The Matrix (of Professional Development Excellence)

November 21, 2022 / / No Comments

I am constantly espousing the importance of professional development and keeping up with engineering best practices. It’s a necessity if you want to stay relevant, marketable, and sharp in the world of software engineering. (It can also be hard AF, especially when there are other demands in your life. I’m looking 👀 at you two rugrats running around my house.) Recently, I’ve felt like I’ve needed more structure to my approach, so I’m unveiling The Matrix (of Professional Development Excellence)!

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Version 2.0

Portfolio 2.0

March 18, 2021 / / No Comments

About six years ago, this blog served as a voice for my growth into a full-stack engineer. It was a candid picture of what I did on my own, and professionally, on the way to becoming a senior engineer. Two years ago it went silent. Not because the learning came to an end, but because I was fully engrossed in a position I loved. Although I am still happily employed, my love of learning hasn’t stopped. So, I have decided to dust this off, along with a revamped portfolio, to demonstrate what I’ve learned in this time away, and what I plan to do next. Opportunities for growth and learning never end. You just have to be open and motivated to do the work.

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A pile of my pseudo-code papers.

Pen & Paper Development

January 25, 2019 / / No Comments

One of the first tips I give developers just starting out is not to code first. Some already get it and others give me the stink eye, at least until they hear the rationale.

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PHP Architect Feb 2018

PHP Architect – Feb 2018 Issue

February 7, 2018 / / No Comments

As part of my process to keep my professional development razor sharp, I’m making it a point to read more. A great resource is php[architect], the definitive publication for modern PHP developers. It’s something I have been meaning to read more consistently, and after having read the latest issue (February 2018 at the time of this writing), I’m planning on reading past issues as well. Read More

Book Review: The Pragmatic Programmer

January 10, 2018 / / No Comments

In an effort to make myself the best developer possible, I have been reading the classics in the programmer’s cannon. These are the books you are assigned as homework on your way to a computer science degree. This month I read “The Pragmatic Programmer: From Journeyman to Master” by Andrew Hunt and David Thomas. It was nothing short of fantastic, and truly a book that I can see myself constantly referring back to in my career. Read More

Having A Job That Helps Your Career

January 30, 2017 / / No Comments

At the beginning of the year I quietly changed jobs. It was a tough decision because I was only 6 months into my job at the time, but for a variety of reasons it wasn’t the right fit. I’m now one month into my current position and couldn’t be happier. Read More

Illustration of hands balancing a bunch of tasks, time, tools, etc...

Code for the Holidays!

November 29, 2016 / / No Comments

In technology, you can never write too little code. It’s good to try new things and/or keep old skills sharp. So, as we enter another holiday season, I present to you my gift of code to the world! Read More

Eating Your Own Dog Food

August 1, 2016 / / No Comments

While planning out the next steps for my fitness app, the question crossed my mind, “should I use my own API to actually power the backend of my app?” After a little research, that is where I learned the pros and cons of “eating your own dog food.” Gotta love how technology professionals communicate.

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