Education
Dalhousie University: Bachelor of Science (Computer Science & Business)
I graduated from Dalhousie University in October 2005 with a bachelor of science, with a major in computer science and a minor in business. The reason for majoring in computer science was never to become a programmer, as I don’t have an interest in learning and keeping up with all the new programming languages. That is not my strength. I do, however, enjoy working with computers. What I learned is how a computer programmer goes about solving problems, what issues arise, and I know what a computer is capable (and not capable) of doing. Further, I took a course on database management systems, where I learned a great deal on how to structure and query data.
Although I have a full major in computer science, I actually took more courses in business. As somebody who would be working a lot with computers to solve business problems, I wanted to know the fundamentals of business so I could understand the people I would be working with, and concentrate on learning their specific business issues. I took courses in accounting, finance, marketing, entrepreneurship, and human resource management. I also took courses in business communications so I could write effectively, and business law so I could understand the basics of contracts.
| Computer Science (major) | Business (minor) |
| Database Management Systems | Finance |
| Data and Knowledge Fundamentals | Financial Accounting |
| Computer Science I, II, and III | Managerial Accounting |
| Networks I and II | Business Communications |
| Software Development | Legal Aspects of Business |
| Community Outreach Project | New Venture Creation |
| Discrete Structures | Human Resource Management |
| Operating Systems | Organizational Behaviour I and II |
| Computer Organization and Assembly | Economics I and II |
| Ethics in Computer Science | Direct Marketing |
| Calculus I and II | Internet Marketing |
| Marketing Communications | |
| Buyer Behaviour | |
| Introduction to Marketing | |
| Government and Politics |
Professional Development
Saint Mary’s University (Halifax, NS)
The Project Management Course (3 Days)
January 2007
ESRI Canada (Bedford, NS)
Introduction to ArcGIS: ArcMap & ArcCatalog (2 Days)
December 2007
Portfolio
Administration Specialist On 2010 Vancouver Olympics Recruitment Team
Coordinated the administrative tasks of six recruiters, a project manager, and a regional vice president tasked with recruiting and hiring more than 1,200 employees over five months. Also coordinated the gathering and submission of accreditation documentation and payroll data for Olympic workers. Became team expert on Peopleclick , Taleo, and Adecco’s “Custom Match” (HRIS) software, and entered new candidates and positions into databases. Answered candidate and staff inquiries by email, phone, and in person with tact and diplomacy.
Analyst for Telecom Expense Management Software Company
Performed analysis of new telecom vendor data and wrote documentation for new software enhancements. Delegated development tasks to programmers. Tested, configured and implemented new software enhancements and expansions in functionality to support additional North American telecom vendors. Used Microsoft Access and Excel formulas and pivot tables extensively to analyse telecom data for monthly invoices up to $200,000.
Nova Scotia NDP: Training Manuals & Microsoft Access Databases
Assisted database users in maximizing the effective use of the database software for their constituency’s business needs, while ensuring the integrity of the system. Provided the effective design, planning, coordination, delivery and evaluation of the training programs for users of the database software across Nova Scotia. Was responsible for the caucus database which was made up of 37 separate Microsoft Access databases residing on six Citrix servers, that held more than 500,000 records. Cleaned the data resulting in some databases going from duplicate record rates as high as 30% down to nearly zero.
About Me
From Coast To Coast
I have lived in Vancouver, Toronto, and Halifax, and have worked on the Olympics, for a small software company, and for the Nova Scotia NDP Caucus. A couple of years ago I took on an experiment to in part find out which city I wanted to live in. After living a year in each city, I have decided to move back to Halifax and put down roots.
I Learned A Lot
It has been five years since I graduated from Dalhousie University. I think I have learned a lot about working in a business since then, stuff like how to work with people (with tact and diplomacy), how to prioritize an ever-changing list of to-do’s, and how knowledge is important, but knowing what questions to ask is also very important. I realize that with only five years of experience, what I know is only a drop in the bucket, but what I think I have gotten good at is asking the right questions.
My Offer
To a hiring manager, I believe my unique selling proposition is that I understand technology and how programmers go about solving problems, I can analyse data and know how it should be structured, I have strong written communication skills, work well in a team, I am analytical, and can make Microsoft Office do pretty much anything. Working for Adecco on the Olympic staffing project as the Administration Specialist has taught me I enjoy being pushed to do things I have not done before, and proving that there was no reason for me to think I could not do them.
My Future
Myself, I want to be in an organization with lots of opportunity to learn from more experienced people and grow my talents and career. I want to stay busy. I want to work on a number of different projects. I believe the best way for me to do that is to find a job supporting a great team of people, and to use my current skills to be as helpful as possible.
I Want To Hear From You
If you are looking for somebody with strong computer skills, an analytical mind, and good organizational skills, please contact me. An updated copy of my resume can be found on my LinkedIn page, or by contacting me.
