Hey there, welcome to my little corner of GitHub!
Before diving into the tech world and joining Makers Academy, my background was in HR and Hospitality. My years of customer-facing roles really have ingrained in me the importance of communication, empathy, and adaptability. I am excited to bring these skills with me as I get stuck into my journey as a Software Developer and contribute to projects and companies that really want to make a difference.
In HR I experienced many difficult or inefficient systems which inspired my move into tech, to help make other people’s jobs easier, more productive, and if anything, less infuriating!
After really enjoying the front end side of things on the Makers course, I am currently working on a project to learn Next.js and develop my CSS skills further. I really enjoy the creativity and innovation that front end development can bring to a project and I can't wait to build my skills and kick start my career!
| Name | Description | Tech/tools |
|---|---|---|
| Final project - Gig Guru | Makers Academy final project built in a team of 5 developers over 2 weeks. A music event finding app based on a user entered city. Used Google Maps API & Ticketmaster Discovery API. This project really piqued my interest and drive for learning more frontend HTML/CSS. | JavaScript, ReactJS, MongoDB, Cypress, Jest, CSS, HTML |
| Group Project - Acebook | Trelloship of the string - A Lord of the Rings Facebook clone made in a group of 6 developers across 2 weeks. | JavaScript, Node.js, React, MongoDB, Cypress, Jest, CSS, HTML |
| Individual project - Bank | A mock solo tech test as part of Makers Academy, a simple bank simulator. | Ruby, RSpec, SimpleCov, Rubocop, irb |
Makers Academy | Student Software Engineer | (March - June 2023)
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A highly selective 16-week intensive software development bootcamp with focus on 'learning how to learn' as well as OOP, TDD, Agile Working Practices, Pair Programming, and Emotional Intelligence.
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Learned and developed agile practices such as working in sprints which included the use of daily stand-ups and end of sprint retrospectives. This helped the team work cohesively and effectively and it aided feature delivery.
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Developed a Test Driven Development process using Rspec, Jest, and Cypress for end to end testing. This enabled me to produce reliable code in order to fulfil client requests. The TDD process also helped make incremental progress when overcoming challenging tasks and bugs.
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The course is fast paced by nature and this required new languages to be picked up quickly and efficently. On the course we worked in Ruby and Javascript which has shaped my learning post course as I am creating a new project from scratch as I learn Next.js and improve my CSS skills.
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We attended workshops which gave me the opportunity to develop my emotional intelligence further. Topics included giving and receiving feedback, empathy, and how to effectively work in teams of developers.
Human Resources Co-ordinator | Battersea Dogs and Cats Home | (February 2021 to November 2022)
- Pulling reports and collating information for the monthly payroll process
- Providing first-line advice and support to staff regarding policies and procedures
- Training new starters in the team and aiding their learning as part of their induction
- Aiding with employee relations cases by minute taking during formal meetings
Senior Talent Resourcing Specialist |
Reed Talent Solutions |
(September 2020 to February 2021)
- Conducting interviews to assess candidates in situ against client defined criteria and competencies
- Proof reading training guides and providing feedback and improvements
- Recording all notes made during the interview to demonstrate and evidence the final recruitment decision
- Assisting managers in collating information and preparing audit reports
Human Resources Assistant | reed.co.uk | (January 2020 to October 2020)
- Conducting audits to ensure compliance
- Aiding HR Advisor with the creation of a group wide Diversity & Inclusion information pack for managers
- Supporting the team with the organisation and running of Company All-Hands events
- In regular contact with all levels of the business from new starters to the Senior Leadership Team
Front Office Placement Student | Park Plaza County Hall | (July 2015 to June 2016)
- Regular receptionist responsibilities of a 4-star hotel.
- Additionally cross-trained in Reservations, Housekeeping, Finance and Events.
- Worked extensively with Micros Opera.
- Responsible for training multiple new starters and ensuring their integration into the team.
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Attention to Detail: As an HR professional, a key aspect of my role included managing sensitive employee data from performance reviews to sickness absence. Attention to detail is also crucial in software development, where even a small error in code can have significant consequences - which I have very much learned the hard way!
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Adaptability: There were daily challenges working in HR - these could range from dealing with difficult employee sitations to picking up new systems or procedures. Similarly, the tech world is an ever-evolving field, and being adaptable and willing to learn new technologies and programming languages are essential skills.
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Communication: I learned how to adapt my style of communication depending on who I am speaking to. This improved my ability for active listening, giving and receiving feedback, and discussing ideas, all of which are key skills for teamwork and collaboration.
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Problem Solving: A lot of the work within HR is driven by problem solving, for example working with managers to increase team morale or working as a mediator to help resolve conflicts. Often HR projects often need some thinking outside of the box in order to find the solution. So far in my journey as a Software Developer, I have definitely seen the importance of looking at the bigger picture and thinking laterally to solve a challenge.
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Confidentiality: In my roles in HR and Hospitality, I was responsible for handling sensitive employee information and ensuring its confidentiality. This has instilled in me a deep understanding of the importance of data privacy and the ability to maintain confidentiality in all aspects of my work.
- Chartered Institute of Personnel Development Level 3 Certificate in Human Resources
- First Class Honours in International Hospitality Management
- Modules including: People Management, Financial Decision Making, Global Business Communications, Leaderhsip & Professional Development, and Food, Drink & Culture
- Obtained WSET Level 1 Award in Wines
Skiing : I am a qualified CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor and I love being in the mountains.
Baking : Some say I am close to perfecting the ultimate chocolate chip cookie.
Travel : I love seeing the world and exploring new places - any recommendations are very welcome!