Why did you become a developer?
As a teenager, I made websites and Myspace templates for myself and my friends, this hobby soon escalated into setting up and hosting a messaging board from my bedroom. I eventually ended up working in IT support which led to me becoming a network manager at a large secondary school in derby. My passion has always been designing and making systems that make a difference to people, so the obvious step was to head back to uni in 2008 and complete a computer science degree.
How/where did you start in the industry?
After completing my computer science degree I landed a job at the University of Derby building IT systems to enable remote learning for overseas students. The most noteworthy project I delivered while working at the university was an online course that reached over 100,000 users.
What do you do now?
I work as a backend developer here at Effect Digital. I enjoy digging deep into a vast range of technologies to help us deliver beautiful websites, apps, and services.
If you weren’t a developer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
Most likely some form of engineer or builder. Over the past 5 years, I’ve replaced and installed 3 kitchens, 3 floors, 2 car engines, and a bathroom. I’m always itching to learn new skills, regardless of what they are.
What would you have as your last ever meal?
Wingtrapp, other fast food outlets are available
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
The power of hindsight, software development evolves so rapidly and we very rarely see the same problem twice, so there’s never a chance to learn from our mistakes. Whereas in conventional engineering core fundamentals rarely change for decades. It’s an industry that keeps me on my toes.
