Let me tell you the craic...
As a child, I have always been fascinated with technology, gaming and grew up at a time when the internet became part of every household and dial-up connections provided migraines for all the family. Having excelled at ICT at GCSE and A-Level the logical next step was to study IT at University. In 2015, after years of long nights studying in the library, frozen dinners and dilapidated housing, I graduated from the prestigious Queen’s University of Belfast with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (with a year's professional experience). Notable projects completed at University included; ‘A Functional Java Debugger’ A software program developed for my dissertation, created using Java, Swing and Eclipse Luna. ‘Wander’ - An Android Travel Application developed using Java, XML, open-source API’s and Eclipse Juno to assist someone visiting a foreign country. An Agile Team Management Tool developed using C#, XML, the MVVM design pattern and Visual Studio. A Crash Bandicoot platformer game developed using C# and Visual Studio.

Upon graduating, I began my search for my dream development role. Initially taking on a short term role for Cased Dimensions as an Engineer, setting up software at remote locations around the UK, I was soon able to secure a role as the Lead Web Developer at Cornell Studios. This role involved working alongside the team of in house designers and SEO specialists to build responsive websites for local businesses to help grow their customer base. While working in this role I got a strong grasp of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, SQL, Bootstrap, Wordpress and the intricacies of web hosting.

After seven months in this role, I wanted a new challenge and packed my 60L Rucksack and hopped aboard a flight bound for Australia the land of sunshine, surfing, and deadly animals (and locals). During my time in Australia, I worked in the construction industry in Sydney and also completed my obligatory 88 days of (torture) farm work to stay for a second year. The challenge of trying something completely different like construction was something I relished however, I could not contain my passion for coding so I packed my bags for Melbourne.

My passion for development was soon satisfied in Melbourne when I took on the challenge of singlehandedly building a new website for the emerging Fintech Neobank startup Archa. My role at Archa was a massive opportunity to work for a company that could soon become one of the biggest in Australia and is backed by many Australian Social Media Influencers like the rugby player Quade Cooper. The role further enhanced my abilities with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery as well as my ability to work alongside the talented design team and negotiate the company's various stakeholders.

On successful completion of Archa's stunning new website, my two years in Australia were over and immigration said it was time to go. Dusting off my 60L rucksack it was time for another adventure, this time adventure meant traveling through South East Asia for some last rays of sunshine. Since leaving Ireland I had explored Thailand, Australia, Bali, New Zealand, Philippines, Cambodia, and Vietnam.