1. 29 Behaviors That Will Make You an Unstoppable Programmer

Pick out 3 behaviors that resonate with you in the list and describe why they resonate with you in a reflection (4-6 sentences).

Behavior #2 resonates with me because I know how difficult it is to be faced with new challenges when you are highly competent in other areas. I have experienced this professionally in my previous career and since software technology evolves and changes so quickly I know it will be important to be willing and eager to learn new technologies. Behavior #6 resonates with me because I am very aware of the sunk cost fallacy and I can see how especially as a beginner, you might be averse to scrapping code that you've spent a lot of time on. Behavior #24 resonated with me because I found it surprising that taking shortcuts and writing bad code for the sake of time would be encouraged, however I can see how this could be the right approach in certain circumstances given the reality of deadlines and client demands.

2. Checklist Manifesto

After reading, consider the idea of checklists. Write a reflection (4-6 sentences) on the benefits of a checklist and how an organizational system such as a checklist might help you first as a student and later as a full-time developer.

In my past career I created and used checklists frequently and I think they will definitely be helpful as a student and a developer.  In my last position I created a lot of my checklists when I was a beginner and wanted to make sure I didn't miss steps, however I continued to use the checklists even when I became experienced because it was much easier to keep track of processes and stay organized. Without checklists, I likely would have missed steps on occasion and spent a lot of time thinking and re-thinking through all the steps and what I may have missed. Checklists simplify processes and allow you to devote mental energy to more important things.

3. Strengthfinder-Related Articles

What is your impression of strengths-based development? What questions do you have about this kind of development? Strengths-based development seems like an effective management tool for bringing out the best in employees. I'm interested to know more about how the results of the strengthfinder test are effectively applied, particularly in companies that don't have the same flexbility that Facebook has of hiring a talented person and customizing a role based on strengths or moving people around to different projects.

What do you feel are your top strengths? How do you know? I think some of my top strengths are: analytical skills, perserverance, thoughtfulness and willingness to take ownership/responsibility. I know this based on prior work experience and how I approach projects and challenges.

How do you hope to develop your strengths for your new career in software development?  I hope that my strengths will help me in my new career. In particular I think perserverance and willingness to take ownership will be critical as a student and in the beginning of my career as I'm faced with new challenges and learning curves.