Learning Outcome 5: Security Professional
View information about the Personal Specialization Project:
How did You obtain Body of Knowledge about the involved subjects?
This is the only learning outcome that does not contain any body of knowledge documents. However, this outcome encapsulates the personal specialization project and the overall professional behavior throughhout semester 4. I have acted in a professional manner throughout the semester, even if I had to overcome several obstacles along the way. The circumstances have not favorable at all throughout semester 4, with me being affected by the ongoing housing crisis in the Netherlands. As a consequence, I could not get any rent during this period. I found myself having to constantly switch between staying at home and going to the Netherlands and staying in a friend's room for a period of time. Whilst that has not been ideal, I believe I managed to make it work. I have completed all my deliverables and I have worked hard on all the projects and documents that I had to finish. The total time spent in the Netherlands is 9 weeks, which equates to precisely half of the semester. I have made an analysis of the semester to see which weeks are essential and require my presence, and which are not. For instance, I was present for the project kick-offs, for all the scheduled presentations, except one (due to Covid suspicions), and I have attended the most important workshops for me (network separation, wireless hacking, intrusion detection systems - online). I have missed in weeks such as the kick-off week, with little activity, the week before the Christmas break (no workshops, 2 study days). Everything has been calculated and by doing so, I managed to learn everything I needed to achieve my goals for this semester. How did you apply your skills in the project?
I have submitted everything on time, I would give regular updates about the state of my tasks, and I would have a proactive attitude within the group (especially during phases 2 and 3 of the project). What have you learned considering this Learning Outcome?
This has been an atypical semester for me, with lots of hardships, and I took some time to adapt. I got off to a rocky start, but in the end I managed to turn things around, finish everything and receive positive feedback from the teachers and group members. I have learned that I can adapt to any situation and still be professional. What are you proud of?
I am proud of the fact that I kept working and sticking to my work ethic. After the half of the semester, me and my teammates were completely demoralized, being convinced that we would fail the semester. Regardless of that, I continued my work, I accelerated my workflow, and in the end I managed to complete everything. I am proud of the fact that I did not give up and I kept going. If this situation were to happen even one or two semesters ago, I would have stopped fighting. Which aspects do you want to develop further?
I want to keep putting my ambition to good use. Based on what I learned this semester, I would like to adapt even faster, so I could work more efficiently and have less emotions throughout the semester. What will you do differently next time?
I would definetely be more vocal in the project group and I have to start being proactive from week 1 to week 18, with no fluctuations. I have finished the semester on a high note, but everything could have gone down a lot easier if I had the attitude I am having now from week 1 onwards. What grade would you give yourself on the corresponding Learning Outcome?
The Fontys ICT grading system puts the most accent of how I have evolved throughout the semester and the most important thing is to be in a good position in the end. By fighting a lot through the final third of the semester, I managed to get back on track and finish everything. I am very proud of my attitude and my workrate in the last few weeks, so I believe that an S would be a fair grade.