Exploring My Passion for Computer Science: Why I Chose This Field
The constant evolution of technology is something I find fascinating – dating back to the 1940s for the transition from analogue computers to digital computing, fast forwarding to modern day where utilization of technology has spread to everyday life, from detecting water leakages to reducing wastage, hence enabling better use to an ever growing global population which I look forward to contributing to. The ability to grasp programming languages is no different to communicating with people through English or French, as is the case with programming to communicate with various systems. Will quantum computing change the future of Computer Science is another factor that makes me want to study Computer Science.
During my free time, I have learnt Python on Code Academy. I have also researched how computer science has changed investment banking. One of the topics that I found really interesting was when JP Morgan invested in contract intelligence to be able to analyse legal documents and to extract important data points and clauses. Another topic which fascinated me was how Wells Fargo was investing in Artificial Intelligence to create chatbot through Facebook messenger which is a virtual assistant that would communicate with customers to help them with issues they may face such as: helping to reset passwords or provide account information. By studying computer science I wish to implement these sort of ideas in a computational finance field.
In Economics, I have learnt about technological changes affecting the future. In this topic, I learnt about disruptive innovation (this is when new products enter the market, which forces other products to leave the market. For example, by having cameras in mobile phones, it causes the camera industry to decline). By learning programming I would like to be part of the new disruptive innovation. In Mathematics I have found trigonometry and mechanics very useful to improve my logical thinking and has significantly helped me to be able to draw links which I believe is a useful skill to have when programming.
Business has significantly helped me improve my analytical skills. With these skills, I have been able to analyse the importance of Artificial Intelligence to business. Before Artificial Intelligence was introduced it could take years for mergers and acquisitions to happen. However, after Artificial Intelligence this process can be accelerated. Repetitive tasks that were executed by one department are now left for machines to do. Overall studying analytical subjects such as Mathematics, Economics and Business have prepared me to take on the challenges that I will face during the course of the programme. Being able to draw parallels from my A level from a theoretical environment and putting it into context in programming is a challenge that I thrive to take on. I’m very interested in the politics and spend time following discussions and debates around current issues such as Brexit. One challenge that may face the technological industry in the UK after it withdraws itself from the European Union is that the UK could lose access to Europol, along with the seamless cross-border cooperation and regulation it provides. That could make it that little bit easier for cybercriminals to get away with their schemes. By studying Computer Science I want to prevent these sort of cybercrimes occurring.
I am excited about moving towards a creative and exhilarating career in Computer Science. I think that I would be able to bring enthusiasm to my time at university, both in lectures and in campus life. I enjoy working with others as well as independently and I am particularly looking forward to fostering my research and academic skills in such an inspiring environment.
