Applying Computer Science in Graduate School - Admission/Application Essay Example

Application Essay for Graduate Program From Geneva, Switzerland then back to my hometown, Thailand, I feel my mind was constantly begging for answers to the many questions ringing in my mind such as how our modern society is advancing so rapidly that it is turning to be unmanageable and we are fed with information overload? Hence I realized that while it is man who devised technologies, the created should not overpower its creators. Management of information, especially of Information Technology, programming and computing systems, I believe will soon become a very challenging issue that our society needs to have a solid footwork. With the rapid pace of innovation, people or businesses will be more concerned about meeting the demands from users of these technologies yet there will soon come a time when our world’s real problem will arise – disoriented, distracted, unfocused and disorganized systems, and worst comes worst, the already established wide net of systems might soon collapse. That is why sometimes I was faulted for being too forward-looking or advance in anticipating future eventualities, whether good or bad. Indeed, logical problem solving, finding answers to the many whys about how things turn out the way they are have always appealed to me and in a way, partly explains my interests in mathematics, logic, programming and general computing. These solid foundations further fortified my interest in problem solving whether it is in criminal psychology, law, international business and other studies related to these when I was completing my degree in Bond University in Australia. I can still vividly recall when I was a child that my parents immediately noticed my keen interest in solving puzzles and mind games that my mother enrolled me in school which sets high standards in mathematics and science. However, apart from what I have learned over the past years through experience, education and rearing from my parents, I am really keen in my pursuit and to be bold in exploring how modern technology through computing in general can help shape the way we live our lives. It has been a puzzle to me then why so and so inventions and advancements are happening instantaneously, at almost the speed of light. On my part then, as a citizen, I should find a way to contribute in society through this higher education. Hence, I see the Graduate Program in Computer Science as the perfect bridge from where I have been professionally trained to where I envision myself living the life I set for myself to achieve in the exciting realm of technological advancements. From how I analysed the way things are shaping up in the horizon vis-a-vis my former experiences in administering a travel agency online portal and being an IT apprentice and support from my former university, the more it is growing up in me to pursue a career in managing information systems. As a guest relations coordinator and secretary of our family’s business in Thailand, I am deeply immersed in the management practice such as planning, organizing and implementing approaches and strategies developed during the planning phase, which I then apply in executing projects online to market and promote our services. Such experience inspired me with gems of lessons such as valuing the importance of preparing plans in setting up a back-up plan in terms of technical to human resources requirements. As a backup, the strategy aims to build on the notion that campaigns should not be hampered by being unprofessional. Apart from this, I was able to apply the lessons I learned while working as IT support from an office near Bond University to our family venture. Since my role then was to maintain and administer the online travel portal for multiple users, I also learned how a simple to mid-range websites are produced. Although the small firm handles web designing, it is also capable of doing other I.T. related tasks like programming, network engineering, and system integrations. From all these diverse field of works, my former manager, who is truly competent, taught me several things about computing. Our project manager’s competence was really astounding. He taught me while doing the work in the firm such as systems analysis for the company’s projects. The experience of working in this firm provided me a glimpse of how I would like to see myself in the future. Notwithstanding my previous works with non-profit foundations (1997 to 2002) such as Starlight Foundation, Red, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Red Cross and Cole Classic, my technical latitude was fortified as we embark on outreaches and charity works for the marginalized and poor sectors of the area. One technical system that I recommended was adopted and is now being used throughout the organization. I strategize a way by which an all-in-one technological solution for collecting, organizing, analyzing and sharing information be developed to improve the quality of overall delivery of service. Since I am also a fast learner and one who enjoys each practical works assigned, I believe the experiences I gained bode well with my attraction with technology and innovation. Although quite a weakness of mine, my taking works personally sometimes compel me to extend work beyond the limitation of time and resources. Studying in your school can better equip and prepare me to be more exposed to higher level systems and better practices than I experienced and learned. From such, I can then apply and recommend better ways of dealing the current requirements of the business I manage from my family. More importantly, I am keen in pursuing programs that will teach fundamental principles of managing projects online and also designing software in light of ongoing advancements in technologies. Since I am also after quality and comprehensive academic and research experience, I believe your program will provide me with such in order to refine my ability to apply sound business principles to online applications. Apart from my being intuitive and imaginative in resolving issues based on firm foundation in analytical processes, problem-solving skills and teamwork, I can vouch for the work experiences I have as among the better jobs that taught me exclusive programs that I applied and earned commendations from my peers. As marketing guru and acclaimed author Philip Kotler once predicted that the future of most businesses will be dictated by the extent that marketing and innovation are pursued, such prognosis is fast turning out to be now. As these predictions become reality, it is not always the positive that will be reared by the innovations in the systems. There will be flaws, security issues and even disruption in the way we use technology such as computing in our lives. I got the inspiration to take the program for computer science in hopes of learning the philosophy behind computing and management of information systems in general. I believe that learning why computing in the first place is necessary, will provide me with enough proof and reason why it is but fair that I give back to society what I gained. Research-based computing and management of information is very critical before I eventually immerse in the practice of the profession. More importantly, it is also required for one aspiring to practice in the field of computing or programming that his responsibility, obligation and commitment that the power he gained through education and research will neither be used to abuse nor exploit other people, which is part of the higher purpose why studying computer science requires practitioners to finally give back to his community or society. While taking the program for computer science may appear daunting and challenging, however, I believe that this is a very interesting course not merely for the mental satisfaction it will afford me just because I enjoy solving problems and finding the answers to most of the reasons why some things do not work. I believe the graduate program in computer science is but a must because most of the people I know who are either self-taught or were only trained through experience still lack much of the fundamental skills to be successful in this endeavour. Read More