As the spring, 2014, semester draws to a close, I wanted to reflect on many events. Surprisingly, my overall comments parallel those made by the keynote speaker [Carl Cannon] at ICC graduation a few days ago.
Overall, I am always impressed by how much students learn and grow during the 16 weeks of class. It is an honor and privilege to work with you and help you improve your life. Yes, I do feel that I make a difference. This is based on feedback received over the years from former students. It seems that many develop a greater appreciation for what they learn once they have graduated and moved into their chosen profession of web design and development.
There are two main themes I am reflecting on. Never stop learning. Do more than is expected of you. Yes, those points were also raised at commencement.
Never stop learning. This is particularly true in the field of web design and development. This nascent WWW is less than 25 years old. Many of the commercial websites we are familiar with these days began in 1994 or 1995. I mention this because the pace of change in web technologies is accelerating. I have observed a massive amount of change since I started working with web pages in 1992. Back then, ideas about security, accessibility, user experience design and many other aspects we take for granted these days did not even register in our consciousness. Today, we focus a great deal on mobile and access to any device, anywhere, at any time. We are starting to develop the Internet of Things and are witnessing a tremendous growth in bandwidth, processor power, and storage on so many devices. The pace of change will continue to accelerate. Therefore, if you think you have learned all you can in your time in school, think again. Within 5 years, most of the technologies you have learned will be obsolete. What should remain is your core understanding of how computers and networks work. You may well need to unlearn some of the technologies you are now comfortable with and relearn emerging technologies. This is a skill you should have developed in your time with your web professors at ICC. Continue to investigate new approaches and technologies and embrace the accompanying change.
Do more than expected of you. Many students get good grades. When you apply for a job in today’s hyper-competitive market, how will you differentiate yourself? This is why we have a local chapter of Web Professionals and an Adobe User Group. I commend those students who have stepped forward to serve as officers of our student chapter of Web Professionals – Tim, Jeff, and Charity. There will be new elections at the September meeting. Give some thought to taking a leadership role in the student chapter. I was particularly impressed when Charity volunteered to informally present a topic at our last meeting. This is exactly what I hoped would happen with our group. It is a great opportunity to hone your skills at speaking in front of a group. It is also a great opportunity to interact with other students, former students (who are now practicing professionals), and practicing professionals. Networking is how most of us will land our next job.
I also supervise a statewide web design contest every spring. Stephanie, Anavel, and Jeff stepped up to the challenge and participated. Based on feedback received, I think they found it fun as well as an opportunity to stretch and learn. Stephanie and Anavel also earned first place in the state in this competition. Whether one earns first place or doesn’t even make it to the medal ceremony, it is still something to add to a resume.
If you want to differentiate yourself from the others competing for a job, be able to show you have done something special.
Another theme to consider is to never give up. Many of the good things in life happen because we strive and make an effort. I have seen several students simply stop attending class or submitting assignments. They don’t drop the course; they just stop doing the work. This does not bode well for their future. It is important to develop the necessary behaviors which will help you succeed in business. The most prominent among these is the ability to communicate. If something comes up and you are not able to complete an assignment by the deadline, communicate that with your professor. Don’t just assume you can turn it in late (you can’t). Don’t assume there will be an opportunity for extra credit (there won’t). Communicate before the deadline. Whether in education or business, most people will have some level of understanding. Of course, don’t be late on every assignment. As you may suspect, I am trying to help you develop skills to help you succeed and prosper as a practicing web professional.
Ok, those are my initial reflections on the semester. I hope you had as much fun learning as I did. As always, I look forward to your comments.
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