With semester one over and assessments finally submitted, you might be tempted to just leave it all in the past and prepare for next semester with the exams and other assignments it has to offer. But it is worthwhile to take some time to reflect on your modules and what you have learned.
This isn’t only so you get to see how you have developed, but gives you a stronger indication of what you can talk to employers about.
A good grade is always something to be proud of and does at least give some indication of what you can do, but to an employer just saying you have a degree in computer science or listing modules you have done well in doesn’t actually tell them what you can do. By reflecting on your modules and the key things you’ve learned and done, it gives you things you can talk to directly during an application.
Take for example the stage 2 team project module. If an employer were to see this on your CV, it would tell them that you worked on something as a team, but not much more. Take the time to think about what you contributed to the module and what you learned and then write about it in your cover letter to give more context to what you have one. In the example of the team project, you could say things like organisation or ability to stick to a schedule while also mentioning specific ways you contributed to a task. When it comes time for an interview, and they ask you for a time where you have used problem-solving, hopefully, you can use some experiences from certain modules (e.g., changing the theme of a dissertation due to issues finding sources) when you can’t draw on your other experiences.
Reflecting won’t just help you when it comes to showing off your skills to employers but should also help guide you towards the right career for you. Marks do give an indication of what topics you do well with and which you do not. But just going off the marks doesn’t really explain why you did how you did. Not only should you check over and discuss feedback given, but reflect on what you thought went well and where you might improve next, as well as what you enjoyed. You may not have done as well in one module as another but if you enjoyed that module more and are willing to put the time in, it stands to reason you will be able to progress better with that topic in the long run.
So next time you submit an assignment or receive a mark, rather than just forgetting about it and moving on, take some time to reflect on what you have learned and how you can apply your new skills towards your future career prospects.