Zamijah Shakeur-Tompkins's Portfolio

Reflection Introduction

Hello! My name is Zamijah Shakeur-Tompkins and I am a Junior Computer Science major at Howard University from Camden, New Jersey. I serve as the Executive Intern for the Howard University Water Environment Association as well as the Secretary for One of a Kind. In my major, I've taken courses in cloud computing, data analysis, and ultimately learned how to be a better programmer in whatever sector I decide to go into. Throughout my journey, I've found myself trying to use technology for everything, because I thought it was what was expected of me as a CompSci student. But that just isn't the case, and now as I complete Technical Writing, I've found new ways to add writing into my career and every day life. I've gotten better at writing tasks and goals down, documenting my code more descriptively, have learned how to better articulate myself in a professional setting, and overall I learned how to become a more efficient writer.

Interview Questions

Tell me about yourself.

Hello, my name is Zamijah Shakeur-Tompkins and I am a Junior CompSci major from Camden, New Jersey. I currently attend Howard University and am taking courses in cloud based programming and cybersecurity. Three things that I love are computers, crocheting, and my plants.

What are your greatest strengths?

My greatest strengths would be my passion for the things I do and my leadership skills. I've successfully led classrooms of children for 6 years, not just teaching subjects but really making sure the scholars understand, and I want them to appreciate their education as much as I do.

What is your greatest weakness?

My greatest weakness is my perfectionism. I cannot do a task good enough, I have to know that I succeeded in what I set out to do. At times, this obsession can trap me in a loop of my own doubt, but I always manage to create my greatest work when I feel I haven't done enough as I strive for perfection in all that I do.

Why do you want to work here?

After researching WWF's mission and getting a feel for the company's environment after attending headquarters, I'm inspired by the company's dedication to environmental justice and wish to work with such an inspiring company.

Why should we hire you?

I look forward to interning with WWF and believe that my skills and experience will make me a great fit for the Knowledge Management position. I believe my cloud computing skills and knowledge in database systems are perfect for this role and want to use my experience as a computer scientist towards the betterment of our society and environment.

Describe a challenge you faced at work and how you dealt with it.

As Secretary of One of a Kind, I have to manage event planning and coordination. We had a Valentine's Party coming up, but the venue wasn't secured and there was confusion as to the proper payment method for the reservation. I got in contact with the hosts of the venue and relayed to our Treasurer the correct method of payment, ultimately transferring it to our hosts and securing our spot. I made sure to stay in contact with both the venue hosts and my team members and the party turned out to be a big success.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I see myself managing a cybersecurity team, working together to protect our company's and citizen's data. I would like to come back to my university every now and again to present my role and company to future leaders like me.

How do you handle stress and pressure?

I like to take deep breaths and try to look at things from a bird's eye view, and think of an objective solution that results in the least amount of stress. I also drink lots of water, not only to stay hydrated but drinking water is a physical reminder for me to relax and reroute my thinking for a second.

What is your salary expectation?

I expect to be paid what I am worth, I won't ask for more than the job description describes, but I also don't want to undersell myself and trust that the amount posted is what I deserve.

Do you have any questions for us?

How does WWF implement AI into its software and technology, if at all? Should we as developers expect to use AI alongside our programming?

Goals Statement

After graduating, I plan to go straight into work. I want to work in cybersecurity and have been considering what different fields I can go into. I've been really considering going into law enforcement, or even the army or aerospace. I always wanted to found a cybersecurity company so other companies and businesses won't have to worry about cybersecurity, but I do believe I should get some more experience first. Also with how long I've worked in education, I've been considering coming back to my old schools and teaching computer science to my community.

Important People in My Field

Pastor Keith Davis and Dr. Tunde Onitiri

My bosses since I started working at the Camden Dream Center, watched me grow from a baby until the day they could give me my first job and what may be my career.

Dr. Vijay Chaudry

My professor for Fundamentals of Algorithms Fa25 and Structures of Programming Languages Sp26. Would love to build more of a network with STEM Professors as I may want to come back at teach at Howard.

Dr. Anamika Rupa Paul

My professor for Cybersecurity I Fa25 and Linux Lab Sp26. She seems to have a good amount of knowledge in cybersecurity and linux, two aspects of computer science I love and I feel I could learn a lot from her.

Dr. Karen Chew and Mr. Burns

My teacher for Information Technology when I was in highschool, would love to go back and network with them after I graduate and maybe work with them in teaching IT at my old high school.

Dr. Thomas Ohno-Mochado

My professor for Technical Writing Spring 26. Has seen me grow as a technical writer and has a lot of experience in education, if I do go into teaching full time I definitely want him as my colleague.

Technical Projects

Project Name	Core Technologies	Key Focus	Link
Boggle Game	Java, Data Structures	Algorithmic Efficiency	View Code
Simple AI Chatbot	Python, NLP	Knowledge Management	View Code
Lexical Analyzer	C++, Compilers	Pattern Matching	View Code

Project Name

Core Technologies

Key Focus

Link

Boggle Game

Java, Data Structures

Algorithmic Efficiency

View Code

Simple AI Chatbot

Python, NLP

Knowledge Management

View Code

Lexical Analyzer

C++, Compilers

Pattern Matching

View Code

My Academic & Professional Roadmap

2019-2020 - Foundations

Started freshman year at CCTS-GTC majoring in Information Technology. Was reached out by my cousin that summer about working in STEM.

2023 - Graduation

Graduated from high school with an AA in Liberal Arts from Camden County College in New Jersey. Started my higher education journer at Grinnell College in Iowa and starting serving as lead instructor for the third level scholars for the Camden Dream Center.

2024 - The Transition

Transferred to Howard University to be closer to home and develop my computer science knowledge in a new environment.

2025-2026 - Leadership

Became Secretary for One of a Kind and Executive Intern for HUWEA. Started taking Codepath courses alongside my current classes to supplement my learning.

What Does Howard University Mean to Me

Being at Howard I've gotten the chance to be surrounded by black excellence. I grew up with my only representation being bad characters and having my beauty be defined by my external looks, but being at Howard has shown me that my beauty is rather defined by my intelligence. Being a Bison means connecting with like minded individuals myself, not just on an intellectual level but a cultural and familial one as well.