Curriculum Vitae

My role at Flashtalking was to work with their head developer and assist with the further development of their bespoke system. This was very much back-end development role using PHP and MySQL, the system was driven by log files and regularly processed over 500 million records a day, so had to be efficient and deal with any failure swiftly. In addition there was an control system to allow less ‘tech-savvy’ users to be able to access the data provided to which I made many improvements and brought more up to date using HTML5, CSS3, jQuery and AJAX to create a more integrated and streamlined interface.

I worked closely with the owners of the company to determine the type of site that would best fit their requirements, both initially and going forward, both in terms of technical ability and design. The site is now built using Joomla! with several additional modules, some of which were free, some purchased and yet others that are bespoke to the system that I myself created. Likewise the design was from a purchased template, mostly for speed, that has now had many specific modifications made to it.

During my time at Blue Logic I was responsible for designing a website and integrating it into a PHP, MySQL based CMS system along with training the client to use the CMS system so they could carry out their own updates. I also created templates from purchased Photoshop designs using HTML5 and CSS3 to work with content management systems, worked on exporting data from MSSQL into MySQL and then creating a simple client search and interface system, made updates to a couple of clients ASP sites, integrated a new Wordpress blog into a customers existing website, created new web-based customer feedback forms for use by the technical department and ‘dressed’ the Blue Logic website for Christmas.

Initially working on and developing the back-end engine that the company had developed using mostly PHP, MySQL, AJAX and JavaScript. My work progressed firstly into creating an independent tool that works to allow bulk updates to the back-end data. Although originally designed as an in-house tool it was then developed and is now being used by many of our clients directly, which frees our personnel from a lot of data manipulation work. The role then progressed to design and create the clients websites which are also driven by the back-end engine, which then further progressed to my creating the Site Editor Tool that allows some clients to make some adjustments to the sites themselves. I am also involved in the setting up of new sites on our servers and the installation of SSL certificates

I started here working on many of the different sites that we are requested to do for our clients; however prior to leaving I was spending the majority of my time working with an analyst as part of the team working for our largest client. As part of this I helped to create a websites that has won an international award for the last two years. This role has allowed me to return to doing some analysis work along with my development work whilst still improving my skills. This role included using more AJAX and creating a project using SOAP along with improving my MySQL skills.

Employed primarily as a PHP developer I created database connected web pages to allow remote database interaction with both SQL Server and MySQL databases using Dreamweaver and creating and using Stored Procedures. Also as part of my employment I tested new pieces of software that the company was having developed by an outside developer. As part of my role as a tester I kept both the developer and the company updated on a regular basis on any issues that arose as part of the testing, created and maintained records of all problems, which arose. I worked as liaison between the two parties to resolve any issues that arose from different opinions as to how the software should perform in a given circumstance. I was also involved in researching new pieces of software to be used/purchased based upon company requirements.

Responsibilities included:

• Testing software based on company requirements
• Reporting test results to Developer in a clear manner to allow further development
• Design and Production of Help Documentation
• Review and Reporting on software to allow purchase decisions

Initially employed to implement web development work utilising PHP, MySQL and HTML, also involved in development work on the company’s existing software products using Delphi. For example, one project involved the design and implementation of a piece of software to allow the DHP software to communicate with Microsoft produced documents, such as Word documents and Excel spreadsheets, at the .COM level. Other responsibilities have involved carrying out support activities including working on the Helpdesk, producing implementation documentation and help guides for DHP’s software, training clients on the use of the software and the production of the teaching materials used to carry out training sessions.

Responsibilities included:

• Logistics, Design and Implementation of software using Delphi
• Development and design of front-end software for Oracle, MS SQL and Interbase databases
• Design and Production of Administration Guides and Help Documentation
• Client Training and production of Training documentation
• Helpdesk Support

Design and implementation of a new database system and front-end, using Access and VBA, to allow remittance creation and recording for the implementation of a BACS payment system. Another database system was also designed and implemented to enable allow recorded to be maintained and mail-shot letters to be sent out to customers who were overdue with their payments. Other responsibilities included the writing of the User Guides and training users in the use of the new systems.

Responsibilities included:

• Logistics, Design and Implementation of Database using Microsoft Access
• Design of user friendly front-end interface
• Design and Production of User Guides
• Training users in the use of the new systems

Initially employed on a temporary basis to provide cover for maternity leave, then retained on a part-time basis to provide clerical assistance as required by various members of staff throughout the office.

Responsibilities included:

• Customer and Supplier Payment Processing (via cash and cheques)
• Invoice processing

Employed to add additional scope to an existing website through the use of PHP scripting and MySQL database integration, whilst maintaining the existing look and feel of the original web site.

Responsibilities included:

• Design and implementation of a web based database, using MySQL
• Creation and use of CSS scripts to maintain the overall look of the site
• Design and writing of additional pages using PHP scripting to integrate with database
• Creation of additional pages to enable easy updating of the database by the end-user.

Employed on a part-time basis as a Lecturer, delivering courses in Computing and NVQ Computing.

Responsibilities included:

• Presentation of Lectures and Teaching
• Planning and Implementation of Lesson Plans
• Creating and/or providing Work materials for students

This position was to design Databases to store details of members of specific groups, and create mail shots to send out to the client membership on specific dates. This later included the design and implementation of a user-friendly interface to allow non-technical users to be able to input data and create the mail shots.

Responsibilities included:

• Logistics, Design and Implementation of databases using Microsoft Access
• Design and Creation of Various Forms

Employed as a Senior Secretary with this City Centre based Insurance Broker, where I carried out secretarial duties to the four Directors and Associate Director, and supervised and monitored the workloads of the junior secretaries, who carried out work for the Brokers.

Responsibilities included:

• Logistics, Design and Implementation of databases using Microsoft Access
• Designing and Production of Literature, Specific to Individual Groups
• Implementation and Maintenance of Spreadsheets for Company Budgets
• Design and Creation of Various Forms
• Training of new staff members
• Supervision of secretarial staff
• Workload allocation

Initially employed as a Technical Assistant to the Technical Director, including reviewing potential new products for this soap and toiletries manufacturer. I then progressed through the company to take on the additional roles of Purchase Officer and finally Administration Assistant, for two Directors, which is the position I held on leaving the company.

Responsibilities included:

• Logistics, Design, Implementation and Maintenance of Product Certification System, initially a paper based system, which I transferred to being fully computerised.
• Liaison with the Quality Control Department regarding Ingredient Quality
• Developing and Recommending New Ideas and Ingredients for New Products
• Negotiating with Suppliers to get the Best prices
• Sourcing possible Suppliers for the Companies New Product Components
• Logistics, Design, and Proof-Reading Artwork for Ingredient Labelling

Project: Website Development

A Commercial Project; implemented using MySQL, PHP and HTML to design, advertise and sell jewellery.