Overall, if I were to be identified by one thing it would be as a servant of God. That’s an identity I have to strive for everyday. This does not necessarily call for a life of religious vocation, as I feel like we all have opportunities to serve in our own unique way. Through my career, I hope to provide a quality service to the world. Careerwise, I do identity as a Software Engineer, as I hope to be a part of producing and maintaining technological solutions to people’s problems. I have been really privileged to be able to have studied Computer Science at Notre Dame and to have received the opportunities to gain experience at the places I have worked at. I want to make sure I make good use of the privileges by having a positive impact on the world, and I think the best way for me to do that is by being a Software Engineer. Yes I do share an interest with the hacker mentality of focusing on creation, but I have a passion for ensuring quality. While our generation has seen countless innovations, we must not forget all the tech controversies that have made much the general public skeptical about technology. Whatever I create or maintain as a Software Engineer, I want to make sure it is something that people can trust. The article “Programmers: Stop Calling Yourselves Engineers” made me upset, not just because of the accusations, but moreover the fact that the author’s points were valid. Currently, Software Engineers are not held to as high as a standard as compared to other engineers. This is worrisome, because given the role technology plays in our society, Software Engineers should be more than willing to hold themselves to such a standard. Sure, there is the excuse that this is one of the newer forms of engineering and it with that comes some learning experiences, but now we have plenty of examples to learn from in these past decades. There is no excuse for the tech industry to not clean up its act by now. There seems to be a stereotype for “techies”: that we are full of hubris and indifference, that we go to places like Silicon Valley to make a lot of money, flex our tech intellect, and do it all without a care for the places we are gentrifying or the people we could be harming through our production. This is the public perception, and there is a reality to such a thought, but as true Software Engineers we must work to prove such a perception wrong and regain public credibility. Technology is impacting people all over the world, and we must make sure that as producers of such technology that such people’s needs and wellbeing are being prioritized. I hope the world sees Software Engineers as people dedicated to crafting sound solutions that they can trust, same as they would see a civil or mechanical engineer. As a Software Engineer I see the world as our stakeholders, and the focus should be using technology to serve them. By serving others, we serve God, and that’s how I see my career identity complementing the life identity I strive for.
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AuthorMarcos Salamanca Archives
October 2019
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