Making a computer is a lot like making a CV. It takes ages to make, requires attention and preparation and is likely to give someone a shock when its done. However, both are very rewarding and hopefully you can be proud of the end result.
Nathan's Computer
For a long time I have been passionate about exploring and finding out more about different sectors of discovery, as someone doing a physics degree this is very important to me. Therefore during this summer I bought the parts to build a Computer. Unlike what most people might do and buy a complete computer I found that the idea of building one intrigued me, it is a large piece of intricate mechanics that combines into one big system to give you a lot of information at your fingertips.
I spent about 18 months searching and learning deeper about the important things to know, the best parts to buy and most importantly the correct way to build it. Then at the beginning of June having spent a lot of money on all the parts I came home and began the process, it was long and nerve racking but enjoyable, it didn’t come without worry and turmoil as I had to go out 3 times to find things I had not known to get and the biggest worry coming when I thought I had broken the Motherboard and the GPU, two of the most expensive parts. However after 8 and a half hours of building and cabling and making sure everything was ready I turned it on...
... and it didn’t work.
At this point my brain immediately panicked and stressed about whether I really had already broken anything but after 15 minutes of stress I realised I had plugged the cables into the wrong ports and therefore I booted again and everything ran exactly how it should, this entire process taught me many things. I have learnt that often the most enjoyable things are also times of stress and I have learnt that without failure you cannot hope to learn how to improve. It was an eye opening experience that I very much enjoyed and would recommend to everyone.
Skills encoded
Building tech develops a variety of hardware skills which are absolutely useful when going into a career that involves tech.
- Technical Knowledge
- Software Instillation
Also, it develops a range of transferable skills that employers would be looking for:
- Problem Solving - Building a Computer is unlikely to go smoothly. Being resourceful and able to adapt when issues come up is something that happens both in a project like this or in any type of career.
- Organisation and Management - You wouldn't just rush into building a computer, no-one is smart enough to be able to make a computer without making a plan on how you are going to do it.
- Research and budgeting - Building a computer means you need a load of components. Deciding on which ones are best for your purpose will include a fair amount of research, as with Nathan it took over a year!
Converting this to CV code
Including personal projects on a CV can help create a more holistic picture of you as a candidate, showcasing your initiative and passion. A good technique when trying to put something on your CV is 'What?...So what?...And What?'. 'What' is what did you do? A task, a project, a job. 'So what?' is the outcome, impact and achievement. 'And what?' is why should the employer actually care. You can use this technique in any order. With this you are able to clearly demonstrate the relevancy of any project.
Here's an example of how to write about a project like building a PC when applying for a research-based science role:
Project: Building a computer
Summer 2024
- Researched and planned the project, including making spreadsheets to analyse the cost of different components and analysing the efficiency of different GPUs.
- Effectively assembled a computer over 8 hours, while handling electrical equipment and considering safety of the process.
- Developed resilience and problem-solving abilities, successfully troubleshooting initial power-on failures.
Respond
