Personal Vision

Currently, I am undertaking a course in engineering. As a native of the digital generation and I aspire to work as a software engineer. In particular, my profession focuses on various areas of software engineering including web and app development. Consequently, I hope to create a legacy in the field of science, mathematics, and technology for future generations.

Family, rather than career growth and financial stability, is the primary priority in my life. Once I become a parent, I would prefer to witness and supervise the moral, spiritual and physical development of my children and be available to my spouse. Therefore, a proper career plan will enable me to balance my profession with my family life.

The community is currently facing several challenges including moral decay, environmental degradation and social conflicts, among others. I intend to be a channel of positive change to the community by using my engineering skills to create a safe and sustainable society. I believe that my contributions to society will build a better community.

Profession Vision

Though software engineering is a vast field with numerous possibilities, my initial and long-term focus is to be an app developer. With the increased use of smartphones and the emergence of IoT (Internet-of-Things), among others App development has become increasingly significant. Consequently, despite being in the early stage of my professional development, I am content that I was destined to be an app developer.

As an introvert, I prefer working in an enclosed environment for long hours. Such a situation will be appropriate in terms of facilitating creativity and innovation, which is a prerequisite for app development. Despite my attribute, I am comfortable working alongside others. I purpose to work for major tech companies such as Google or Facebook.

Additionally, I have been having a personal aspiration of operating a startup since I was a child. I will start a startup company that uses mobile apps to monitor child development in daycares located in informal settlements in Africa. Consequently, through the startup, I will apply the knowledge I obtained in class to address an actual problem in society.

LONG-TERM GOALS

• Open a startup company using apps to develop an early childhood education model in informal settlements in Africa
• Use continuous professional development to enhance my profession through initiatives such as attending workshops and on the job training
• Raising a family in a safe and respectable environment.

MID-TERM GOALS

• Graduate with a master’s degree in software engineering
• Work with a leading firm such as Google, Facebook or Apple.
• Promote health and well-being by eating healthy foods and exercising daily

SHORT-TERM GOALS

• Prepare for my final year project by developing an app seeking to enhance learning among grade 1 to 3 students
• Make contributions in the class by asking more questions and visiting tutors in the office for academic support
• Form a study group to interact more with students

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Learn to work as an individual and in groups
• Use all the information obtained in class to analyze user needs

NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Learn how to listen to others and respect and appreciate their views
• Minimize working under pressure through proper planning and time management
• Learn to trust other persons and be cautious

ACTION PLAN FOR SHORT-TERM GOALS

• To interact with tutors from 4 PM – 6 PM to determine the best app to develop for early childhood development
• Visit students in grade 1 to 3 between 9 AM – 10 AM and communicate with teachers to assess the main challenges that such learners encounter

ACTION PLAN FOR MID-TERM GOALS

• Develop a business plan that focuses on developing a user-friendly app that can be easily used by the target customers
• Determine sources of funds for the business including personal savings, donations from family and friend and equity funding

ACTION PLAN FOR TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Develop an own timetable allocating four hours a week for personal development and three hours a week for interaction with group members

ACTION PLAN FOR NON-TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Interact with people of different background daily to learn how to pay attention to others and respect different opinions

DOCUMENTATION PLAN

To achieve all my goals and gain the necessary skills it is essential to document the outcomes of the career plan. To minimize excessive documentation and to avoid missing out on some crucial details, electronic reporting will be conducted on a weekly rather than on a daily or monthly basis. I intend to finalize on all school activities on Friday. Therefore, the documentation will be conducted every Friday between 7 and 8 pm.

The university semester lasts for three months; hence, it will be appropriate to assess the career plan outcomes after 12 weeks. Notably, the evaluation will involve comparing and contrasting the actual plan with continuous results. Through the review, it will be easier to determine the necessary changes in the career plans

Since I am still young and the business environment is evolving rapidly, it is difficult to make precise predictions on the entire career path. In turn, the career plan will change as some details become obsolete and new trends emerge. Accordingly, the career plan will be adjusted accordingly.