My experience at the university up to this point can best be described by saying, patient and approachable mentors can bring seemingly impossible goals down to one’s level, and give those they advice a shot of confidence at everything they encounter. The collaboration, dedication, and share of information by enthusiastic lecturers have helped me to dynamically grasp the BINT program outcomes. I do believe that I am stronger now in tackling any range of problems by applying effective, logical, critical, and creative thinking into the situation. Secondly, I am better able to work autonomously and collaboratively as an IT professional at my workplace. This shows that the BINT program is not only focused on their outcomes, but also embedded deeply with the university’s vision which states that they foster to produce graduates who are responsible, analytical, and self confident (University of Belize, 2016). I am also generally pleased about the distribution requirements; they’ve helped me explore in depth areas of the IT profession, ethical and social responsibility, global perspectives, and communication skills in the professional practice.

Problem Solving Skills

Think Org (n.d) describes that an analytical approach encompasses the appropriate process to break down a problem into smaller pieces in order to solve it. Some of the lectures given at the university often times seem daunting at first, but with the wealth of information that is taught we are well prepared with the necessary tools to tackle them. Prime examples are the programming classes, those of us who are not well versed in the area struggle to understand the concepts and logic behind the languages. However, those who endure become more aware that both simple and difficult problems alike have more than one way to a solution. Creative thinking into situations that require logical and analytical approaches helps us explore more broad spectrums that may have endless possibilities of solutions. It’s as Dachis (2011) puts it, a simple series of steps helps you break down just about any problem by approaching them systematically piece by piece. First you have to understand your problem, then create a plan, and of course keep yourself motivated. I’ve adapted these three basic principles at every step of the way at the university. A programming solution would not have been possible without first thoroughly understanding the problem, creating systematic approaches and alternative plans with motivation from lecturers and peers.

Setting it into Practice

Having understood that any problem can be solved by systematically approaching them into smaller pieces helps you realize that the same can be done with just about problem. The way we’ve approached to solve programming sets, networking concepts, or even repairing a pc can be put into practice in the real world. Comparing them to a disgruntled employee, or time pressuring supervisors are metaphorically the same. We have to keep calm, meet deadlines, and find alternative solutions when it comes to real problems. The pressure and quality of work demanded is the same as those by proficient lecturers who have very high standards. The BINT program includes all of this and more, the rigorous fast paced instructional methods prepares us to expect the unexpected, and be able to solve issues at hand while thinking out of the box. Hence, being able to cope with co-workers and supervisors from a diverse set of backgrounds to cooperatively work and solve issues by approaching them differently is key. It’s a result by the core outcome of the program.

Autonomy

Being able to solve problems using different approaches than others has its benefits. It’s  a distinguishable discipline that is greatly noted by supervisors and coworkers when one performs differently for the best. The knowledge and skill sets that I continuously gradually obtain make me a key and more valuable asset to the organization I am employed by. I have been entrusted more responsibilities and independence that gives me the autonomy to propose possible projects for the organization. This in itself is a key motivation that drives me to pursue and gain even more from my studies. It helps me to better implement the knowledge learned at the workplace. It’s as Halvorson (2011) stated, some of the greatest motivation and self satisfaction come from those goals which we choose for ourselves. They create a very special kind of motivation intrinsically that drives us to do the best in the areas we have chosen. Through them we can sparkle innovations that better help the organization, and thus making things more effectively and efficient.

Collaboration

It’s not only independence the knowledge from the program has cemented on us, but collaboration is another principle that has been taught. We’ve had the opportunities to work with others in the classroom by equally sharing tasks of big projects, and effectively communicating with one another. This broadens your prospect as an individual; not everyone can work effectively with others towards a common goal. Classes such as Organizational Behaviour, Communication Skills, and general cores heavily emphasize the importance of understanding structure and communication for collaboration. The program is simply not just about technology, rather as National Seminars Training (n.d) pointed out, “it’s a simple fact that in today’s world, you’ll go farther, faster, if you have outstanding collaborative skills.” This is another key aspect that the BINT program has focused on and effectively demonstrated.

Conclusion

As a result of these outcomes, I strongly believe that I will be able to explore further areas in the field on the near future. Only by doing that will I continue to learn new things about myself and continue as a student of computer science. Being able to solve problems analytically and systematically while working with others has enhanced my marketing position in the job force. Thus, these experiences shall not go down as a book on the library’s shelf. On the contrary, the lessons learned have made me realize I must continue changing, refining, and continuously adapt new practices in order to be at the top of the field. The ever changing learning approaches of the BINT program will help me be a lifelong learner and scholar of life.

References

Dachis, A. (2011). A Systematic Approach to Solving Just About Any Problem. Retrieved from https://lifehacker.com/5795228/how-to-solve-just-about-any-problem

Halvorson, H. (2011). How to Give Employees a Sense of Autonomy (When You Are Really Calling the Shots). Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/heidigranthalvorson/2011/09/15/how-togive-employees-a-sense-of-autonomy-when-you-are-really-calling-the-shots/#e5612b720c30

National Seminars Training. (n.d). The Essentials of Communication and Collaboration. Retrieved from http://www.nationalseminarstraining.com/SeminarSearchResults/Essentials_of_Communicatio n_&_Collaboration/YEECC/index.html

Thwink Org. (n.d). What is an Analytical Approach? Retrieved from http://www.thwink.org/sustain/articles/000_AnalyticalApproach/index.htm

University of Belize. (2016). About Us. Retrieved from http://ub.edu.bz/about_ub/index.php