My Competence Profile upon graduating from the bachelor’s program
| Advise | Analysis | Design | Realization | Manage & Control | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizational Processes | 1 | ||||
| User Interaction | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Infrastructure | 1 | ||||
| Software | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Hardware Interfacing |
Prior experience examples
⭐ = A project that’s more noteworthy than those without a star.
| Semester | Profile/Specialization | Passed | Outcome | Main project |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Software Engineering | Yes | Level 1 reached for Software | View here |
| 3 | Software Engineering | No | There was no immediate retake class, so continue to S4 first | - |
| 4 | Artificial Intelligence | Yes | Obtained KPIs (taken from AI Canvas course):  |
View here |
| 3 (retake) | Open Learning | Yes | Obtained KPIs: same as the above AI Canvas course KPIs, because the main project was similar in activities. | View here |
| 5 | Internship (Open Learning, although the activities were very much like XR Design) | Yes | Obtained KPIs (self-plotted):  |
⭐ View here |
| 6 | External minor at Avans (Systems Programming in C++) | Yes | Obtained KPIs (self-plotted):  |
⭐ View here |
| 7 | Advanced Game Design & Technology | Yes | Obtained KPIs (taken from GDT-A Canvas course): |
⭐ View here |
| 8 | Graduation Internship | Pending | To-be obtained KPIs: same as the above GDT-A Canvas course KPIs, because the main project has similar activities. | ⭐ View here |
Target master levels
| Advise | Analysis | Design | Realization | Manage & Control | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Organizational Processes | 1 | ||||
| User Interaction | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Infrastructure | 1 | ||||
| Software | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Hardware Interfacing |
Elaboration
Given my experience in designing and realizing immersive gaming experiences, as well as developing tools such as a 2D game engine, my goal during the Master of Applied IT program is to elevate my expertise to Level 4 in the Software architectural layer. This aspiration stems from a robust foundation in game development and a passion for advanced game technologies, especially those that enhance player immersion. My focus will be on deepening my understanding of complex gaming systems, exploring innovative software architectures, and integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI to create more engaging and dynamic gaming experiences.
Throughout the master’s program, I intend to engage in projects that challenge and expand my skills in game development. This includes working on advanced software design, exploring new frameworks for immersive experiences, and refining development processes for efficiency and quality. My aim is to blend my technical skills with a creative vision, contributing to the field of gaming technology and preparing myself for future roles that demand a high level of expertise and innovation in software development within the (serious) gaming industry.
Professional Skills
In my view, professional skills develop through consistent habit formation rather than isolated events. However, there are memorable examples that illustrate my existing skills and potential growth areas.
Personal Leadership: I value feedback and actively seek it to prevent tunnel vision. Recognizing when to request help, after exhausting my own research, is a skill I’ve improved, balancing self-reliance and teamwork.
Investigative Problem Solving: My ability to define research questions is a strength, as I seldom need to revise them during projects. A growth area for me is project scope realism, ensuring it aligns with time constraints. My proficiency with the DOT-framework and triangulation methods has been instrumental in creating high-fidelity prototypes.
Improvement Goals for the Master’s Program:
Targeted Interaction: While I’m comfortable with internal communication, engaging with external groups, such as conducting user tests, can be more challenging. Nonetheless, one example of getting out of my comfort zone is when I conducted tests in a vocational school classroom with unfamiliar students and teachers. Though initially outside my comfort zone, these experiences are rewarding and insightful. I aim to make such engagements more routine and less daunting.
Colleagues’ Perspectives:
Based on feedback, I’m perceived as someone who likes to be in control and be prepared, relevant to ‘Future Oriented Organization’. I’ve been recognized for my full commitment at a previous internship, akin to an employee rather than just an intern, demonstrating ‘Personal Leadership’. My independent thinking aligns with ‘Personal Leadership’ as well.
These insights into my professional skills, along with my colleagues’ views, reflect my current strengths and the areas I wish to develop during my master’s program.