Learn more about me

About me: Professional Introduction

Hi, my name is Shi Zhang. I am currently enrolled in the Align Master program of computer science at Northeastern University Seattle campus. I had experience in full-stack web development and Android mobile development.

As a software engineer, I am passionate about building innovative solutions to complex problems. I have delivered multiple web and mobile applications from scratch, taking them through the entire development lifecycle from concept and design to deployment and maintenance.

In addition, I used to be an architectural designer with daily use of BIM software, which brought up my interest in information management and software development. I was part of the design team for a healthcare project from design to construction and managed to meet multiple checkpoints.

Technical Skills:
Programming Languages: Python, Java, Kotlin, JavaScript, HTML, CSS.
Cloud & Database: MySQL, MongoDB.
Framework & Tools: React.js, Node.js, SpringBoot.

LinkedIn Profile:

Professional Resume:

VMock Video: Tell Me About Yourself

“Why” Statement

As a former architectural designer, I was always fascinated by the intersection of design and technology. However, it wasn’t until I started using BIM software on a daily basis that I truly became interested in software development. I found myself enjoying the process of creating custom scripts and add-ons to streamline my workflow and automate repetitive tasks. This experience sparked a passion for software development that led me to pursue a graduate degree in computer science. Through studying coursework and doing projects, I have gained a deep understanding of software development principles and technologies. I am excited to continue building on my skills and to make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.

Accomplishment Stories

Story 1:

Last year I was working in a team of 8 on a large-scale hospital design. The design process has moved into construction documentation, which required a lot of annotations. The conventional annotations are text tags put on drawings manually. By implementing keynote features, the model will be assigned a property for annotation for everyone on the team. After I set up the source Excel that documented all the annotation tags, team members saved 50% of the time and avoid manual mistakes.

Story 2:

When I was a senior at my undergraduate institution, I was once a studio leader planning field trips for the section of students. It was my responsibility to ensure the whole studio arrives and departed on time at an appropriate cost. I planned and managed the trips to Africa and South Asia for a total length of three weeks, which went smoothly without schedule issues or delays and also fit the budget. Every student in that semester felt happy and fulfilled after these field trips. In the end, the whole section even conducted a photo show of this incredible journey.

Story 3:

During the pandemic, I was doing architecture competitions during my spare time either individually or in a team. I was leading the process of competition from information lookup, and filtering the competition based on team members’ strengths, to the stage of registration and timeline schedule, then the weekly meeting for brainstorming and drawing production. In the end, I won 1 individual award and 3 team awards out of 6 competitions in total.

Job Search Strategy Plan

SMART career goals

  • Goal 1: Obtain an internship at a top technology company by the end of the fall.
  • Specific: My goal is to obtain an internship at a top technology company, such as Google or Amazon, that aligns with my skills and interests.
  • Measurable: I will measure success by receiving at least one internship offer from a top technology company by the end of the summer.
  • Attainable: To attain this goal, I will need to research and apply to various internship opportunities, tailor my resume and cover letter to each position, and practice interviewing skills through mock interviews.
  • Relevant: This goal is relevant to my long-term objective of securing a job in the tech industry and gaining valuable experience in my field.
  • Time-bound: The time frame for this goal is by the end of the summer, which gives me approximately three months to complete the necessary steps.

  • Goal 2: Improve my coding skills by completing two online courses in the next six months.
  • Specific: My goal is to complete two online courses in programming languages such as Python or Java to improve my coding skills.
  • Measurable: I will measure success by completing two online courses in programming languages and applying what I have learned to personal coding projects.
  • Attainable: To attain this goal, I will need to research and select appropriate online courses, dedicate time to studying and practicing coding concepts, and track my progress by completing exercises and assignments.
  • Relevant: This goal is relevant to my long-term objective of developing a strong foundation in coding and software development to succeed in the tech industry.
  • Time-bound: The time frame for this goal is the next six months, which provides enough time to complete two courses and incorporate the knowledge into personal coding projects.

  • Goal 3: Network with at least five professionals in the tech industry in the next year.
  • Specific: My goal is to expand my network by connecting with at least five professionals in the tech industry through networking events, LinkedIn, and informational interviews.
  • Measurable: I will measure success by connecting with five professionals, scheduling informational interviews with at least two of them, and receiving feedback on my resume and career goals.
  • Attainable: To attain this goal, I will need to research upcoming networking events, create and maintain a professional LinkedIn profile, and reach out to professionals in the industry for informational interviews.
  • Relevant: This goal is relevant to my long-term objective of building relationships in the tech industry, learning about different career paths, and gaining insight into industry trends.
  • Time-bound: The time frame for this goal is the next year, which provides enough time to attend networking events, connect with professionals, and schedule informational interviews.

Top 3 Skills and Top 3 Strengths

  • Top 3 skills:
  • Problem-Solving: I have developed a logical and analytical approach to problem-solving, which enables me to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components. I have experience in applying problem-solving skills to develop software solutions and analyze data.
  • Programming: As a computer science graduate student, I have gained proficiency in several programming languages such as Java, Python, and JavaScript. I have experience in developing web applications, databases, and machine-learning algorithms using these languages.
  • Data Analysis: I have a strong background in statistics and data analysis. I am skilled in using tools such as Excel, and SQL to clean, process, and analyze data to extract insights and make informed decisions.

  • Top 3 strengths:
  • Communication: I am an effective communicator, both in writing and speaking. I have experience in presenting technical information to non-technical audiences, such as presenting research findings to stakeholders. I am also skilled in collaborating with team members and explaining technical concepts to them in a clear and concise manner.
  • Adaptability: I am adaptable and can work well in a variety of settings and with different people. I have experience in working on group projects with students from diverse backgrounds and with varying skill levels.
  • Detail-oriented: I have strong attention to detail, which helps me to produce high-quality work and to catch errors and mistakes. For example, I have been commended by my professors for submitting error-free code in programming assignments.