I’m a Front-End Web Developer who began my professional journey in 2009. I have worked with a array of languages (see what I did there?) in a number of different environments that have brought me in contact with a wide variety of personalities (e.g. bosses, co-workers, clients, Internet Explorer). Below you will find a summary of where my journey has taken me and some things I’ve learned along the way.
TL;DR: check out my resume.
SimpleUpdates
My first full-time job. Workin for the man. SimpleUpdates (we’ll call them SU) has built a CMS with many built-in modules that meet the needs of clients ranging from retail to churches. As the main front-end developer I was involved with every aspect of website creation and launch. Working with designers I was responsible for taking their PSDs and creating pixel-perfect templates for integration into our CMS. I also worked with back-end developers providing front-end code for improving features of our CMS. In addition to my front-end responsibilities I also did some back-end development, database management, worked with website hosting, and made DNS modifications. I also worked directly with our clients providing training for using our product, discussing new features and smashing bugs. My most important responsibility, of course, was bringing the veggie-sausage rolls to our monthly staff luncheon.
Andrews University
I was honored when my former web professor presented me with the opportunity to teach the Intro to Web Design class at my alma mater. Since I was still working full-time at SU the classes had to be in the evenings much to the chagrin of the students. Being a introductory class with most of the students and most students having little to no development experience the semester was spent focusing on the basics of HTML and CSS. Topics ranged from semantic markup to basic hosting practices, fixed/fluid layouts to image optimization. This was a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the foundation of my profession as well as improving my skills communicating with others. I also learned that grading is the pits.
Self-employed
Who doesn’t like the idea of being their own boss and working in their pajamas? Now on my own I became a one-man band responsible for every aspect of the site development process. With no supervision, meeting deadlines while maintaining high-quality work rested entirely on my shoulders. I have worked largely with WordPress during this time ranging from modifying pre-existing themes or creating them from scratch.
PRA International
This is as close to a career in the medical field as I will get. PRA International is a leading CRO that organizes and administers studies for testing new drugs. Though I do not participate in the distribution or consumption of any of said pharmaceutical wares, I am responsible for helping manage the Microsoft Access app used in the clinic. Taking requests from recruiters, schedulers, and study managers, new functionality is added to streamline the processes in the clinic. A new form here, a little VBA there, their wish is my command. The clinic I work for is based in Lenexa, KS, which means I get to do this job in my pajamas as well.