Ah yes, the first blog post. What else is there to do but introduce myself and what this blog will be about? I am Zack Webb, a student at Oregon State University in the online computer science program. Although many of you reading this may already know this, as you are in a similar position. But no matter who you are, how you got into computer science is probably as unique as you are as a human being.
Personally, I first started in high school with an introductory course and AP computer science. And while I aced the introductory course (it was pretty much dragging and dropping lines of code, so no real feat), I struggled in the AP course. I was still interested in computer science, but this result scared me from pursuing it as a career. I ended up studying environmental science with a minor in geographic information science (GIS) for my first undergraduate degree.
This resulted in me working as a field biologist for two years, doing occasional GIS work for my company. I really enjoyed the GIS work, but I felt as if my career did not have much upward potential. This spurred me to look into further education. While I knew that continuing into the world of geography was an option, I have never liked the idea of limiting my job opportunities through specializing too deeply. But with my experience in GIS I knew there are a lot of opportunities with computer science in that field. So I decided on the post-baccalaureate computer science program at OSU. I figured it would give me the chance to further my career in my current field, but I would still have options if it did not work out. Shortly after starting the program I transitioned to doing full time GIS work with the same company.
Ultimately, I would like to work for a company called esri. They are the developers of one of the most widely used GIS software in the world, and the software that I use in my current job. However, as you may have gathered, I prefer a broad approach to learning. Which leads me too…
What this blog will be about!
For the time being, this blog will be a documentation of the CS467 capstone course and the project it entails. I am excited for the opportunity to approach a project as it would be done in an industry environment. And I am very open to learning new skills from the different project options. But, I am worried.
This is my supposed to be my final term in the program. I have learned so much in my courses, but I am well aware that there are students who are much more skilled than me. With the time commitments this course will have and with my other obligations, I am worried about being a hindrance to my team.
Even though I have this worry, I will try my best. I am excited for the course and I am excited to approach the end of the program. But I also know that I have much more to learn!
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