Software engineering bootcamp graduate from leading provider, with over a decade of experience in PR and corporate communications.
I'm an enthusiastic and curious full stack junior software engineer who enjoys creative problem solving, making things, following processes, and working in a team.
As a Makers Academy graduate, I'm skilled at working in agile environments, test-driven development, object-oriented programming, front- and backend development, and at quickly learning and adapting to new technologies. Tech skills include: JavaScript, Ruby, React, Node, Sinatra, Jest, RSpec, Mongodb, PostgreSQL, Express, HTML, CSS.
Prior to training as a developer, I worked in PR and corporate communications for over a decade in a host of sectors, including technology, healthcare, automotive, education, finance, and legal. During this time I honed my communication, strategic, and business acumen skills. You can read my blog which details my career change journey.
| Name | Description | Group/Solo | Technologies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sent-ence-iment | An app which measures the sentiment of user input using natural language processing | Group | JavaScript, React, Python, Flask |
| Home on Time | An emergency contact app which alerts contacts about someone's safety during their trip home | Group - Hackathon | Next.js, Node.js, React, JavaScript, HTML |
| Destination Unknown | A flight price comparison site that gives users the option to compare two cities and as well as itinerary recommendations and general city data for your destinations | Group | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node, Express, React, Jest, Cypress |
| aceBook | A social media web app which enables users to sign up; login; write, edit, and delete their own posts; like other posts; and add other users as friends | Group | React, JavaScript, Jest, Mongodb, Node, Cypress, HTML, CSS, Express |
| Bank Tech Test | Technical test. Program offers core bank features including deposit/withdraw and print formatted statements | Solo | JavaScript, Node, Jest |
| News Summary App | A responsive app which pulls the latest news stories from The Guardian, includes a search function enabling users to see stories on the topic of their choice | Solo | JavaScript, Jest, HTML, CSS |
| Bowling Challenge | A bowling score calculator that runs in the terminal with node | Solo | JavaScript, Node, Jest |
| MakersBNB | A booking app which enables users to sign up; login; view properties available to book; see booking availability; request to book; upload their own properties | Group | Ruby, Active Record, RSpec, Rake, HTML, CSS |
| Chitter | A Twitter clone which enables users to sign up, sign in, view posts, and create new posts | Solo | Ruby, RSpec, PostgreSQL, Sinatra |
| Anatomy of the dog | A responsive website built to identify different parts of various animals | Group | Javascript, HTML, CSS |
Strategic: Able to see the bigger picture and ask the important questions.
At McKesson UK, I did a full review of the company website ahead of the sale of the business. I sourced and analysed Google Analytics data which showed that key pages demonstrating the business's value offering weren't being visited. After thoroughly researching the requirements of the business and needs of target audiences, recommendations were implemented to improve the readability and navigation of the website to ensure the business's most important messages were communicated effectively.
Creative: Developing creative solutions to solve a variety of different challenges.
At Auto Trader, I found a solution to display dense, content-heavy reports on our corporate website. To make the content engaging and accessible, I worked with an external agency to build additional modules which would make the reports interactive. My role was to make sure the business's needs were met, test the solutions, and deliver the requirements on time. The solution resulted in a significantly larger readership than on previous pdf reports, and we reused the modules across the site to improve overall engagement online.
Team player: Collaborate with others to share skills and knowledge.
During my time at Makers, we took part in multiple group projects, including building a FaceBook clone. We inherited an existing codebase and had to use technologies we weren't familiar with. As a team, we were committed to learning and knowledge sharing, making sure everyone understood the code, and taught each other new tech skills. This empathetic and collaborative approach culminated in a successful MVP which had eight new features built into it, and meant our team fully grasped React, JavaScript, and Mongodb.
Communication: Understand complex topics and simplify them for wide audiences.
At the University of Roehampton, I read and dissected research papers, and crafted relatable stories which I pitched to the media. This gained significant press coverage and highlighted the impact of the work the University of Roehampton had on communities globally. Topics included chicken husbandry, and the use of benzodiazepines.
Attention to detail: Keen eye for the little - and big - things.
At Auto Trader, I was responsible for writing and editing parts of the annual report, which had strict requirements. I meticulously followed the guidelines to ensure each requirement was reported on succinctly, and all the information was captured, and verified. I proofread the document to edit grammatical errors and typos. Attention to detail was vital to ensure we were reporting accurately and efficiently.
Calm under pressure: Able to keep a clear head and mitigate risk.
At McKesson UK, I managed urgent press enquiries on sensitive issues; journalists would require statements on issues within two or three hours. I acted fast and worked with colleagues to understand the root of the issues, came up with effective responses, and liaised with senior staff to ensure the solutions were implemented. This was carefully articulated to the press to mitigate risks.
Makers Academy
(November 2022 - March 2023)
Makers is an intensive 16-week bootcamp, led by industry-leading engineers. It's designed to produce self-sufficient software engineers by equipping them with the skills they need to excel as developers.
SheCanCode PowerHack
A hackathon hosted by SheCanCode and Dojo with the aim to create a women's safety app. Our team of five created Home on Time, an app which enabled users to let their emergency contact know about their journey. Home on Time was the winning team amongst stiff competition.
Code First Girls
Introduction to Web Development (May - June 2022)
Python and Apps (July - August 2022)
JavaScript MOOC (September 2022)
Code First Girls is a social enterprise which offers coding courses for women and non binary people.
Southampton Solent University
(September 2007 - July 2010)
BA(Hons) Public Relations and Communication
The Henley College
4 A-Levels - English Literature, Law, Media Studies, Theatre Studies
St. Bernard's Roman Catholic School
8 GCSEs including Maths, Information Systems, Science, English, French
Senior Communications Manager - McKesson UK (November 2021 - August 2022)
Corporate PR Manager - Auto Trader (April 2019 - August 2021)
Senior Account Manager - Specialist (April 2018 - March 2019)
Senior Account Manager - Plaster Communications (September 2017 - April 2018)
PR & Internal Communications Manager - University of Roehampton (April 2016 - September 2017)
Senior Consultant - Cherish PR (January 2016 - April 2016)
Senior Account Manager - BWP Group (September 2015 - January 2016)
Senior PR Account Manager - JJ Marketing (April 2013 - August 2015)
Account Executive - Cerub PR (January 2011 - April 2013)
- Play the tenor bass in a steel pan band
- Mind campaigner - support the charity's campaign to improve access to mental health support
- Keen interest in fitness, particularly weight lifting
- Enjoy Japanese and Korean culture, food, and entertainment
- Volunteer in the community - provided COVID vaccine clinic support during the pandemic
Email me
Connect on LinkedIn
Read my blog
See my Codewars profile