Education
Graduate of the University of Sussex in July 2007
A Bachelor of Arts in Artificial Intelligence at 2(ii) standard.
I have developed a range of skills on the degree programme, including:
Programming and software development: in a variety of languages included Java and Matlab.
Technical communication skills: I can to clearly communicate complex ideas through written technical documentation, verbal communication and presentation.
Studies in ethics/professional attitudes: these have impressed upon me the importance of a professional, considerate and methodical approach to software engineering and system design.
Cognitive Sciences: the less technical, more philosophical courses encourage my ability to think and argue clearly, consider different perspectives, and keep an open mind.
Qualifications
A Level June '03
English Literature A
History B
Physics C
AS Level June '02
Maths C
GCSE June '01
10 subjects A* - C
Skills
I have a wide range of computer skills in typing, Office applications, data analysis, repair, maintenance, development and online activities.
I have a good telephone manner and range of experience with customers over the phone I pride myself on patience and good manners, vital skills for both colleagues and customers.
I have been described as an 'out of the box' thinker by my teachers, an ability which I believe makes me respected among my peers. This is something I am particularly proud of. I frequently approach problems from angles which other people do not think of, and can adapt my thought to consider fresh perspectives on problems. Using this ability, I can be a great asset when working with a group of people.
I have developed the skills of taking initiative, leading and organising myself when the situation calls for it, and finding good uses for my time. A particular skill of warehouse work.
I consider myself to be a good communicator, and can comfortably work in a group of people. I can show leadership qualities through initiative when required, or work to a set task.
I have always maintained a professional attitude to my work, and complete my tasks to the highest level that time and my ability will allow. I do not believe on compromising on quality I am articulate in both face-to-face and written communication, able to think on my feet and work well under pressure.
Previous Experience
AIG Life
+admin +processing +teamwork
My duties with AIG were been varied, focusing on administration duties. Letter writing, filing, data entry and processing were my core duties. I worked in a small office in a temporary capacity, helping out with a backlog of work. The office was quite disorganised, thus AIG frequently asked questions of my problem solving skills. I regularly had to think on my feet and use my own initiative in an environment where textbook processing rarely applied, and broker/customer correspondence constantly introduced new difficulties, demands and queries.
Lloyds TSB Bank PLC
+customer service +call centre
For several months I have been a customer service advisor at Lloyds TSB. In this role I have dealt with customers over the telephone, discussing customers finances with discretion and humility, and explaining larger bank strategies. Specifically, I worked on a temporary helpline to help set up a new credit card. A high pressure call centre which often dealt with sensitive issues, Lloyds frequently called on my initiative and investigative skills to help deal with difficult or obscure problems. It also frequently required me to take responsibility for ongoing issues and customer concerns.
Futuremedia
+technical support +call centre
I spent a valuable amount of time in a technical support call centre, providing assistance and support primarily to novice home users. This was a great opportunity for me to develop my own computer skills, and work in a challenging, problem-solving environment. The nature of computers means that most problems have an unknown element: requiring quick-thinking, improvisation, and rapid research skills to complete calls successfully.
Vacation Work
+warehouse
Throughout school holidays and university breaks, I have regularly worked in several warehouses and restaurants. I am not, and have never been, adverse to hard work, and I have always worked hard to earn my wage. Holiday work like this has been valuable character building exercise for me.
Interests
Writing has long been a love of mine, and I like to keep my mind sharp and active by working on various writing projects.
I have a passion for computer games – particularly PC games, which tend to be sophisticated technically and intellectually. I take a great interest in the environments and fictions which games can present, and enjoy the interactive medium of storytelling.
I enjoy creating my own fictions, creating engaging levels for games such as Half-Life, and designing games of my own – designs which I would like one day to realise I am a member of various online communities, which allow me to develop my knowledge of the internet, web design, and keep me aware of technology changes; as well as testing skills in a variety of software packages.
I have a keen interest in walking and exploring the countryside. It is always nice to find new places – whether on foot or by car – and discover some of the hidden charms of local areas. I recently spent a week camping and hiking in the Lake District, and plan to travel the world (when I get some money together)
Music is a great joy of mine. I'm currently learning to play guitar, but my real love lies in watching live music performance.
