2013

RHET 1311 Tyron Boatwright

[THE CRAFT OF COMPUTERS]

The interviews and biographies of computer science majors

2|Page Table of Contents Introduction to Computer Science ............................................................................................ 3 Professor. Daniel Berleant Computer Science ...................................................................... 5 Annabelle H. - Majoring in Computer Science ........................................................................ 8 Johnny Lewis- Computer engineer (Vibra-Tech Engineering, Inc)...................................... 11 CONCLUSION PAGE ......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

3|Page Introduction to Computer Science

In the world we live in today, Computer Science careers are among the top growing fields of profession in the country. The reason being is that new technological advances are being created, demanding skills from scientist that can help progress the future in technology. Many jobs today are starting to rely more and more on computers to complete tasks for companies such as advertising which plays a key role for their products. Also, the usages of mobile devices are used in the work force more often these days. Special software and applications are needed in order to complete the daily functions of not only workers but also consumers as well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals in the degree that I plan to receive earn about $100,000 annually in 2010. Assuming that the demand of software engineering would rise as we veer deeper into the future, the salary would indefinitely rise making this one of the most beneficial careers today. As a kid I was always fascinated by the way video games and computer software were able to revolutionize the world in such a way that it was incorporated into the lives of millions of people. Watching TV, commercials would come on talking about a school that you could use your

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artistic mind to create anything you could imagine using software engineering skills. Actors in the skit drew a sketch of a character that would be used in a game, and then bring it to life making it perform various actions using a source code. Computers in general are the future of this world, even though today it might seem like it already is, I imagine us utilizing them in way deeper ways to achieve things never before done by man. Computer Science can be defined as the study of the structure and expression of algorithms. It breaks down everything that makes up the technology used to run scripts and use servers. Every bite or bit is key in this field. Simple one change or error could completely through of the way an electronic device performs a task. Although theres many different directions you could go in the field of computer science, its all basically the exact same thing. Having to be very skilled at math of course, you are trained to deal with a very high quantity of numbers at all times.

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Professor. Daniel Berleant Computer Science

Meet Dr. Daniel Berleant. At first glance he seems extremely nerdy and awkward. However, hes a well-established professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and just so happens to be my Computer Science instructor. I had the chance to interview Dr. Berleant and although he was quite timid he was able to give me some very interesting insight on the future of the Computer Science workforce. According to him, he thinks students who choose to major in Computer Science like the idea of being able to work with computers and they see the dollar signs and potential growth in the field but he doesnt think theyre interested because its something that they have a passion to do or arent very inspired to pursue such a career. Students that pursue this degree are only doing it because they feel obligated or its something that their parents think very highly of. In this field of study its something that you have to drive to get because its a very difficult degree and a very sought after one as well. You have to be 100% focused and well prepared in order to achieve success and thats

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what many students are missing. Dr. Berleant says during our 30 minute interview. Growing up as a kid Dr. Berleant always was fascinated at the thought of Artificial Intelligence. The idea of a computer that was able to think and function completely on its own. He was in love with the robot technology that was starting to take form around him which inspired him to get into the industry that would allow him to follow his dreams of creating one. Sadly, he shared to me during the interview that he gave up on that dream sometime around 1991 being that the technology would never reach the level where he would be able to capitalize. Although his given up on his dream, he decided to share his dream with others by writing a book about it. He published a book in 2011 that shared his views and visions on the plans for the future of technology, once again showing his colorful, childlike fascination for the development of futuristic gadgets and models. His success first started at what he calls a StartUp Company which is basically a small independent company with a share of ideas trying to get their corporation of the ground. We all have to start off somewhere right? He says to me in a jokingly manner. He then went on to grad school while working at a company in Des Moines, Iowa as a web systems developer. Throughout his career he was able to achieve 3 degrees in Computer Science and also be a professor at 3 major colleges; University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Iowa State University, and of course UALR. However, even with his career seeming flawless with his many

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accomplishments, he says he wishes he would have focused more on the improvement of his own career instead of trying to better the organization for which he worked at. Improvement like done more activities and gotten more involved with his own studies. More research, he says, would have made him more highly recognized in the academic world and have more respect as an established professor.

Mr. Bereleants book that he published this year

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Annabelle H. - Majoring in Computer Science

Annabelle is a student at UALR. She is now a junior and will soon be graduating with her degree in computer science. Annabelle or Anna that she likes me to call her for short, is a very bright spirited, interesting and intelligent person which you would never expect coming from what seems like a shy kind of girl. I guess you can never judge a book by its cover. I got the chance to interview Anna about how well shes doing in the computer science classes. Turns out as of now, she has a 3.5 GPA and has an internship with a company so when she graduates in 15, shell have

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a top tier job. Also, she gave me advice on getting internships at jobs. Her advice was to be very marketable as a future employee to have potential to be promoted so that you could be in the position to be the CEO of a company, which is great advice because I still havent gotten an internship yet. I asked her if she were able to work while in school and she said yes she worked at fast food restaurants whenever she got the chance. It wasnt hard for me to juggle the work hours and school work. Really all you need is a balanced lifestyle to keep everything intact. Everything about Anna oozes hard work and mental stability. As a child she was greatly influenced by computers and electronics because her dad would always work on them in the basement. She then one day, went down to help her dad reboot an old computer. Ever since then she had been in science fairs with robot creations, taking second place however, but still a very high placement as a sophomore in high school she says. When I asked her what she wish she had done differently she responded to say I wish I wouldve worked a bit harder my freshman year. I guess I was too shy first coming to a new university. We had a 15 minute conversation about that because I too felt that way first coming here. Not completely focusing on my school work but focusing on the social aspects of the new environment. It can be tough I agreed. Being that the degree were planning on getting has such a tough curriculum, theres almost no way we are able to take a different approach or an easy route. Im going to have to take the exact same classes as her with the exception of a few. Her dedication really motivates me and helps me better understand the benefits of heading in the right direction.

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Annabelle was a very kind person and has a very bright future as a computer science professional. One can only hope to follow in the footsteps of her as a freshman in order to peak success because its obvious shes on the right path.

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Johnny Lewis- Computer engineer (Vibra-Tech Engineering, Inc)

Prepping for the interview at home, I was skeptical what to think about the guy that my dad gave me the number to. I neatly set up my laptop, pen and paper, ready to quickly jot down all of the incoming information during our telephone conversation. I could immediately grasp his energy based off of the way he answered the phone in such a strong voice. Hey, hows it going? he said in a very upbeat voice. I was told that these professions are extremely tiring and boring but he seems to be very energetic with it being mid-day work time. With that being said I proceeded to asking questions, asking him to be as thorough and explanatory as possible. What made you pursue computer science? I asked, kicking off the questionnaire. He then starts to share a story of how he grew up in a really

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rural area, working on roofs with his father after graduation until finally he decides to enlist in the U.S. Navy and become an I.T. Spending numerous years in the Navy working as a technician in Hawaii, he then retired in 2003 to continue his studies so he can further his profession in technology. I guess you can say it was a skill I picked up and decided to learn more about he says. Okay next question. Did you find places to intern or work while pursuing your degree? I ask in my professional phone conversation voice. Umm, yeah I actually found a job in Atlanta called Carestream Dental, a company that provides technology for dentistry systems. The job helped make my resume a little pretty while attending college for the job of my dreams.He says. I then ask what advice he has on pursuing a career in computers since his life seems to be wrapped around it as many computer science majors are. My advice is to stay in your books; its no halfway effort degree. In order to fully become the employee thats going to earn top dollar, you need to have a desire to learn about computers and be eager to find new ways to improve them.He says in a more serious manner. This advice was probably the best out of all of the interviews because I felt like I could personally relate to what he was saying. Expert advice can go a long way depending on how you perceive it. Wrapping up our conversation, he tells me that he wishes he wouldve pursued education before the Navy. Although not regretting the decision he

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made because he wasnt mature enough for college before the Navy. He is a great guy indeed.
Conclusion Page

In conclusion, computer science is an excellent degree to pursue for the futuristic minded people. People who view their lives in the future and want to create better lives for others in the future through technology. Although the jobs you can get are very highly paid, the money minded people shouldnt pursue this field if thats their primary concern. Based off of the advice that the interviewees gave, this is something that you have to take seriously and with passion. Some may have a passion for robots, others software engineering, some may even have a passion for the future itself, thinking of ways to make major advancements on the everyday devices that we use today. Either way, its a clear sign for the approach I need to take on achieving my degree in the next 4 years.