PGDip Information Technology (With Web Technologies)
University of Paisley (Graduated 2000)

This course gave me an excellent broad range of I.T. skills. Each of the modules I studied is listed below along with the respective software packages, methodologies and languages used:

- Software Development (Visual Basic, Object Orientated)
- Fundamentals of Database Systems (RDBMS, Access & SQL)
- Systems Analysis (SSADM)
- Business Information Technology
- Web Development (HTML, ECMA-Script / Java Script & ASP) - view portfolio
- Networking Principles and Strategy
- International Technology Management
- Multimedia Systems (Director, Photoshop, Premier & Paint Shop Pro)


BSc Land Economics 
University of Paisley (Graduated 1993)

This involved the study of the following core subjects:

- Law
- Economics
- Valuation
- Town Planning
- Building

I also gained some experience using C.A.D. applications and MS-DOS.

Recent Work Experience and Further Study:

I have gained MCP qualifications in Windows NT Server 4 and NT Workstation. I feel these complement the skills gained during my PgDip as they can also be applied to other operating systems and networking in general.

I have had various temporary positions including testing for Scotsman.com and working on the recent Internet based art installation in the Clyde Cycle Tunnel.

As part of the Scottish Enterprise Graduate into Business scheme I attended a weeklong "Challenger" training course run by David Clark Associates. The aim of this course was to introduce graduates to modern business practices and some of the issues affecting small to medium enterprises such as: marketing, teambuilding, project management, finance, creative thinking and problem solving.

Previous Employment:

Full list of employment history since graduation.


Freelance Web Design/Development

I am currently working on an intranet/web project for an NHS Co-operative - view portfolio.


Greater Easterhouse Pathfinder - Web Developer

I was involved with the building of a large community website as part of an initiative involving public sector agencies and community groups in Glasgow. Initially this was developed for touch screen kiosks but has also be adapted for the web. As a result of the touch screen site I was also asked to develop a web site for the Greater Easterhouse Partnership- view portfolio.


FOPP Records - Buyer

FOPP is a well-respected independent chain of specialist music retailers in Scotland and England. I was involved in the buying of a large amount of stock on a daily basis. My aim was to maximise sales whilst keeping the stock to sales ratio at optimum level, which involved the analysis of current market forces and the prediction of future trends.

I have since worked for FOPP in Glasgow and Edinburgh on a part-time basis whilst studying.


HMV Music - Christmas Temporary Assistant

I was taken on along with 25 or so other people over Christmas. At the end of the festive period I was the only person to be offered a full-time contract.


Royal Mail Property Holdings - Assistant Estates Surveyor

This was the placement year of my first-degree course. I was involved in the management of the Royal Mail's extensive property portfolio in Scotland. My duties included buying, selling and leasing properties and their general day-to-day management. This involved negotiating contracts, liaising with solicitors, architects, building surveyors and other professionals in all maters relating to the properties.

Personal Interests:

I love travelling and have spent more than two years working and travelling overseas. In 1997 I left the U.K with £500 and managed to work and travel my way through Asia and Australia for 18 months. During this time I developed new interests in photography and Asian culture. My travels have also taken me through Europe and North America. I have always managed to pick up some sort of work on the way.

Although my desire to travel is in no way satisfied, I will be happy to leave the casual labour and shoestring budgets behind.

I am an avid fan of all music and a compulsive collector of vinyl records especially jazz, blues and soul from the 60's and 70's.

I love all sports especially squash, golf and ski-ing and am hoping to take up snowboarding this winter.

I have a clean driving licence and a basic knowledge of French and I am currently learning Spanish at nightclasses. 

If necessary I will consider relocation within the U.K. or further afield.

Contact details for two recent work referees can be supplied upon request.
 
The two links below will open up two older work references. 

Reference 1: Peter Ellen - Managing Director FOPP
Reference 2: Paul Turnbull - Product Director FOPP

Personal referees can also be supplied upon request.