Linguist turned junior full-stack software engineer (proof that I can talk to both humans and computers). Recent graduate from one of the top coding bootcamps. I am passionate about creating elegant and test-driven code in an agile manner. I bring a diverse combination of skills from 6 years' experience of data, marketing, and digital communication in the charity sector. I'm looking to join a team I can contribute to and learn from, in an organisation that I'm proud to be part of.
| Title | Description | Technologies |
|---|---|---|
| RouteAround (front-end) RouteAround (back-end) |
An app that maps a circular running or walking route, based on the user's current location or chosen start location, and their chosen distance. Final group project at Makers. Designed, created and deployed within 2 weeks. https://routearound.herokuapp.com/ |
React, Node.js Express, JavaScript, Jasmine, Jest, Travis, Heroku |
| Bowling challenge | A ten-pin bowling scorecard single-page app. The user can input their rolls, and the app calculates their total score for the game. Individual challenge project at Makers. Completed in 1 week, after 2 weeks of learning JavaScript. |
JavaScript, jQuery, CSS, HTML, Jasmine test framework |
| Rock Paper Scissors | 1- or 2-player game of Rock Paper Scissors, as an MVC app. Individual challenge project at Makers. Completed and deployed in 2 days, after 3 weeks of learning Ruby. https://rockpapersmash.herokuapp.com/ |
Ruby, Sintra framework, RSpec test framework, HTML, CSS, Heroku |
With no previous experience in databases, I joined St Luke's Hospice as the sole (and somewhat daunted) Database Administrator. Largely self-taught, I quickly became adept in using Blackbaud's SQL-based database Raiser's Edge. A year later I joined the database team at CARE International UK where I was often solely responsible for inputting, importing and running queries and reports on significant quantities of data. During my 6 years at CARE I continued to produce complex reports and analysis, building tools to optimise this data management and teaching my colleagues how to use them. I was also responsible for processing large numbers of transactions through Paypal.
I love using my verbal and written communication skills to connect with people. From delivering presentations about microfinance in the developing world to Rotary Clubs and university students, to teaching English to reluctant children in Spain and over-enthusiastic adults in Japan, I am well-experienced in explaining complex concepts to non-expert audiences. At both CARE International and St. Luke's Hospice I was responsible for composing and sending digital and written communications to the charities' supporters, including updates of the work, thank you messages, and fundraising asks. In summer 2019 I spearheaded an appeal that exceeded its fundraising target by 100%, raising over £100,000.
At CARE International I used my interpersonal skills to provide excellent client-facing service. This involved managing corporate Lendwithcare accounts, including adding and distributing funds on corporate partners' behalf, providing them with reports on their support, and answering any public enquiries. As part of the small team working on the innovative Lendwithcare.org platform, I worked closely with the developers, so thanks to my experience and empathy I can well understand user stories from the perspective of both the client and the developer!
As Senior Lendwithcare Executive I used my interpersonal and leadership skills to set up and remotely managed a national network of nearly 50 volunteers, facilitating them to promote and explain the charity's work in their local communities. This led to an increase in supporters for the charity, and increased engagement among the volunteers. In November 2018 I led a film crew to Zambia to direct a fundraising video to promote the charity's work. As Donor Development Officer at St. Luke's Hospice I created a donation webpage that enabled supporters to set up a regular direct debit donation online.
I have lived and worked abroad twice, teaching English at a secondary school in Granada, Spain in 2010-2011, and working as a private English teacher in Fukuoka, Japan in 2012-2013, despite having no contacts or networks in either country before moving there.
Immersive 12 week full-time software development course, focusing on test driven development, pair programming and Agile practices.
Technologies used:
- Front End: React, HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, Javascript, jQuery
- Back End: Ruby, Rails, Sinatra, Node JS
- Databases & ORM's: PostgreSQL, SQL, DataMapper
- Testing: RSpec, Capybara, Jasmine, Jest, Circle CI, Travis
- Other: APIs, Git, AJAX, REST, OOP
- One of five students chosen to study an intensive course in Japanese language and culture
- MA (Oxon) in Modern Languages (Spanish), 2;1
- Academic scholar (translation: as a reward for achieving distinction in first-year exams, I had to wear a bigger and even more uncomfortable gown for all following exams)
- Modern and medieval linguistics, translation and literature
- Grade A in all AS and A level exams (Maths, Spanish, French, Music)
- 8 A* and 2 A grades at GCSEs
Intermediate certificates in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign
CARE International UK
Senior Lendwithcare Executive (October 2015 to January 2020)
Supporter Care Officer (November 2014 to October 2015)
- Integral part of a team of 4 working on the innovative Lendwithcare.org project
- Led on all communications, particularly updates and fundraising appeals through email and social media.
- Managed corporate partner accounts, adding and distributing funding on their behalf and responding to any enquiries.
- Created and remotely managed a national network of volunteers to raise awareness and funds for the charity in their local communities
- Compiled and analysed complex reports on a monthly and quarterly basis, and processed large numbers of withdrawal transactions through Paypal
- Delivered presentations about the charity and the role of microfinance in the developing world to diverse external audiences
St Luke's (Cheshire) Hospice (September 2013 to October 2014)
Donor Developer Officer and Database Administrator
- Solely responsible for inputting supporter and donation data
- Delivered reports to the Finance team and other stakeholders
- Received donations in person from supporters and sent personal communications to acknowledge their support
English language teacher (2010 to 2011 and 2012 to 2013)
- Taught English as a foreign language at a secondary school in Granada, Spain and several language schools in Fukuoka, Japan.
- Music (grade 8 piano, grade 4 drumkit. Currently attempting to learn the melodeon, much to the joy of my flatmates)
- Knitting (I recently set up an Etsy store and even made an online sale. So if the coding doesn't work out at least I have a back-up)
- Running (Saturday morning parkrun makes me feel better about Saturday morning brunch)
- Puns (Co-founder and two-time winner of the weekly Formula Pun competition at CARE International)