Students Talk About Computer Science

- Have you ever considered mojoring in Computer Science before?

- What is the first thing that comes to your mind when somebody mentions Computer Science?

- How does it feel like to be a woman working in a traditionally men's field?

Following are some thoughts that several female AUBG Computer Science students shared with us when asked why they chose this particular field of study.

• Why did you choose Computer Science as your major field of study?

"I have graduated from a Natural Science and Mathematics High School, studying accelerated Informatics and Mathematics. My Computer Science teacher there was so fascinating and inspiring that I could not resist the temptation to pursue Computer Science in the University."

Mariana Barakchieva (AUBG Class of 2012)

"First of all because I find it fascinating and second because there is a great demand for it in the job market."

Meri Papa (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I haven’t thought about it. I have been interested in computers since my first computer arrived and later I started reading independently about certain topics. In high school I intensively studied informatics and information technologies. So, I didn’t really choose my major. It was a natural concurrence of my interests and previous studies."

Boriana Goncharenko (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I actually have two majors: COS and Economics. It was only recently, however, that I decided that my future occupation will be connedted with computer science. I guess that the more I learned about the subject, the more interested I became in it."

Mirela Spasova (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I chose Computer Science as my major, because I consider it very attractive and dynamic. I like innovation and abstract thinking and COS is just perfect to meet my desires. I think it is a unique field of study at our university and has a lot of perspectives."

Evis Muci (AUBG Class of 2011)

• What are the things you like the most about Computer Science? (e.g., specific topics, applications, etc.)

"I am fond of Algorithms and Software Engineering. My artistic inclinations make Design appealing to me, too. Few months ago I was introduced to Database Systems, which happened to be a very intriguing, challenging, and interesting field for me."

Mariana Barakchieva (AUBG Class of 2012)

"The topics I like the most are signal and image processing and analysis and multimedia communications."

Meri Papa (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I enjoy reading articles about web design and layout. I find also very interesting the data mining algorithms and neural networks. Last summer I got in depth of WinForms technology and recently I found out that computer graphics are also very interesting…"

Boriana Goncharenko (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I enjoy mostly software engineering. I would like to participate in larger projects but, of course, they require a lot of planning beforehand. Regarding my recent coursework, I pretty much enjoyed my Web Server Technologies course. There I learned how the different components of an application are constructed to work together."

Mirela Spasova (AUBG Class of 2011)

"As I said, I like the fact that Computer Science is a field, characterized by innovation. Regarding specific topics, I have enjoyed a lot my Database Systems class, my Software Engineering class, the Web Server Technologies class, and now I am really fond of Artificial Intelligence. It is quite interesting."

Evis Muci (AUBG Class of 2011)

• In your opinion, what challenges does this field of study may offer to female students? What do you consider is the best part of being a computer specialist?

"Some Computer Science challenges are shared by both males and females, such as social and communicational problems, sedentary way of living, and fast technology and methods development. A particularly female challenge is the predominant male presence in this field that leads, consequently, to discrimination and certain disbelief of women’s programming skills. I personally find this a pleasant challenge, and, furthermore, who would not enjoy a 99% male surrounding?
The best part of being a computer specialist, I consider, is the pleasure and content you get when you have created something smart, and, moreover, working. It is also a very well-paid and prestigious job."

Mariana Barakchieva (AUBG Class of 2012)

"Computer Science is still considered to be more appropriate for male students. I think that Computer Science female students face more difficulties to find a job after graduating than male students do just because of this way of thinking."

Meri Papa (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I don’t believe the challenges are different for male and female students. Although there are people who still think gender matters, I haven’t met any of them.
The best part is seeing “Build succeeded.”"

Boriana Goncharenko (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I think that if a person is highly skilled in computer science his gender is of no importance.
The best part of the profession is to develop applications, which serve the needs of a large pool of customers."

Mirela Spasova (AUBG Class of 2011)

"The only challenge, in my opinion, is the fact that not too many women are interested in Computer Science. As we see from our COS classes, most of the classes are made of boys rather than girls. That is, I consider, a great challenge.
The best part of being a computer specialist is the fact that you can be very close to new discoveries and be updated regarding those new technologies. At the same time you are able to understand them and, also, develop a different way of thinking. Of course, the monetary benefits that one can gain after graduation are an important part, too."

Evis Muci (AUBG Class of 2011)

• How would you describe the Computer Science education at AUBG? In what way do you think it may contribute to a young person’s professional development?

"The Computer Science education at AUBG is one of the best in Bulgaria. It produces well-educated specialists who are appreciated on the labor market.
However, I see two weaknesses of the AUBG Computer Science education. Sometimes, too much theory is being taught on the expense of practical programming classes. Furthermore, I consider that Computer Science mastery requires more Math courses (Currently, there is only one COS Major Math requirement - Discrete Structures)."

Mariana Barakchieva (AUBG Class of 2012)

"I think it is too general. Plus there are not enough subjects you can choose from.
For the reasons I mentioned above, I don't think that the education we get at AUBG meets the current job market requirements. On the other hand, in comarison to the other universities in the region, AUBG offers its students more opportunities to improve their skills."

Meri Papa (AUBG Class of 2011)

"I am glad to say that COS in AUBG is diverse. The courses provide understanding of many important subjects and since the topics covered are diverse, many different specializations are possible afterwards. The COS major provides a robust basis of knowledge which can be easily build on later."

Boriana Goncharenko (AUBG Class of 2011)

"AUBG offers a good preparation in the field on a bachelor's degree level. The courses are focused and up to date. AUBG computer science professionals gain a good knowledge in a lot of different areas upon graduation and this is an advantage as compared to graduates of other universities."

Mirela Spasova (AUBG Class of 2011)

"The COS education at AUBG is quite good and provides students with interesting course options. The CSSU is another very good opportunity for students to share ideas and experience with each other."

Evis Muci (AUBG Class of 2011)