About Me
I completed my Computer Science Degree at the University of Victoria (BC, Canada) from 1997-2002 while mostly working full time, and I’m currently the senior application architect at BC Assessment Authority. I’ve been working with the .NET framework since 2003 and my focus is on ASP.NET web application architecture, software development lifecycle, performance, security, reporting, and interoperability. I will never forget the pain of ASP classic.
Unlike your stereo-typical software developer, I like to meet new people and discuss things like business, travel, marketing and a variety of other “real-life” stuff. Technology will play a major role as we move into the future, but we need to know how to apply it to real-world problems.
Here are the topics I’m interested in:
Software Development
I have a degree in Computer Science – I still love learning, and hopefully always will, so I like to write about stuff I’m working on. You can see a couple of older articles I wrote for trade magazines here. My core skills are ASP.NET (VB and C#) and SQL Server, but I’ve done everything from PERL to PHP/MySQL to C to MSAccess to Java to .. One of my favorite aspects of the job is teaching and mentoring other developers to design and build solid solutions.
The Business of Software
In my opinion, too many developers get caught up in the tiny implementation details of their specific technologies. I’ve realized that building software is becoming less an exercise in technical skills (though they ARE still absolutely required), and more an exercise in navigating the world of business. Things like soft skills, marketing, sales, and personal networks are FAR more effective in building a successful career than things like specific technical skills. Those can only get you so far (and only last so long before you have to learn something new anyway).
Technical Communities
I’ve been involved in the leadership of the Victoria .NET Developers Association since the beginning (2004) and the president since 2006. I also became a Membership Mentor in INETA shortly after that. We have monthly meetings every month (except the summer), the odd pub night, and a Code Camp once a year. The Code Camp is a full day conference of talks by the community, for the community. It’s a great time and a great way to learn new stuff and meet new people. I’ve been organizing community events for as long as I’ve been working, starting with regular weekend outings for the 90+ interns at the Calgary-based Shell Canada headquarters in the mid-90’s.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Software Developers
As a side project, I also work with colleges and universities to promote software development as a career choice. I’ve given a presentation entitled “Building a Successful Career in Software Development” a number of times. The presentation has received really great feedback and I’m ecstatic to encourage the next generation of software developers. See this blog post for more details and a link to the slide deck: Building a Successful Career as a Software Developer.
Travel
My wife and I are huge travel buffs, we’re always game to see and experience something new. We’ve had some really great vacations. Take a look at my travel page for more details and links to photos.
That’s about it.. I obviously have other interests, but nothing worth mentioning here. 