From Algorithms to Aspirations

I used to think that Computer Engineering will be more about programming and the hardware of computers. To my surprise, Computer and Information Systems Engineering (CIS) is filled with advanced mathematical concepts. In the beginning, I had trouble keeping up with the pace of my lecturers as they were quick with their formulae and techniques. But all I needed was a thorough revision of the AKU-EB HSSC mathematics and calculus concepts and I was back with the pace of my course teacher. I was able to apply my HSSC concepts and formed a strong base for more complex methods. I must mention that the system of education followed at the NED is capped OBE (Outcome Based Education) which has 3 cognitive levels of assessment. Thanks to AKU-EB system, having a similar mode of teaching the SLOs, I had no problem adapting to this system.

I am passionate about the field of studies I chose to pursue. My interest went from Python programming to computer hardware to artificial intelligence to data science, and finally, computational neurosciences. It is a relatively new field that combines the neural networks of the human brain with computation and data science. Huge amounts of data can be processed and organised by using complex neural networks. This allows us to handle big data and make the best use of it. Computer Engineering is an ever-developing field. It is a long journey but worth walking. I see myself in the field of research working with international companies such as Google, IBM, Apple, or Microsoft. I have also discovered joy in teaching. Recently, I taught Computer Science to students at a government school in my area. I got to see a very different version of myself and realised that teaching gives me a sense of giving back. I could explain things in a manner that a younger version of myself would have liked. I gave the students notetaking tips and made them realise that memorising the contents of a book does not always mean ‘learning’ from it – almost every tip and skill I learned under the AKU-EB system. I hope that our education system will shift away from the rote learning mode and guide students to understand the application of knowledge. One Day. My advice to all students is that you need to dream big and aspire to be the best in the field you choose. At the end of the day, you need to be satisfied and have no regrets that you did not take risk, or you did not even try. Shiza Rizvi CIS Engineering NED University of Engineering & Technology