Curriculum Vitae
Career Objective
I am currently working as a web developer for an eCommerce company. I am seeking to advance my career in website and web application development with a new position in a new company. I feel this will present new challenges and allow further career development with new skills and processes, allowing me to achieve a senior development role. These details may change throughout the years.
Achievements and skills
Unafraid of a challenge
Overcame my fear of heights by abseiling down a waterfall that was taller than Niagara Falls.
Responsible and dependable
Elected "Chairperson" of the NUS at college, responsible for the interests and well being of other students. Improve
Confident communicator
Given several successful presentations to first time computer users about the key aspects of computing. Also worked as a telephone support technician in constant and direct contact with customers at EPSON UK.
Strong co-ordinating skills
Strong ability to oversee a project or activity as illustrated by A third year university project in Systems Analysis, which received a 1st grade. Ensure all contributions are heard and that the whole team pulls together efficiently.
Effective worker under pressure
Worked efficiently in several group projects where strict deadline caused great amounts of pressure. Improve
Practical and very determined
Take a great deal of pride in my work and always aim to achieve the highest possible standard of my ability. Improve
Excellent team-worker
Taken part in many team building and co-operation activities on various activity weekends, both socially and academically. Also scored 100% for team-working in the Belbin Study.
Good customer service skills
Have worked in close direct contact with customers and have a good appreciation of customer relations. Imporve
Full and clean driving licence
Have a full driving licence with no motoring convictions.
Wide range of computer skills
Have extensive academic and practical background in essential computing areas such as programming, web design, networking, PC builds and repairs. Also extremely proficient with most of the key Microsoft Office packages like Word, Excel and Access.
Web design skills
Strong web design skills including PHP, MySQL, CSS, XHTML and DHTML JavaScript and Perl. Also experienced in design issues such as cross browser compatibility and make all designs as accessible as possible.
Programming abilities
Technical skills in C, VB, VBA, Java, learned during time at university as well as personal interest. Good understanding of programming theory and confident to develop syntactical skills in new languages.
Education
September 2001 - June 2006
University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
BSc Honours Degree, high 2:1 grade.
Key modules include:
- C & UNIX Programming (77%)
- Systems Analysis Principles (75%)
- Small Real-Time Systems (68%)
- Software Development (64%)
- Industrial Year (70%)
- Agile Methodologies (83%)
- Introduction to PC Equipment (75%)
- Operating Systems (74%)
- Design + HCI (65%)
- Database Management (64%)
September 1999 - June 2001
Shrewsbury College of Arts and Technology, Bridgnorth Campus.
BTEC National Diploma in Computer Studies, Distinction Grade overall.
Key modules include:
- Small Business Systems Concepts (Distinction)
- Small Business Systems Practice (Distinction)
- Programming (Distinction)
- Communication Skills (Distinction)
September 1994 - June 1999
Oldbury Wells Secondary School.
GCSEs, achieving 9 grades ranging from AA - C, including:
- Maths (B)
- Double Award Science (AA)
- English Literature (B)
- English Language (BB)
Additional Qualifications:
- 'Computer Art and Design' - Cambridge Information Technology Certificate.
- 'Global Communications' - Cambridge Information Technology Certificate.
- 'Desktop Publishing' - Pitman Qualification.
Work Experience
Phase8 Web Design, Namesco Ltd.
PHP Developer
March 2008 - Current
Working as part of a complete web design team of designers, stylers and developers, creating bespoke web sites and large scale web applications for a multitude of clients. Responsible for creating the backend PHP code behind client systems as well as assisting the stylers with integration of the HTML / CSS templates and the backend PHP code. Obtained vital experience of being part of a n expansive (design, style and code) as opposed to just a developer team. Vastly extended my knowledge of PHP and basic server administration. Also picked up some new techniques and skill in CSS and XHTML templates. Brought some structure to the development team by authoring and introducing a coding standards document. Also involved in the planning and creating of a full working, version-controlled development environment.
Mobile Fun Ltd.
PHP Web Developer
July 2006 - March 2008
Worked alongside 5 other developers on a rapid expanding eCommerce system for this company selling mobile phone accessories and mobile content. Responsible for PHP / MySQL code development of the core site, as well as generation of front end eCommerce site applications, such as a phone selector, product filters and a gift finder. Learned to work as part of a close-knit team and use team members to the best advantage, using individuals' skill and specialities to create the best end product possible. Greatly extended my initial PHP and basic MySQL knowledge as well as learning and adhering to coding standards and best practices. Involved in re factoring the old code base into a new Object Oriented structure. After these changes to the core code, the company has been able to build on the stable code and branch the site into to the foreign markets with a multi-lingual site and product currency converter.
Aber Kayakers
Web Programmer
Autumn 2005 - Spring 2006
Researched, designed and implemented a PHP / MySQL database driven website for a family based kayaking club. Responsible for researching the requirements of members, designing the features and tools needed, presenting designs before a committee for approval and progressively implementing the features into the overall web site. Developed organisational skills and time-management, as well as a broad knowledge of PHP and MySQL. The final web site has proved to be an effective and well used communication tool, making global member contact easier.
Bar Essential, Aberystwyth
Kitchen Porter
Autumn 2005 - Spring 2006
Helped cook and prepare meals in this busy Aberystwyth Pub. Responsibilities included cooking food, cleaning appliances, checking stock levels and sanitising utensils. Developed ability to cope under pressure and work effectively in a stressful environment. Gained other skills including Basic Food Hygiene and Health and Safety qualifications.
Support Technician
EPSON Customer Inter@ction Centre
Autumn 2004 - Autumn 2005
Main Duties included responding to telephone enquiries regarding EPSON products and testing products. Responsible for helping customers with product problems or questions, booking services on faulty products, developing training material, testing faulty printer cartridges and contacting customers directly via telephone, e-mail or letter. Significantly improved skills in working under pressure and Customer Service, as well as developing new skills like telephone manner and technical knowledge regarding printer products. Also trained to understand issues regarding colour matching. Training materials developed have greatly improved the response times of agents as well as improved the procedure for testing printer cartridges.
Web Designer
Shropshire Decorators Merchants
Summer 2004
Designed and implemented a web site for a small decorating supplies firm. Responsible for user interface design, authoring and publishing the site. Thoroughly developed organisation skills and greatly extended IT skills including HTML and CGI programming. Web site has since increase customer base and provided easier contact for customers.
Head of Stockroom
WH Smith Ltd.
Spring 2003 - Spring 2004
Duties included stock control and staff management. Responsible for supervising other stockroom staff, booking in deliveries, maintaining stock database and customer relations. Developed customer service skills to a high standard as well as knowledge of retail practices and processes. Offered a place on the 'Fast-Track' store supervisor scheme, but turned it down due to university commitments.
Web Designer
Villa Enterprise
Autumn 2002
Designed and created a web site for a company providing a holiday villa in Florida, USA. Responsibilities included collecting information on local attractions, preparing designs, authoring and publishing the site. Gained essential self-management skills and greater knowledge of web hosting File Transfer Protocols. Web site increased interest and booking requests in the villa.
Web Author
Cashmore Contracting
Summer 2002
Created a web site for this small, home based arboriculture contracting company. Responsible for gathering information and resources and preparing several designs before creating final site. Understood the importance of self-management and gained experience of self-motivation, web authoring and hosting. Site helped company increase customer base.
Grade 2 Store Assistant
Kwik Save Ltd.
Autumn 1999 - Autumn 2001
Duties included stocking shelves, cleaning and stock presentation. Responsible for ensuring that all products were as fully stocked as possible and ensuring the shop floor was as neat and tidy as possible. Also took charge of the freezer section and was responsible for making sure its stock was tidy and rotated every week. Gained a thorough insight into the working world and appreciated the importance of punctuality and personal presentation.
Waiter / Kitchen Hand
Kings Arms Inn
Autumn 1998 - Autumn 1999
Helped prepare and serve meals in this busy Pub / Restaurant. Responsibilities included helping cook food, presenting meals nicely, serving the food to the customers, cleaning and helping prepare tables for the Restaurant bookings. Gained ability to cope under pressure, work calmly in a stressful environment and communicate effectively with other members of staff.
Database Programmer
Mower Mec
Spring 2001
Designed, created and implemented two pieces of database software for a small mechanical company. Responsible for the analysis of the old system and the design of the new one, using a '1st to 5th normal form', bottom-up development approach. Gained strong technical skills in database software, particularly MS Access. Developed the ability to work alone and to a deadline. The software has revolutionised the way in which the business operates, providing aroun15% more time to focus on other tasks. Have since installed a small network at the business.
Personal interests
My main hobby is computers and I will look for any excuse to use one. I really enjoy creating little projects, recently creating a 'Hangman' game in Visual Basic, helping me maintain my technical abilities as well as develop all important self-motivational skills. I've always wanted to travel and recently visited British Columbia, Canada with my Fiancee, taking the opportunity to try exciting new challenges like white water rafting, kayaking, trail riding and rock climbing. Rock climbing is now becoming something of a hobby of mine and I frequently use the climbing gym at my University. I have also been involved in a lot of charity work, raising money for Children in Need, Comic Relief and other smaller charities such as the Anthony Nolan Trust.
Rererees
Dr. Mark Ratcliffe, Head of Teaching,
Computer Science Department,
University of Wales - Aberystwyth,
Penglais Campus,
Aberystwyth.
SY23 3DB.
Phone: 01970 622441.
E-mail: mbr@aber.ac.uk
Mr Mark Ackroyd, Web Team SCRUM Master
Mobile Fun Ltd.,
Unit 12 Phoenic Business Park,
Aston,
Birmingham.
B9 4NU.
Phone: 0121 503 8883
E-mail: mark.ackroyd@mobilefun.co.uk
Mr Mark Franks, Phase8 Manager
Namesco Ltd.,
Acton House,
Perdiswell Park,
Worcester.
WR3 7GD.
Phone: 0845 363 3636
Email: mfranks@names.co.uk