in England.  Like most people say, “That’s the English weather for you”.  It is very unpredictable.  You can never know what to wear that will be ideal in the weather conditions.  I know that my mum always has a brolly with her in the bottom of her handbag wherever she goes.  I believe it has now become a habit for her to make sure there is an umbrella with her in whichever handbag she chooses to carry on her days out and about.  I should probably start doing that but I know that won’t happen.

Most times when I see a grey and dull day, I like to wrap up warm in my blanket, read a book or watch a home movie and enjoy the warmth rather than being outside in the cold and pouring rain. 


Can you blame me? I’m a summer baby.  The cold is not good for me.  I definitely prefer the sunshine and temperatures from warm to hot.  

Wednesday 20 March 2013

Saying Positive


Many times, life can get you down but the only person to stop that is you.  By thinking and staying positive in every situation that you go through in your life, it will make your life at least five times better.  Regardless of the bad outcome, I am positive that the bad situations will turn around for good.  It is true and obvious that bad things happen in life, but that is just what happens.  It is your turn to change things around and see the bigger picture in all situations.  It is no good staying negative and being sad and depressed.  The best thing I can definitely recommend is to take some time out, relax, enjoy your life (even if it is not how you planned it to be right now), and be around people that will uplift you/ make you happy again.  In order for you to turn your bad situation around, you need to take action and control over it.  I am 100% sure that you will feel ten times better.  A difference will be seen in your life through other people’s eye.

My friends and I always say, “Be positive and positivity will reflect on the outside”.  That is one thing that I like to be, POSITIVE!!



Before I end this blog, these are my last few words to you today …

Stay positive
Be around positive people
Change how you see things
Change your mind-set
Think and look at the bigger picture

Life isn't that bad, I’m positive of that. J

                        If you do these few things, let me know how it works out for you.


Monday 11 March 2013

Challenges


In your second year, there will be a lot of challenges.  Some past engineer students I have spoken to have said their second year of the engineering course was the hardest year for them in terms of the work load and the demand the lecturers had on them.  I can see what these past engineer students were talking about.  No matter how organised and how early you start your assignments, other things come up at the same time.  Things such as tests, quizzes, and presentations are just additional methods lecturers use to assess how well you are doing on the course and where both you and the lecturer(s) can examine which areas you need to improve on.  In a way, they are beneficial for you to work hard but the fact that you have to revise for the tests and quizzes or prepare and present a presentation on top of having to do assignments is quite a lot of work to do for one person.  If you did not know this before, well now you know this is the pressure of university.  



The BEng Computer Systems and Software Engineering course has five modules.  Hardware being one module in particular that is not my best module of the course due to the fact that it is not so much in my interest.  Whereas, my other modules i.e. programming, database systems, software project management and UNIX systems modules are all modules I love.  Anything to do with project management, programming or database and I can tell you what you need to know.  These are my main modules of the course in which I look forward to during the week.

If you have any questions or advice needed, please feel free to leave them in the post comments area and I’ll get back to you.

Friday 8 March 2013

The Key to Success (Part 1)

Success is such a powerful word.  The word “Success” means an accomplishment/ achievement of an aim or purpose.

Before I continue my views on success, I would like to ask you a question.

Question

Do you know anyone that does not want to achieve and become successful (especially those at university)? Anyone? 

  
… I didn’t think so.  In life everyone goes through different aspects of success but before succeeding, challenges are faced along the way.  An example of success and an achievement for most people in life is to be at university.  This as well as receiving a really good degree; which is another achievement in itself, is the step before you start your successful career.  I am sure that a lot of effort and work went into your studying in order for you to get into university and also to complete your first, second and third years of university.

Key points to succeed are:

1.      Be motivated – self motivation is always good
2.      Be organised – organisation skills are required for anything and everything
3.      Plan ahead – set goals and work at them
4.      Know what you want out of life – only you can decide where your future lies

If you want to read more on “The Key to Success”, a part 2 is available.

 
Any questions on “The Key to Success” please feel free to post your comments and I will definitely get back to you with my response.  If not then, I hope you have taken away a valid message from this blog today.  Thank you for reading and please continue to do so on the next blogs to come.

Tuesday 12 February 2013

Group Project


In your second year there is one module where you will have to be in a group to produce a group project report.  This is in the Software and Project Management module of the engineering course.  The group can be made up of 5 or 6 people.  My group contains 6 people including myself.  In order for any group to be successful, firstly there needs to be a group leader.  This is known as the “Project Manager”.  

This week we had the introduction to the implementation stage of the project.  For your information, this is the 4th stage of the Waterfall Development Lifecycle that organisations use on a daily basis.  Having to produce this implementation for the project is a top priority for all of us on the course and especially within my group.  We were preparing for the hectic weeks ahead.  There is so much to do but, not much time to do everything therefore, we need to have great focus on the project in order to be successful.  

Setting objectives is an outline goal in which allows each member to understand what is going to happen and where we all need to be.  By doing this, it is the second way for any group to be successful.

The objective for the group to complete this project is: to complete the implementation and then testing stage (5th stage) of the Waterfall Development Lifecycle within a month period to the highest standard.

To begin the process of completing the project, it is very wise to understand every member of the group’s skills and their individual ability to carry out certain assigned tasks.  From clarifying the group member skills, tasks can be given to the right person to develop and produce an outstanding piece of work.  Once the tasks have been completed, they can be merged together into the final full report document, edited and reviewed a number of times and then sent off to the client/stakeholder.  In this case as it is a University group project, the client/stakeholder is the lecturer.