1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project.
My STEP project was a loosely led Computer Build project. I learned the steps to research, design, and build a PC and also learned about different career opportunities in the IT field.
2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project?
A key takeaway from this build was the importance of design verification. When researching computer parts that I could use for my build, I had to remain aware of the specifications of each part and whether they were compatible with all the other chosen parts. While this can be a meticulous process, the process is crucial to build a machine that functions properly. I also had to consider the purpose of the machine and the requirements that that purpose entailed. When researching parts, we had to find the application with the highest specification requirements that we wanted to run and then build around those specifications. This requirement was also part of design verification because even if we were to construct a machine that worked, the device might not be able to perform the tasks we built it for.
3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you?
While researching parts for my computer build project, I quickly realized that selecting the right components was just the beginning. As I delved deeper into the details, I discovered the critical importance of design verification. Initially, I focused on finding the best CPU, GPU, and motherboard that fit my budget and performance needs. However, as I pieced together the build, I learned that verifying the compatibility and overall design was just as important as choosing the right parts. For example, I needed to ensure that my power supply could handle the demands of all the components and that my cooling solution would fit within the case while effectively managing heat. This experience taught me that design verification is essential in preventing potential issues down the line, such as hardware incompatibility or thermal inefficiencies, and ultimately contributes to a smoother, more reliable build.
Assembling a computer for the first time was an exciting yet eye-opening experience. I was eager to see all the parts I had meticulously chosen come together, but as I began putting everything in place, I encountered several challenges. The cooling fans I bought for the case did not fit properly, and I lacked enough RGB ports on my motherboard to handle all the fans I had. On top of that, when I tried to mount the CPU cooler, I discovered that the bracket did not align correctly with the motherboard. These issues made me realize the importance of design verification. I had assumed that as long as the parts were compatible on paper, everything would fit together seamlessly. However, this experience taught me that careful design verification—double-checking dimensions, fit, and compatibility beyond just specifications—is crucial to avoid frustrating setbacks during the assembly process.
Learning about the different roles in information technology, especially data engineering, broadened my perception of what IT encompasses and what can be achieved within the field. Initially, I had a rather narrow view, associating IT primarily with software development and technical support. However, as I explored more, I discovered the role of data engineering, which focuses on building systems for collecting, storing, and analyzing vast amounts of data. This opened my eyes to the immense possibilities within IT beyond just coding or troubleshooting. I realized that IT is a diverse and dynamic field where roles like data engineering are a critical part of powering everything from business analytics to artificial intelligence. Understanding these roles made me appreciate the depth of IT and how it can be applied to solve complex problems, drive innovation, and create new opportunities across various industries.
4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life?
This new way of thinking is crucial to my career aspiration of becoming a controls engineer. Control engineering involves designing electrical systems, and design verification is necessary when designing those systems. Gaining experience in building a complex system that requires design verification and specification checks under supervision is a valuable learning opportunity I can apply as I work towards becoming a controls engineer. This project also taught me to consider factors beyond just the system I am building. While building my computer, I also had to consider how I intended to use my PC and how I might make improvements in the future. These are the main lessons I learned while working on my STEP project.