Analytical / Critical Thinking

Critical-Analytical Thinking – how we think about our thinking to better analyze/organize problems, leading to a better understanding, conclusion, and decision about situations.

Below is an example of my critical-analytical thinking competence along with supporting sample documents.

Artifacts

I selected the paper, “Making the Jump to IT” as an artifact because it demonstrates the ability to assemble a large amount of data, organize it, interpret it, and then make a conclusion in the end. I prepared it an analysis report during the spring 2012 semester for ENC3246, Communications for Engineers at USF.

Situation Analyzed

In the paper titled “Making the Jump to IT,” I analyzed and compared 50 job advertisements for entry-level IT positions. These positions were posted on online job boards spring 2012.

Hypothesis

The paper makes the point that employers require a specific skill set, knowledge of multiple programming languages, and a bachelor’s degree for a successful transition to into the IT field.

Critical Approach

I selected the categories for analysis based on patterns detected in reading the job ads. This included areas like skill set, number of years’ experience required, educational requirements, and programming languages. I used numeric analysis of the observed data to support the conclusion.

Analytical Methods/Techniques Used

I analyzed current online job ads posted for entry-level IT and business analyst positions. I looked for entry-level IT and business analyst positions, but this narrowed the pool of data so similar jobs were considered. I omitted Accounting as a key word in the queries because my goal is to transition fully into IT. Upon review of the job postings, a pattern became apparent for comparing characteristics of the jobs. These key elements include:

• Education Requirements – The educational background expected for each candidate
• Programming Language Requirements – Programming languages each candidate should have some knowledge of
• Skill Sets Required – Specific skill sets a candidate should have to be successful in the position

I used Microsoft Excel to build a matrix to compare each of these key elements, while analyzing each ad for data pertaining to education, programming languages, and skill sets. A statistical breakdown for the key elements emerged. The conclusion of the paper supported the hypothesis and I included empirical evidence to support it.

Critique of the Methodology and Results

My objective in this paper attempted to show independent evidence to support a hypothesis. The results of the analysis of the job ads revealed specific needed skill sets and programming languages that IT professionals should be familiar with.

Strengths / Weakness

Digging through data, organizing it, and interpreting it is definitely an area of strength for me. I have signed up for a series of Saturday seminars on SQL from the introductory to the advanced level at South University beginning April 2013. I am doing this outside my regular USF curriculum because I have a passion for databases and I want to gain all the knowledge I can before re-entry to the working world.