I am a motivated and determined software developer who has recently graduated from Makers Academy. Prior to Makers I worked as an editor for six years across a range of subject areas where I honed my attention to detail, ability work to a deadline and manage complex projects. I decided to make the change into tech as there is always something to learn and I enjoy challenging myself.
I have experience working with the programming languages Ruby, JavaScript, Python and C. I have familiar with the fundamentals of software development including object-oriented languages, test-driven development, full stack development and GitHub. I have also completed edX’s CS50’s introduction to computer science.
| Name | Description | Tech/tools |
|---|---|---|
| Foodshare | A food waste app that connects food banks to food outlets with surplus food,developed using an Agile methodology with short sprints which were planned in a Kanban board. | MERN stack (MongoDB, Express, React, Node), Jest, Cypress |
| Acebook | Created a social media site based on Facebook in an Agile way, by pair programming to communicate with each other directly | MERN stack( MongoDB, Express, React, Node), Jest, Cypress |
| Tic tac toe test | A program that runs tic tac toe (also known as noughts and crosses) in Python with testing | Python, Unittest |
| Bank tech test challenge | An application that shows a person's bank balance, including deposits, withdrawals, date, and overall balance. | Ruby, RSpec |
| Words to images | A full stack application where the user inputs a word or phrase and the program returns an image, based on the total sum of values assigned to each letter in the input. | Python, Flask, Unittest, HTML, CSS |
| django-website-react | In progress: a full stack application with testing. Currently contains a to do list that utilises a PostgreSQL database. | Python, Django, JavaScript, React, Unittest, Jest, HTML, CSS, PostgreSQL |
| Codewars | Coding challenge website inspired by Japanese martial arts. Increases in difficulty. Set to private as Codewars does not want answers to challenges freely available online | Python, Ruby, JavaScript |
Work Experience
Project editor PeopleCert (formerly AXELOS) (June 2022 to December 2022 )
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills by forming and managing relationships with stakeholders, which led to a stakeholder submitting an article after missing several deadlines.
- Trained new employees by leading weekly workshops where I would share my business knowledge and answer questions.
- Analysed and edited complex technical text to clearly and concisely reflect the author’s intended meaning.
In-house editor TOPRA (November 2021 to April 2022)
- Responsible for the entire production of the monthly journal the Regulatory Rapporteur and managed the content writer who oversaw newsletters.
- Implemented an entirely new content management system and content tracking system, which was praised by the editorial board for its ease of use.
- Managed relationships with the editorial board, including chairing a monthly editorial board meeting.
Project editor AXELOS (April 2019 to November 2021)
- Project managed on average 20 pieces of content simultaneously, including two 30 000 word books.
- Edited and wrote technical content, which involved learning and applying new knowledge.
- Chaired the new ideas meeting where employees shared customer feedback, which were then translated into content to improve the user experience.
Editor (various positions) LexisNexis (March 2016 to December 2018)
Operations assistant during placement year i-docserve (August 2013 to August 2014)
Skills
Developed during my years as an editor where communication skills were paramount. Ability to understand and communicate complex technical information, with the result that I was able to edit two 30 000 word books and write articles on IT service management and project management. This translated into an ability to write clear documentation for the final project at Makers. Also demonstrated team working skills when I ran editorial meetings with editorial board to discuss and plan upcoming issues of a monthly trade magazine.
Needed to ensure that content met user needs at AXELOS. Consequently, started and chaired the new ideas meeting, whereby colleagues shared user feedback, which was then translated into actionable ideas. Researched the market using available resources to understand user needs. This included attending conferences, researching competitors’ content and speaking with external stakeholders and developed products to meet those needs. These skills were useful when planning projects at Makers, where each project had to meet the users' requirements.
Decided to learn software development by starting with CS50’s introduction to computer science in August 2022. Prior experience focused on content management systems, designing content with Adobe InDesign and the non-technical aspects of developing a website, including adding landing pages and content. Despite the steep learning curve, I consistently developed skills using online resources and books, such as Code by Charles Petzold. As a result, I was able to complete Makers Academy.
At Axelos simultaneously managed several products and published at least four pieces of content a month exceeding targets. Effectively implemented version control during each projects development phase to avoid delays and ensure that the correct version of the final product was delivered. During Makers I was able to use a Kanban board to chart the teams progress and GitHub to ensure that the correct version of the program was in the main branch.
Education and certificates
- A strong focus on test-driven development, which was further honed during one-to-one code reviews.
- A focus on pair programming, which I was able to do at least three times a week.
- Developed knowledge of object-oriented programming languages, focusing on Ruby and JavaScript.
- Worked on full stack projects utilising model-view-controller patterns and databases including SQL (PostgreSQL) and NoSQL database (MongoDB).
- OOP, TDD, MVC, DDD
- Agile, Kanban board
- Ruby, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
- RSpec, Jest, Cypress
- Completed an emotional intelligence (EI) curriculum, with specific training on feedback, empathy and teamwork within a technical environment.
- CS50 introduction to computer science (July 2023)
- PRINCE2 Foundation (November 2019)
- PRINCE2 Agile (November 2020)
- ITIL 4 Foundation (April 2019)