Jamie Raught

CprE 494

10/18/19

Cumulative Reflection:

The curriculum for Computer Engineering at Iowa State University combines technical skills and

engineering tools with practical experiences through a variety of projects and a multitude of

assignments. We were given the tools we need for our assignments and the necessary resources

to learn how to use them. For example, starting with the first programming class, students are

provided with information on how to install an Integrated Development Environment called

Eclipse, and then are guided through activities designed to teach us how to use the tool to write

and debug programs.

In addition to the skills taught in classes, there are many resources available to help students with

their coursework. I personally used a combination of help rooms, office hours, tutoring, and peer

mentors to help me through my coursework whenever I was struggling. Tutoring was helpful for

subjects that I struggled with in general, and help rooms were most helpful when I was stuck on

a specific assignment or individual concept. Overall, I have learned to admit when I needed

assistance or don’t completely understand something, and I especially learned how to ask the

right questions to remedy the situation.

A very large portion of the projects in Computer Engineering are group projects, and they always

present their own set of challenges. From working around everyone’s busy schedules to having
different levels of understanding of the material, each project involves a lot more than just

technical skill. Learning effective communication techniques and how to work with others to

accomplish a common goal is simply a side-effect of the project structures. These experiences

are absolutely critical preparation for a career in engineering.

When I first came to Iowa State University four years ago, I could not imagine all of the ways

that my education would prepare me for my career. At first, I just thought that the core courses

were just teaching me the necessary background information to understand technical concepts I

would encounter later in my studies. I didn’t realize that I was actually relearning how to learn.

That is the most valuable skill I will take away from Iowa State University, and I know I will use

it every day in my engineering career.