Cassandra H.

CSIS 1030

Final Reflection
CSIS 1030 - Foundation of Computer Science, this course involves basic computer

fundamentals that are associated with different aspects of each IT specialty. This course served

as a great introduction to computer science and an overview to careers in IT. As well as learning

and practicing programing languages such as HTML, CSS, SQL, AND JAVA. Throughout the

semester our class worked on assignments and many projects involving coding and

programming. One of my favorite modules was Module 5: Database & SQL and Module 5: JAVA.

It was fun and challenging learning how to code and identifying the format and restrictions that

each programming language has.

At the beginning of the semester, our class was given the task to narrow a career in

computer science that captured our interest. At the start of the semester, I was interested in

pursuing a career in software engineering. I enjoyed the aspect of analyzing and creating an

idea and seeing the final project that has come to fruition. As the semester progress I learned

more about this career and what it entails. I’m still very interested in pursuing this career path!

I’m hoping to apply for an entry level job in IT this year as a technician to get some

experience in the field. I also want to obtain my CompTIA certification this year and obtain

more background knowledge of computer programming. I also plan to apply to Western

Governors University, the U of U, or Utah Valley after gaining an associate degree in computer

science from SLCC.

 Cassandra H.
CSIS 1030
At the moment I have become interested in three potential careers that I’m gravitating

into. I want to narrow down this career path or the direction that I want to head moving

forward into my educational career.

1. Computer Systems Engineer

2. Network Engineer

3. Software Engineer

What CSIS certificates do you need to complete before applying for the job? 

Computer Systems Engineer – This career path requires a bachelor’s degree with extensive

courses in mathematics, physics, computer hardware, and data analysis. A master’s degree

program would advance and increase the salary that is desired, depending on the state and job

that one decides to applies at. 1

List of Certifications for Computer Systems Engineers 2

 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

 Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)

 Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)

 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

1
SLCC Catalog. (2023). Program of Study: Computer Engineering: APE (CTE) - Salt Lake
Community College - Acalog ACMS. SLCC. Retrieved from
http://catalog.slcc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=4046.

2
Coursera. (2022, September 6). What Is a Systems Engineer (and How Do I Become One)?
Coursera. Retrieved from What Is a Systems Engineer (and How Do I Become One)? | Coursera
 Cassandra H.
CSIS 1030
 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

 CompTIA Network+

Network Engineer – A bachelor’s degree is required, with courses that emphasizes

networking configuration, protocols, hardware programming, and software structure. This

career deals with various types of networks security and troubleshooting with a list of expensive

certifications to become knowledgeable in this career. 3

List of Certifications for Network Engineer4

 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

 LPI Linux Essentials

 ITIL® Foundation Certification

 CompTIA A+

 CompTIA Cloud Essentials

 CompTIA Network+

 CompTIA Project+

 CompTIA Security+

 CompTIA IT Operations Specialist

 CompTIA Secure Infrastructure Specialist

3
N.A. (2023). What is a Network Engineer? Field Engineer. Retrieved from Network Engineer Job
Description & Requirements | Field Engineer
4
N.A. (2023). How to Become a Network Engineer. Western Governors University. Retrieved
from How to Become a Network Engineer (wgu.edu).
 Cassandra H.
CSIS 1030
 Amazon AWS SysOps Administration-Associate

Software Engineer – A bachelor’s degree is required, with courses that are design to test

software systems and applications. This career has more interactions with clients and/or user

rather than the mechanical aspects of it. 5

List of Certifications for Software Engineer 6

 Scripting and programming knowledge

 CompTIA

 Oracle

 Python, Java, C+

 Project+

 AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

 ITIL Foundation Certification

 AXELOS

What is the salary range for the job(s) you are interested in?

5
Hudgeons, Victoria. (2022, November 28). Becoming a Software Engineer. Computer Science.
Retrieved from How to Become a Software Engineer | ComputerScience.org

6
Western Governors University. (2023). BSSWE at WGU. Western Governors University.
Retrieved from BSSWE at WGU
 Cassandra H.
CSIS 1030
Computer Systems Engineer – According to a couple of websites, the average yearly

salary for a career in computer systems engineering ranges from $123,560 to $36,090. 7

Network Engineer - The average salary for this career ranges from $107,897 to $84,362

for networking engineer jobs in Utah. 8

Software Engineer – For this career the average salary ranges from $180,750 to $69,470

depending on the job position and salary that is offered. 9

Map out the education needed to get your first job.

Computer Systems Engineer – Most systems engineer begging their career path as

administrators or software engineers. Before applying as a senior engineer, a master’s degree

may be needed.

Network Engineer - Its recommended to get early on experience and seek a mentor

before moving up to become a network manager. Most network engineers graduate with only

bachelors but do have many certifications to gain the skills and knowledge for this career.

7
N.A. (2018). Systems engineer salary. Career Explorer. Retrieved from Systems engineer salary ‐
CareerExplorer.

8
Glassdoor (2023). Network Engineer Salaries. Glassdoor. Retrieved from No Salaries for
Network Engineer in Salt Lake City, UT 2023 | Glassdoor.

9
N.A. (2023, March 28). Software Engineer Salary in the United States. Salary.com. Retrieved
from Software Engineer Salary | Salary.com.
 Cassandra H.
CSIS 1030
Software Engineer – A bachelor’s degree is recommended. A great step into the field is

to apply at an entry level job to gain experience and skill sets. And gain experience in data

structures and algorithms.

Are there any barriers that you can identify that might hinder your completion?

One of the biggest barriers that I might struggle in each career or educational courses is

math. It’s the biggest fear factor that I may worry because math isn’t my forte. It will require

tutoring and investing my time in learning the material. Some of the career required for

calculus or physics.

My favorite topic in this course was SQL programming, I thought it was easier to learn

compared to other programming languages. It was also fun to play around with it and see the

results that were created. I didn’t have a least favorite topic in this course, I thought each

module was education and informative. I would recommend this course for students or anyone

interested in exploring a career in computer science. It’s a great course to familiarize yourself

with programming concepts, background history, and foundations of networking.

CITATIONS
Computer Systems Engineer
 Cassandra H.
CSIS 1030
SLCC Catalog. (2023). Program of Study: Computer Engineering: APE (CTE) - Salt Lake
Community College - Acalog ACMS. SLCC. Retrieved from
http://catalog.slcc.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=11&poid=4046.
N.A. (2018). Systems engineer salary. Career Explorer. Retrieved from Systems engineer salary ‐
CareerExplorer.
Coursera. (2022, September 6). What Is a Systems Engineer (and How Do I Become One)?
Coursera. Retrieved from What Is a Systems Engineer (and How Do I Become One)? | Coursera
Glassdoor. (2022, September 15). How much does a Systems Engineer make? Glassdoor.
Retrieved from Salary: Systems Engineer (April, 2023) | Glassdoor.

Network Engineer
N.A. (2023). How to Become a Network Engineer. Western Governors University. Retrieved from
How to Become a Network Engineer (wgu.edu).
N.A. (2023). What is a Network Engineer? Field Engineer. Retrieved from Network Engineer Job
Description & Requirements | Field Engineer
Glassdoor (2023). Network Engineer Salaries. Glassdoor. Retrieved from No Salaries for
Network Engineer in Salt Lake City, UT 2023 | Glassdoor.
SLCC Catalog. (2016-2017). School of Technical & Professional Specialties. SLCC. Retrieved from
Network Engineer (KNW2) | SLCC

Software Engineer
N.A. (2023, March 28). Software Engineer Salary in the United States. Salary.com. Retrieved
from Software Engineer Salary | Salary.com.
Western Governors University. (2023). BSSWE at WGU. Western Governors University. Retrieved
from BSSWE at WGU
Hudgeons, Victoria. (2022, November 28). Becoming a Software Engineer. Computer Science.
Retrieved from How to Become a Software Engineer | ComputerScience.org
SLCC. (2023). Program of Study: Software Engineering: CP (CTE) - Salt Lake Community College -
Acalog ACMS. SLCC. Retrieved from Program of Study: Software Engineering: CP (CTE) - Salt Lake
Community College - Acalog ACMS™ (slcc.edu)