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About Me

I'm 23 years old and live in Renfrew, Scotland. I graduated from Paisley University (now University of West of Scotland) in July 2007 with a 2:1 Honours degree in BSc Computer Games Technology, a degree which focuses on the development of modern games for PC and consoles using a variety of programming languages and 2d and 3d technologies. Being at university helped me to develop and improve my ability to work under pressure and to work towards deadlines, and also gave me experience of working in a team to complete projects.

The personal qualities I possess of perseverance, determination and willingness to learn have helped me to improve the various skills which are essential for a job in the games industry. Programming was a major feature of my degree, and I feel that in various projects that I have undertaken, both individually and as part of a group, I have been able to use these qualities to improve my programming skills. During my Honour’s year I also developed thorough research skills, which enables me to read about a subject in depth and so quickly learn about new developments in a particular field, analysing it in detail.

Hobbies

  • Going to and watching football
  • Computer games
  • Surfing the Internet
  • Reading
  • Watching TV
  • Listening to music
  • Socialising with my mates, going out clubbing at the weekends

Brief list of skills

Experience in using many software packages, including:

  • Microsoft Office (covered Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint in Higher Administration)
  • Using Microsoft Access I have gained experience of creating databases using SQL
  • C++ (including some DirectX, and a lot of experience of 3d graphics programming using OpenGL), Actionscript 3.0, Java and DarkBASIC programming languages
  • Some experience of programming for games consoles, using PS2 Linux kits
  • Lightwave, Adobe Flash CS3 and Xara X (different animation packages)
  • Cool Edit Pro and Paint Shop Pro (sound and drawing packages respectively)

Interests and Activities

  • I take a great interest in the world of computer games (and I always have done). I regularly play PC and console games of various genres and read games magazines. I also enjoy trying to create games in my spare time using my programming skills and although it is challenging, it is very rewarding when you finally get a game up and running.
  • I enjoy trying to learn new things and am not afraid to try things out for myself and this has helped me to learn quicker. Therefore, my willingness to learn has been a prominent factor in helping me to achieve good grades in exams and in helping my skills to improve. In all aspects of my work I do not give up easily when circumstances are against me so in this area I have to show strong determination.
  • I have had experience of and enjoy working in groups to complete many projects. These experiences helped me to learn to collaborate with others to discuss tasks which have to be completed and to undertake set tasks in the required time, and it has helped to develop my team working skills. My work as part of a group in the Computer Games Project module in particular gave me valuable experience in games development.
  • Since leaving university I have showed initiative and commitment to improving and maintaining my skills whilst I search for a job. I worked independently in Second Life, building and scripting many objects, indeed I did some freelance work for the University where I worked on creating a virtual version of the Student’s Union. I have also been working hard to improve some of the games which I created at university, I have created my own website to show my portfolio to potential employers, and I have also learnt how to program in Flash with Actionscript 3.0 from scratch, entirely on my own and have created demos to show what I have learnt.
  • I was on the committee for the new Children’s Hospice in Balloch when it was being built, which meant that I helped to come up with ideas as to what could be added to it, so in this respect I take on responsibility and have to be innovative with my ideas. I have also prepared and undertaken a couple of presentations for the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), including one at Hampden in front of almost 200 people. I feel that this shows I have the commitment and desire to get things done, and also the confidence to talk about a subject in detail in front of a large audience.