As can be seen on my resumé, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorological Studies. During my time earning that degree, I took some computer programming classes (C programming) as well as a Computer Concepts in Meteorology class. It was this class that first introduced me to developing websites.
The skills that I have developed in web design are all self-taught skills. While I have not had any formal training in website design, I am confident in the skills that I have developed in the practice of designing websites. I pick up new concepts quickly and am eager to learn the more advanced aspects of web development. I continue to learn new skills as I explore new aspects of web development. For example, I have recently added jQuery to my development toolbox.
I have been developing websites since 1999. I have designed websites for a former employer (two websites and an Intranet website), local bands in the Fargo, ND - Moorhead, MN area, and myself since that time. I code all of my websites by hand. I do not use a WYSIWYG editor. I have experience working with php, MySQL, MSSQL, JavaScript, XML, and XSL. I have created a "members only" section for a former employee's website. I have also created administrative backends for several of my personal websites. Additionally, I have experience performing basic graphic manipulation and creation.
From 2004 through the end of 2007, I worked as a Web Programmer for Mind Tremors, a small company in Fargo, ND. During that time, I gained a great amount of experience in web development. I had not worked with MSSQL or JavaScript prior to my employment there. While working there, I developed very strong skills in those aspects of web development as well as strengthening my other skills in the field.
I worked on many different projects during my time at this company, from basic updates to creating administrative interfaces that the clients could use to update the information displayed on their websites. For the bulk of my time there, I worked on projects for a single client. These projects included, but were not limited to, creating new administrative interfaces, redesigning and improving existing administrative interfaces, helping with converting the client's sites to contain dynamic content, and adding new functionality to the client's websites.
At the beginning of 2008, Mind Tremors closed its doors. At that time, I went to work for RealTruck, Inc., a client of Mind Tremors. I continued to work on their websites as I had already been doing. Unfortunately, due to the economy, I was laid off in October 2008.
From December 2008 through March 2009, I worked as a contract Web Developer for Sundog, a marketing and technology company in Fargo, ND. During that time, I worked on projects ranging from creating html emails to creating landing pages.
From May 2009 through August 2009, I worked for BBI International, a bioenergy industry service provider, as the Website Content Coordinator (on contract) for their magazine and conference websites. During that time, I created html emails, updated the various websites that the company has, and set up two conference websites.
I am currently pursuing opportunities in the web programming/development field. I feel that my current abilities and potential would be a great asset to any company. They would assure that I would grow with the company while helping the company itself grow. I am also entertaining freelance/contract opportunities for companies and/or individuals looking to create or expand their online presence.
