Successfully completed a 1-year internship with the Royal Air Force's WebEx Flight at HQ Strike Command in High Wycombe. I saw things that I'm still not really allowed to talk about. As a student it was a great experience.
I graduated from Bournemouth University in 2006 with a degree in Computing BSc (Hons). It was fun in places, but in all honestly, I was glad when it was over. I was fed up with being skint all the time.
Excitedly joined a small start-up in Henley-upon-Thames to help develop personality testing software for talent management. I really liked the people, they were a great bunch to work with, but I didn't enjoy the role so much - it was just too technically varied for me at that phase of my career; typical of dev jobs at the time it was full stack, plus databases, plus tech support, plus responsible for anything that plugged in.
It was at this point I began dedicating more of my career and skills to front-end web dev work. It was visual and closer aligned to our users.
Became a freelance web developer for a number of years helping numerous small businesses get online. It was exciting times for the internet! Lots of opportunity to meet with clients, understand requirements first-hand, help with designs, pitch for work, and learned what it takes to run my own business. Also lots of Wordpress development.
Recruited by one of my clients to join their team and oversee the development of a new multimedia department within their organisation. While building and maintaining multiple company websites, I was also responsible for the delivery of it's content.
As a result I learned a lot about content generation, photography, videography, editing & social media. I really enjoyed this position as I have a strong creative side so ended up staying there a long time.
Joined the team at Nominet to help build tools for the UK's underpinning internet & DNS systems. Later became a Senior Developer and eventually stepping into management as a Software Team Lead. I contributed to, and led on, a number of Government contract projects. Became an early adopter and expert in JavaScript frameworks such as AngularJS and later Angular 2+. I really embraced management, and worked to hone my own management style.
Joined the team at SLB in Abingdon, Oxfordshire as a hands-on Software Team Leader of a small squad helping build a web-based platform to help experts in the energy sector make informed million-dollar decision.
Later on I became responsible for leading two squads simultaneously, overseeing major client specific requests for a cloud-enhanced desktop application solution, and delivering on multi-million dollar contracts.
Internally promoted and joined another Program as their Software Project Manager. Now responsible for helping oversee approximately 40 developers across six development squads bring to market innovative cost-effective solutions that clients love to use. Responsible for recruiting, resourcing, pastoral needs and budgeting of staff, as well as the delivery of software to clients.
Not sure where my career will take me however the trend is towards a director-level position. I aim to gain boardroom experience and further develop leadership. My focus is on skills and knowledge required to navigate business challenges and drive outcomes, contributing to organisational success.