Contact: | iain.hoolahan@gmail.com | LinkedIn Profile | +44(0)7545 959137
I am a software engineer with a background in civil engineering and a passion for problem solving, continuous learning and collaborative innovation.
I started my career as a civil engineer for one of the UK's leading main contractors and experienced working on two major infrastructure projects (Crossrail and Hinkley Point C). Following on from this I co-founded a business providing project management services to private clients in the domestic construction sector, successfully delivering two new build projects in two years. I am motivated by finding innovative solutions to problems and collaborating with inspiring people which has drawn me towards the tech industry and coding.
After completing the Makers Academy 4-month immersive coding bootcamp, where I learnt the value of agile, test-driven development with object-oriented design, I am now looking to expand my software engineering experience.
To view some live examples of my work you can follow this link🔗 to my online portfolio.
| Name | Description | Tech/tools | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yahtzee! | A web-based Yahtzee game allowing single players to enjoy the classic dice game with modern UI features | TypeScript, React, Tailwind CSS | Yahtzee Project + Yahtzee! Website |
| StratoStruct | A full-stack MERN app with authorisation, authentication, and password encryption. It enables users to select construction products and receive a shortlist of nearby suppliers. Admins can manage suppliers and products in the database | MongoDB, Express, React, Node, HTML, CSS, Mapbox API, AWS S3, AWS EC2 | StratoStruct Client + StratoStruct Server + StratoStruct Website |
| Tipsy Tourist | A web page which uses Google APIs to generate a pub crawl/tourist attractions itinerary, plot the route on a map and provide extra details on each location | JavaScript, Node, React, Chakra UI, Google API, Serverless, AWS Lambda, AWS S3 | Tipsy Tourist Client + Tipsy Tourist Server + Tipsy Tourist Website |
| Find A Film | A film search web app that lets users search for a film, sort, filter, and quickly determine which platform offers it for streaming, rental, or purchase | TypeScript, Node, Express, React, HTML, CSS, TMDB API, AWS S3 | Find A Film Client + Find A Film Website |
| Harbour Contractors Ltd | A company website showcasing projects and services | React, Node, Chakra UI, AWS S3, AWS Lambda | Harbour Contractors Client + Harbour Contractors Server + Harbour Contractors Website |
| Acebook | A full-stack MERN social media app with authorisation and authentication, password encryption, and a clean UI. Users can ‘friend/unfriend’ other users, post comments, like comments, and select their avatar | MongoDB, Express, React, Node, HTML, CSS | Acebook Project |
| Daily News Summary | A web page for searching and displaying news articles from The Guardian | JavaScript, Jest, HMTL, CSS, Guardian API | Daily News Summary Project |
| MakersBNB | A CRUD application which lets users list a property, book a stay and chat with other users | Ruby, RSpec, PostgreSQL, HMTL, CSS, Twilio API | MakersBNB Project |
Technical
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During my time at Makers, I gained a solid foundation in Test Driven Development and Object-Oriented Programming. I have integrated these concepts into my problem-solving process, enabling me to break down complex problems into manageable parts and produce high-quality code. To showcase my skills, you can review my tech test repository, which demonstrates my approach to problem-solving and code implementation.
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I have developed skills in DevOps, particularly in deploying web applications using AWS. My experience includes using AWS S3, EC2, Lambda, and setting up CI/CD pipelines, demonstrating my capability in cloud services and automation processes.
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My interest in database design has recently been focused on developing a web application for the UK construction industry. This project allowed me to expand my knowledge of non-relational databases, incorporating features such as password encryption and authentication using JWTs.
Collaboration
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Throughout my time at Makers, I actively participated in four group projects, where I embraced agile principles to facilitate seamless teamwork. I engaged in various collaborative practices such as pair programming, conducting stand-ups, sprint planning, code reviews, retrospectives, and team demos. For instance, during my final group project, I led the sprint planning for our MVP. We adopted a rotation lead system for stand-ups, retrospectives, and code reviews. This approach fostered a collaborative mindset, maintaining morale and enhancing efficiency.
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During my role as a project manager, I successfully oversaw a £1.9M new-build house project spanning two years. I effectively divided the project into manageable packages and contracted specialists to handle each segment. By establishing strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication, I ensured the project's smooth progress. Whenever conflicts arose, I employed collaboration and effective communication to reach resolutions that benefited all stakeholders involved.
Communication
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While collaborating on the Find A Film project with remote colleagues over the Christmas course break, we faced the challenge of balancing our diverse social schedules with work commitments. To overcome this, we maintained constant communication channels through Slack, Trello, Miro, and Figma. These platforms enabled us to collaborate effectively without the need for frequent meetings. Everyone on the team had a clear understanding of our current progress, future objectives, and how we could contribute individually. This experience exemplified my proficiency in remote collaboration and effective communication tools.
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Throughout the Makers course, I regularly engaged in pair programming, both in-person and remotely. This practice enhanced my ability to communicate technical concepts clearly and improved my teamwork skills. By switching roles between the driver and navigator, I honed my collaborative abilities and ensured that my commit messages were concise and informative.
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During my career in construction, I consistently emphasised clear and effective communication. It was crucial to provide accurate and comprehensive works information, ensuring proper understanding and adherence. I would regularly check in with installers to confirm alignment and address any concerns promptly.
- Adopted the following processes in my approach to problem solving: Object Oriented Design, Test Driven Development, Debugging
- Agile working on 4 group projects practicing pair programming, stand-ups, retros, and sprint planning
- Worked with the following languages: Ruby, JavaScript, TypeScript, SQL, HTML, CSS
- Worked with the following libraries/frameworks: Node, Express, React, Jest, Cypress, RSpec, Chakra UI, Serverless
- Worked with the following tools/technologies: AWS, Postman, TablePlus (PostgresSQL + MongoDB), MongoDB Atlas, Trello, Miro, Slack, Google Cloud, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace
- MEng Civil Engineering
- Grade 2:1
Freelance (Apr 2023 - Present) Engineer / Surveyor
- Collaborated with clients on multiple projects across London area to understand project requirements and objectives, ensuring effective communication.
- Conducted site surveys, utilising advanced surveying equipment/software.
- Prepared accurate and detailed survey reports, delivering comprehensive documentation to clients for informed decision-making.
- Applied engineering principles and best practices to resolve technical challenges encountered on-site, optimising project efficiency.
Harbour Contractors Ltd (Sep 2020 to Aug 2022) Project Manager
- Co-founded and managed a successful construction management firm that specialised in domestic projects, overseeing a £1.9M new-build project and an £800K extension for private clients.
- Demonstrated expert project management and organisational skills to take ownership of the entire process from start to finish.
- Managed multiple stakeholders, including sub-contractors, and provided regular updates to clients on progress and budget to ensure successful completion of each project.
- Transitioned from a large UK contractor to self-employment, showcasing self-motivation, adaptability, and a strong sense of accountability.
- Harbour Contractors Ltd - Website
Laing O'Rourke (Sept-2015 to Aug-2020) Civil Engineer
- Hinkley Point C (2019-2020)- Constructed the raft slab and three levels of reinforced concrete structure for the nuclear reactor auxiliary buildings. Managed quality processes, H&S, technical challenges, junior engineers.
- Crossrail - Liverpool Street Station (2016-2019) - Responsible for £3M contracts worth of sub-contractor works involving installation of fit-out packages. Managed the process from design through to handover/certification and collaborated with multiple stakeholders ranging from the client to design consultants, site operatives, support functions etc.
- Group Technical Services (2015-2016) - I produced geotechnical designs to solve issues requiring temporary works across the UK construction sites. 174 solutions provided over a 1-year period. Delivered presentations and briefings, exercising my public speaking / communication skills.
- Graduate Development Programme (2015-2018) additional technical training related to the role as well as training in other areas like EQ and commercial awareness.
- Fitness, Hockey & Golf: Committed to regular workouts for both mental and physical well-being. Weekends are often spent playing for a London-based hockey club or on the golf course, balancing team engagement with individual pursuits.
- Sailing: Passionate about sailing, a sport that demands intense focus, strategic thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Embrace the challenges and tranquility of being on the water.
- Reading: Enthusiastic reader with a diverse palette, ranging from fiction and fantasy to motivational literature and Greek mythology. Reading provides a gateway to different worlds, ideas, and inspirations, enriching my understanding and creativity.