Project 1, Program of Study Memo Draft

During the second half of class, copy-and-paste a copy of your Project 1 Program of Study Memo draft into a comment made to this blog post. Afterwards, we will begin working on the next phase of the project: Job Ad and Company Research Memo.

9 thoughts on “Project 1, Program of Study Memo Draft

  1. Destiny Ramos

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Destiny Ramos
    DATE: March 15, 2017
    SUBJECT: Project 1, Program of Study Memo

    In the major of Professional and Technical Writing, I am learning how to write professionally as well as edit documents in order to fulfill a career as a writer. What I learn in this major will allow me to grow creatively as well as enhance my people skills and my skills as a writer. According to the New York City College of Technology Spring 2017 Catalog, under the course Professional and Technical Writing, their mission statement is “The Professional and Technical Writing program is designed to prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively using a variety of tools and media. Students gain competencies that include writing, editing, problem solving, document design, rhetoric, interpersonal communication, collaboration, specialized expertise, and fluency in modern communication technologies. Students learn how to translate complex, industry-specific information into lay terminology or another industry-specific discourse.” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p. 89).

    NYCCT’s program and staff will assist me in what I need to accomplish in this field to obtain a career in writing. By collaborating with my peers and being given assignments similar to the workload given to those who are already professional writers, it will allow me to gain a better understanding of what lies ahead for me. Taking that information will at least have my feet wet as well as begin to build up a portfolio for future job opportunities. Not only that but since I already have teaching experience from my current job, I can use that plus my degree to assist freshman college students in editing their papers before they hand it in to their professors as well as tutor those students to help them write better papers.

    Along with the professional aspects of this program, I want to learn more about myself as a writer in this field so that way I may enhance my creativity with freelance writing and become a journalist and/or novelist. From the experience that I have gained so far in 2 years, there is a lot of information about writing that I never knew about and this course is helping me dig deep into the nooks and crannies of being a Professional and Technical Writer. I hope that in the next year and a half, that I will have gained enough information as well as maybe one or two clients to get started on the road to being a writer after graduation.

    Reference
    New York City College of Technology. (2017). College Catalog Spring 2017 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog.pdf.

  2. ajahneikj

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Ajahneik Jackson
    DATE: March 15,2017
    SUBJECT: Project 1, Program of study memo

    My major is english with a concentration in professional and technical writing, specializing in business and entrepreneurship. The professional and technical writing program is constructed to sharpen the communication skills of students. All while strengthening conflict solving skills, team building/ collaborative skills, and skills concentrated on in a specialized industry. Although this major seems to be general, students are required to choose a specialized industry to study, so that they can both apply the skills learned to a specific career field, and also so that they are properly prepared and taught the terminology of their industry.

    Within Professional and Technical writing there are four sets of courses one must take yearly in order to obtain a degree within this major. Year one consist of english compositions, along with communication, writing , and some flexible core course. Year two entails, solely writing, editing, and revision courses. Year three puts all things learned in the previous years to use. It focuses on advanced courses, and courses that assist in creating documentation and using/ testing them. Lastly Year four consist of very little courses but the ones that are offered focuses on the student’s specialized field and applying those skills while being apart of a chosen internship.

    According to New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) 2017 course catalog “In order to meet the needs of the growing marketplace, the program allows students to look across disciplinary boundaries and bring together information and skills from a variety of fields into a new base for learning, designing, and writing. The structure of this degree ensures that students who graduate from this program (a) master industry standard applications for professional and technical writing and related technologies, (b) acquire expertise in a professional studies-related, science-related, or technology-related discipline that will give them an edge in the marketplace, and (c) enter a rapidly shifting workplace prepared to negotiate new forms of media with sophistication and confidence.” ( NYCCT, 2017, PG 89)

    This major will enable students to be knowledgeable because they are being introduced to courses that allows them to gain numerous skills, some of those skill being interpersonal skills, as well as being able to master communication on all technical platforms. By being introduced to new forms of technology and becoming familiar with communicating through/ on the devices, students are being prepared to go out into the workplace, become corporate workers and implement or even teach new media skills to employers. This major provides students with skills that many other individuals will lack which ultimately means that the students majoring in Professional and Technical writing actually have the upperhand in their career fields.

    New York City College of Technology. (2017). College Catalog Spring 2017 [PDF}. Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog.pdf.

  3. Abdulla Attareb

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Abdulla Attareb
    DATE: March 15, 2017
    SUBJECT: Project1, Program of Study Memo

    To work at a huge global engineering firm and to become the greatest mechanical engineer I could become has been the goal for these last few years and years to come. I chose to study at New York City College of Technology because it is a small program and it is more hands on compared to other colleges. Being a small program, it is easier to learn more and interact with the professors. According to the College Catalog, “The Mechanical Engineering Technology program, accredited by the technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET), provides the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary for success in a broad range of technical careers. A balanced curriculum provides a solid foundation in the scientific and mathematical principles on which mechanical design is based, as well as ample hands-on experience in our well equipped laboratories”.

    The degree can be broken into different learning categories that will soon depend on each other. There are several courses of math and physics that must be taken. Such as, calculus 1-2, differential equations, and calculus based physics. These courses are the foundation of engineering. Without these courses you wouldn’t be able to learn and understand further material. Other categories are machine design, advanced solids modeling,applied mechanics, and production methods. Within each of these categories are various classes that teach these subjects. Personally for my career field choice a lot of computer aided drafting (CAD) and applied mechanics are involved. The classes MECH 1201 (Computer-Aided Manufacturing Systems) and MECH 1222 (Computer-Aided Engineering Graphics) teach CAD. Specifically a program called Autocad, that is used to design 2D and 3D drawings of building systems. For HVAC you must have extensive understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics. These courses teach you about how liquid and gas elements react and run throughout the hvac system. When calculating cooling and heating loads knowledge of heat transfer must be applied to find the velocity and temperature of air from one room to another. The list of courses the degree requires goes on and on. Each one of the classes is vital to enforce your knowledge to become a great engineer.

    Reference:
    New York City College of Technology. (2012). College Catalog Spring 2017 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog11_13_fa12ver.pdf.

  4. SoJung Moon

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: SoJung Jang
    DATE: March 15, 2017
    SUBJECT: Project 1, Program of Study Memo

    Someday I would like to be remembered as one of the most memorable and influential teachers to my lucky future students. But first, I will need to complete my Bachelor’s Degree in Professional and Technical Writing here at the New York City College of Technology (NYCCT). In my opinion, English is a very appealing language to learn, and ironically seems harder and harder to master as you progress into mastering it. NYCCT offers a wide range in variety of reading and writing courses that will allow me to become one of the best writers so I can share my knowledge and skills with those who would also like to learn the beauty of the English language.
    English Composition 1 and 2 are two mandatory courses to take for students who wish to major in Professional and Technical Writing as well as many other courses that involve lots of reading and writing to improve our writing in many different aspects. One of the courses that is required in the major is ENG 1133, Specialized Communications for Technology Students. This course will educate me on “academic as well as occupational writing such as lab reports and bids, emphasis on the documented report, summarizing material and writing letters.”(New York City College of Technology, 2017, p.92) and during the course I’ll be building my own resume, cover letter and other materials that will be useful and prepare me to search and apply for my future jobs. NYCCT proudly states: “The department has as its mission the enhancement of those imaginative, analytical, reflective and cultural aspects of self generally addressed by liberal studies and within the department’s specific purview, through written language.” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p.89) and also states that the major “is designed to prepare students to communicate clearly and effectively using a variety of tools and media.” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p.89). I strongly believe learning these skills will guide me to fulfill my full potentials in writing. By doing so, I’ll be able to teach my students with confidence and willingness which I hope will make the learning experience fun and exciting for my students.
    This one paragraph really made me want to complete my degree at NYCCT: “The structure of this degree ensures that students who graduate from this program (a) master industry standard applications for professional and technical writing and related technologies, (b) acquire expertise in a professional studies-related, science-related, or technology-related discipline that will give them an edge in the marketplace, and (c) enter a rapidly shifting workplace prepared to negotiate new forms of media with sophistication and confidence.” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p.89). Those ensuring words expressed with such confidence makes me determined to achieve the same goals as NYCCT. I can say with confidence that earning my degree at this college would not only make me stand out to my employers, but it would gift me with the learning experience that will mold me into the perfect fit for the dream job I’ve always wanted.

    New York City College of Technology. (2017). College Catalog Spring 2017 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog.pdf.

  5. Lauren

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Lauren Brewster
    DATE: March 15, 2017
    SUBJECT: Project 1, Program of Study Memo Draft

    My goal by attending the New York City College of Technology(City Tech), is to become a software/mobile app developer. My program of study is Computer Systems, with a concentration in Software Development. According to the City Tech 2017 Course Catalog, the Bachelor degree in Computer Systems is “the only comprehensive curriculum in CUNY that addresses the specific needs of the information technology(IT) industry by integrating theory, hands-on experience and industry exposure.”(New York City College of Technology, 2017, pg. 235)
    Currently I am taking the prerequisite courses required for all Computer Systems majors, but eventually I will take the requirements for Software Development. So far I’ve taken CST1100 entitled Introduction to Computer Systems, and CST1101 entitled Problem Solving with Computer Programming. CST1100 was very helpful in giving the overview of Computer Systems. We studied everything from the various components that make up a computer to learning a little of the programming language C++. I really enjoyed learning C++, and I hope to learn more of this language in the future. CST1101 was a course that allowed me to learn how to do flowcharts. Flow charts will become very important for a developer because they help you keep your ideas organized. They are basically like an outline in essay writing for computer programming. In CST1101 we also learned a bit of Java. I was not the best at this language, but I hope to learn more because it is a necessary language for creating applications.The course I am most excited about taking is CST2301 Multimedia and Mobile Device Programming. Since my career goal is develop mobile apps, this would be the course that would steer me in the right direction to fulfilling this goal.
    Another interesting component of this major is that I can choose as an elective to get an internship. As stated in the course catalog, City Tech’s goal is to “prepare marketable candidates for positions in the information technology field.”(New York City College of Technology, 2017, pg. 235) Obtaining an internship would be a great way for me to gain experience, and work with app/software developers. Overall, I am excited about my major, what I am learning, and the future courses that I will be taking at City Tech. The instructors I have experienced so far are very knowledgeable, and have a passion for teaching. Becoming a software/mobile app developer will not be easy, but being here at City Tech I feel confident that my courses and professors will give me the skills I need to achieve my objectives.

    New York City College of Technology. (2017). College Catalog Spring 2017 [PDF].Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog.pdf.

  6. Esmeralda V.

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Esmeralda V.
    DATE: March 15, 2017
    SUBJECT: Project 1, Program of Study Memo

    With technology advancing at an incredible rate, I want to be prepared for jobs related to Computer Science. Luckily, the New York City College of Technology (NYCCT) is offering a degree in this field. I may not be able to do much with an Associate’s Degree, but I am going to learn some useful skills that will help me strengthen my professional profile.
    NYCCT states that with my first two years of study, I will be prepared to pursue “a baccalaureate degree in computer science, computer information science, computer systems technology, computer engineering technology or applied mathematics”(New York City College of Technology, 2017, p. 109). By the end of my two years, I hopefully will be able to show an understanding of advanced mathematics. This will help me develop programming and logic skills to apply – using technology – in real-life problems. As I keep on exploring careers, I have a list of options in the the business, education, government and industry worlds that will find a good use of my then, learned skills. The NYCCT Catalog states that employers value computer science graduates for their problem solving skills. This includes fields in the “medical, pharmaceutical and financial disciplines as well as the information and design industries”(New York City College of Technology, 2017, p. 109).
    Furthermore, the mathematical and logical skills will be useful to create algorithms – “An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure that tells a computer what to do. Algorithms search, sort, evaluate, analyze, transfer, code and decode information. The focus of this program is on problem-solving with a heavy emphasis on applied mathematics”(New York City College of Technology, 2017, p. 109) – to keep industries’ data safe and secured. This degree has a requirement of 60 credits for completion. I hope that by the end of my two years, I will acquire the skills that the NYCCT states. Meanwhile, I will – of course – try my best to take away the best of my mentors to achieve my goals. :v

    New York City College of Technology.(2017).College Catalog Spring 2017[PDF].Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog.pdf.

  7. Iliane Soriano

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Iliane Soriano
    DATE: March 15, 2017
    SUBJECT: Project 1, Program of Study Memo

    My goal is to be a doctor in New York City. I will accomplish this by earning a B.S. in Biomedical Informatics from the New York City College of Technology (NYCCT). According to the College Catalog, “These two subfields are seeing an exciting integration in cutting edge medicine as
    genomic information is used increasingly in medical diagnosis and care.” (New York City College of Technology, 2013, p.77). This major is helping me to follow a pre-med track and learn a subject within my field. Every single class within the Biomedical Informatics major is going to help me to continue my studies in the medical field. The advisors in the Biomedical Informatics department are a great help with what you need to fulfill to complete your pre-med track.

  8. Edwin

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Edwin Alexis Arriaza
    DATE: March 15th, 2017
    SUBJECT: Program of Study Memo

    The New York City College of Technology (City Tech) is a great place to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering. City Tech’s College Catalog mentions that students are taught “the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical technology, computer hardware, software, data communications and networking” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p.222). Learning the fundamentals of electrical and mechanical engineering helps me understand how a product works, which can help isolate theories of why a product is not working or how it can be improved. I have learned the importance of design during my first project as a Freshman.

    During this project we were asked to create a digital trainer. At the time I did not take this task too seriously, which resulted in a mediocre digital trainer. When asked to use this digital trainer again for a digital control course a couple of semesters later, I realized I should have not have taken the digital trainer building task so lightly. Not being meticulous during the creation of the digital trainer caused me hours of troubleshooting during my digital control class. This forced me to think critically because my digital trainer was typically the suspect but at times some components or the circuit board caused the issue I was facing.

    All of the courses I am taking at City Tech prepare me for my future career. My technical courses expand my knowledge on technology and design. This is valuable in the field of technology because I am able to recommend products based on needs, improve a product with an upgrade or troubleshoot a product. Increasing the amount of knowledge I have in technology has also increased the amount of passion I have for becoming successful in a technology role. Instructors at City Tech are also inspirational and push me to become a better person. Any student can graduate with a degree but it’s nice knowing I am meeting instructors that also care about our professional development by honing in on both our soft & technical skills. This is useful when attempting to build rapport with your colleagues because they can be impressed by your level of professionalism and technical skills. Improving your rapport will allow you to become a stronger networker, which can result in opportunities in the future.

    New York City College of Technology. (2017). College Catalog Spring 2017 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog.pdf.

  9. Danny Hsu (Chia Hao)

    TO: Professor Ellis
    FROM: Chia Hao Hsu
    DATE: March 15, 2017
    SUBJECT: Project 1, Program of Study Memo

    To be a successful Mechanical Engineer that will inspire change in our world through shaping the future of technologies for generations to come. In order to accomplish this and prepare myself for a career in Mechanical Engineering, I choose to complete my degree in B.Tech for Mechanical Engineering Technology at the New York City College of Technology (NYCCT). According to the NYCCT College Catalog, the focus of the degree “addresses both theory and hands-on experience with industry-standard tools in manufacturing systems, industrial design and robotics, providing the broad-based engineering technology education required to solve applied engineering problems through design and analysis” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p. 292).

    The Mechanical Engineering degree is a multidisciplinary course that can be broken down into a few different categories for students that might be interested to enroll into. First of all, to prepare and nurture the students of NYCCT to the working societies of our world, a diverse selection of courses are offered to the students to help them communicate successfully through oral or technical writing. Students are required to complete multiple classes of high level mathematics and physics to become capable engineers. The Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at NYCCT also offers two course options for students at an associate degree level to focus in. These options are either concentration in Industrial Design Technology or Mechanical Engineering Technology. I have chosen to concentrate in Industrial Design Technology (IND) because I wanted to have a more design focused career rather than manufacturing. The IND program “provide students with a wide variety of valuable skills enabling them to utilize a number of 2D, 3D and animation/simulation software packages in several diverse fields” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p. 290). Both program concentrations provide an introduction and understanding of use to the current hardware and software that the career professionals use in the field today. Even though the B.Tech degree is a relatively new and small program with around 200 to 300 students, the program has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and offers a very hands-on approach to teaching their students.

    In the ever progression and advancement of computer technology our society have completely changed the way we approach to manufacturing and design in the last 40-50 years. According to the NYCCT College Catalog “Concurrent Engineering and Design, a process that combines engineering principles with industrial design theories throughout the product development cycle, has become the industry standard in product design and development. The role of industrial design in product design and development is of rapidly increasing importance. The BTech program in mechanical engineering technology reflects this new trend.” (New York City College of Technology, 2017, p. 292) – shows that our education is being mindful in the development of technology and is striving to keep up with it. This is reassuring for me because I know my education is preparing me for not only a career but also a future.

    Reference
    New York City College of Technology. (2017). College Catalog Spring 2017 [PDF]. Retrieved from http://www.citytech.cuny.edu/catalog/docs/catalog.pdf.

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