CS 454 Internship Report - Justin Spradlin

Advice

I found a variety of computer science courses I had previously taken to be very helpful while working at FGM. CS 139, 239, and 240 were especially helpful because they gave me a strong knowledge of high level programming languages, data structures, and useful algorithms. CS 349 was helpful because I used skills acquired in this class to create user interfaces, design page layouts, and build useful web-applications. In addition CS 346 was a very valuable class because it allowed me to create excellent program designs for my projects. This saved me a lot of time and grief in the long run even though it took additional time upfront.

Not only were skills I learned in CS classes very important to me while interning at FGM, but I also found a variety of skills I learned in non-CS classes very useful. The skills I learned in my technical writing and communication classes came in very handy when I documented my programs and when I was creating their design. Using good technical writing skills allowed me to communicate my ideas effectively to other co-workers on advanced computing subjects. Another class that I found particularly useful was my general education business class. This class helped me to understand how a business is run and also what behaviors are appropriate and inappropriate in a business setting.

Even though the training and education I have received thus far at JMU was very beneficial there are other skills that I would have liked to have learned before beginning work at FGM. Working with a Unix/Linux operating environment would have helped me prepare for my internship because I spent a lot of time working on these machines. Fortunately, I was given time to learn system commands and read tutorials on how to operate these various systems. Additionally, I would have created a “library” of links and useful resources of various computing topics to take with me to work. This would have saved valuable time by being able to directly access information without first having to search for it.

The best advice I can offer prospective interns and future work force members is to sit down and try to figure out what sort of things you are interested in and what sort of things you believe you will enjoy working with and still be able to make a decent living for yourself. Once you figure out which topics interest you, I would advise you take any and all courses available on those topic areas. I would also recommend that prospective interns join forums and read tutorials on the topics they are interested in. It is also very important to keep up with the job market and understand the type of skills that are currently in demand and that will continue to be in demand in the future. Asses your strengths and weaknesses so you will know where you stand and know what things you need to work on to improve your chances of success in the future job market. Finally, try to find another person that shares the same interest you do and learn as much as you can from them as possible.



Getting the Job About FGM Daily Log Career Advice Internship Value Extra

*Advice* I found a variety of computer science courses I had previously taken to be very helpful while working at FGM. CS 139, 239, and 240 were especially helpful because they gave me a strong knowledge of high level programming languages, data structures, and useful algorithms. CS 349 was helpful because I used skills acquired in this class to create user interfaces, design page layouts, and build useful web-applications. In addition CS 346 was a very valuable class because it allowed me to create excellent program designs for my projects. This saved me a lot of time and grief in the long run even though it took additional time upfront. Not only were skills I learned in CS classes very important to me while interning at FGM, but I also found a variety of skills I learned in non-CS classes very useful. The skills I learned in my technical writing and communication classes came in very handy when I documented my programs and when I was creating their design. Using good technical writing skills allowed me to communicate my ideas effectively to other co-workers on advanced computing subjects. Another class that I found particularly useful was my general education business class. This class helped me to understand how a business is run and also what behaviors are appropriate and inappropriate in a business setting. Even though the training and education I have received thus far at JMU was very beneficial there are other skills that I would have liked to have learned before beginning work at FGM. Working with a Unix/Linux operating environment would have helped me prepare for my internship because I spent a lot of time working on these machines. Fortunately, I was given time to learn system commands and read tutorials on how to operate these various systems. Additionally, I would have created a “library” of links and useful resources of various computing topics to take with me to work. This would have saved valuable time by being able to directly access information without first having to search for it. The best advice I can offer prospective interns and future work force members is to sit down and try to figure out what sort of things you are interested in and what sort of things you believe you will enjoy working with and still be able to make a decent living for yourself. Once you figure out which topics interest you, I would advise you take any and all courses available on those topic areas. I would also recommend that prospective interns join forums and read tutorials on the topics they are interested in. It is also very important to keep up with the job market and understand the type of skills that are currently in demand and that will continue to be in demand in the future. Asses your strengths and weaknesses so you will know where you stand and know what things you need to work on to improve your chances of success in the future job market. Finally, try to find another person that shares the same interest you do and learn as much as you can from them as possible.