About Me
Hi, I'm Mike. A high-energy team player with a passion for programming.
Software Engineer specializing in React / Redux & Node
HTML5, CSS3, Javascript, JSX, jQuery, Bootstrap, Express, SQL & MongoDB
What are your career goals?
I would like nothing more than to be writing code, developing meaningful applications and continuing to learn and evolve along with new technologies.
Talk about your web development experience and what qualities you possess that help you in this role.
I’ve developed full-stack applications following the MVC paradigm using vanilla HTML/CSS/Javascript or frameworks like React/Redux or jQuery. As a Javascript specialist, I prefer Node for a server-side language, but have written code in Java, Python and C/C++ as well. Experienced in either MongoDB or SQL databases.
Describe a challenging experience you have had working in a diverse population and how you have been successful in that environment.
At my last job, I worked my way up to VP of Project Management at a nationwide contracting corporation. Despite being hired to implement the company's software system and administer the SQL database, I entered a management trainee program which required that I worked in all departments for a period of time to gain up-close exposure to all aspects of the company’s business. Understanding that we all come from different backgrounds, and have differnt points of view, has really helped me empathize with others during my career.
What role do you typically play on a team?
I usually gravitate to leader unless there is someone else who really enjoys telling people what to do. I would really prefer to be a productive team member as opposed to managing others.
What led you to coding?
When I was about 10 years old, I was introduced to programming on an early 8086 PC. I really enjoyed the problem-solving and logic involved with getting computer programs to work. I was writing toy programs like text adventure games very quickly. While I’ve had other interests over the years, programming has always come naturally to me.
Describe the projects you're most proud of and the most difficult problems you've solved as an engineer.
I developed and implemented a statistics program for recreational sports leagues. It was a command line application written in C++ and used CSV files for data storage. I’m sure there may be more efficient solutions, but I was proud to have invented, implemented, pitched, sold and delivered a solid product that revolutionized a small business.
What is your favorite programming language and why?
I'd have to say React, especially combined with Redux. React may be complicated, but the underlying Javascript syntax is very similar to C and Java.
How do you keep up-to-date with new and emerging technologies?
I completed a web development program at UCSD to refresh my programming skills while learning current technologies and best practices. I’ve taken on-line courses on edX and CodeSchool. In my spare time, I enjoy solving coding challenges on sites like HackerRank.
What do you do when you're not writing code?
I'm a former team-sport athlete that took to endurance racing later in life. I'm a competitive age group marathoner and have been known to get on a bike from time to time. Sometimes, I'll even swim. I also enjoy spending time with family and solving the New York Times Crossword Puzzle.
