Capstone: one artifact an employer would recognize

By the end, the learner can

• Technology evaluation governance: establish formal processes for investigating and approving component and platform selections, ensuring rigorous standards are applied organization-wide.
• Client and stakeholder relationships: lead executive-level engagements to shape system requirements and negotiate technical scope for large-scale or multi-year engagements.
• Innovation culture: champion adoption of emerging technologies, development environments, and architectural patterns by sponsoring proof-of-concept initiatives across engineering teams.

Session plan

1. 10 minThe criteria, up frontWhere this shows up: technology teams and corporate it environments, working with managers, technical teams, users. Conditions to expect: analytical, system-dependent, problem-solving intensive. Entry roles this maps to: Computer Systems Analysts, Computer Systems Engineers/Architects, Computer User Support Specialists.
   • set the long-range direction for enterprise computer systems architecture, aligning technology investments with business objectives at the executive level.
   From Computer Systems Analysts (15-1211.00)
2. 30 minBuild the artifactProduce something an employer in this sector would recognize on sight. It goes in the portfolio with the criteria sheet attached, so a hiring manager can see what it was scored against.
3. 20 minScored against criteriaScored live against the four levels. The scorer marks what they saw, not what they assume the learner could do on a better day. Advanced is the target for this point in the program: Applies the skill naturally, without having to think about it, including under stressful or challenging circumstances.