Computer Science Mock Interview
Master 25 Computer Science interview questions covering algorithms, data structures, and system design.
Question 9 of 25
Who has been the greatest influence on you thus far in your career as a computer scientist?
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William Swansen has worked in the employment assistance realm since 2007. He is an author, job search strategist, and career advisor who helps individuals worldwide and in various professions to find their ideal careers.
This is a general question an interviewer might ask to better understand you as a person. In addition to being qualified for the job, they are interested in whether you will fit into their organization and contribute to its culture. Identifying who has had a great influence on you tells a lot about you and gives them insight into your background as a computer scientist.
William Swansen has worked in the employment assistance realm since 2007. He is an author, job search strategist, and career advisor who helps individuals worldwide and in various professions to find their ideal careers.
"The person who has had the greatest influence on me thus far is Elon Musk. I admire his innovative thinking and the way that he can inspire others to achieve their best. His outlandish ideas make sense once he describes why he thinks they can be achieved and what it will take to accomplish them. I try to apply his philosophy and innovative thinking in my work."
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I, fortunately, have had the opportunity to have a number of incredible influences thus far in my career as a computer scientist. However, my biggest influence is my older brother, who majored in computer science and is now a software engineer for a great company. Throughout my brother's time in college, I watched him spend hours and hours in the library doing homework again and again or studying for exams. He would spend 20 hours studying for exams. I watched him work extremely hard and eventually got to see his hard work pay off, as he works for a great company and loves what he does. This has kept me motivated in times of struggle or being overwhelmed in school, as I can remind myself that soon I will be able to do what he gets to do, but I have to put in the same work and effort that I saw him do.
Stephanie's Feedback
Great example--it's wonderful that you've had a family role model as you pursue a future career in computer science!
Anonymous Answer
The person who has had the greatest influence on me is Dr. Edgar Ceh-Varela for being my computer science professor at college.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! How did this professor impact your life? Was he a good role model? Was he extremely knowledgeable? Did he spend extra time with you because he believed in your abilities? Give more details to make your answer more impactful. Great job!
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