About Me hCard
I'm currently a student in my third year of Computer Science (BSc Hons) at the University of Nottingham; due to graduate in the summer of 2012.
Ben Jenkinson
Curriculum Vitae
Skills
I am fluent in both XHTML & CSS and I have a working knowledge of the latest HTML5. I can also write object-orientated Java and PHP using MySQL databases.
In addition, I'm currently teaching myself to use the Django framework and I have had some past experience writing XML & XSLT for the Symphony CMS.
On my work placement I am using Microsoft's ASP.NET framework with C#.
I can use Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and all the other usual applications.
Work Experience
I spent my secondary school years at Brooke Weston City Technology College, a school that actively encouraged the use of IT in every possible area; because of this, I achieved a GNVQ Distinction in ICT two years earlier than the national average.
I attended a two-week work placement at East Northamptonshire County Council in their IT department. Duties involved solving any IT related problem that arose, managing several hundred workstations across the entire building. While I was there, part of my time was spent creating a proposal for a visual redesign of their intranet, used for public announcements and file-sharing.
In my last year of 6th Form (2005), I designed and produced the school Yearbook. This involved everything from collecting student commentary & photos, designing the layout of each page, type-setting and proof-reading and then liaising with the printers by phone. The experience taught me about planning and meeting deadlines. Over 100 copies of the book were sold and I feel very proud of the finished product.
As a freelance web developer, I worked with a friend to design and create many websites, including one for a solicitor's practice and one for the local Scout Gang Show. I taught myself to write the valid XHTML & CSS required.
Year In Industry
In the last year (Sept. 2010-2011) I took part in the Year in Industry; working as a ASP.NET/C# Software Developer at Microlise in Nottingham.
Education
University Modules from University of Nottingham (2008-present)
As a second-year student on my degree, I've taken many different modules, covering computer architecture, development and mathematical theory. For the full list of my modules, visit my reference site.
4 A-Levels from Brooke Weston City Technology College (2006-2008)
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics
10 GCSEs from Brooke Weston City Technology College (2001-2006)
- Maths
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Art: Graphics
- English Language
- English Literature
- Media Studies
- Design & Technology
- Geography
I also possess a Distinction level GNVQ qualification in ICT, which is equivalent to 4 GCSEs at grades A* to C, alongside 10 UCAS points from an Open University module on Astrophysics, and an introductory course to Mandarin Chinese.
Positions of Responsibility
In my last year of 6th form, I held full responsibility for designing & producing the school yearbook.
For my first year of University, I held the position of Welfare Officer for my Hall. This involved being available at all hours as a contact if students needed help or support and publicising official university campaigns e.g. for safe-drinking and crime-prevention.
In my second year of university, one entire module is devoted to a large software group project. I was the leader of my group writing a visualisation tool for a choice hyper-heuristic program. This improved my skills in Java, group-management and time-planning.
Portfolio
Designer & Developer at NUTSonline.org (2010 onwards)
From 2010, I have been the sole developer of the website for Nottingham University Television Station (NUTS). As a Student-Run Service of the University, NUTS provide original drama, entertainment shows and live coverage of important University events. I built the entire site in PHP to allow live streaming and an archive of their past shows.
NaSTA Awards & Conference 2012 Design & Development (2012)
NUTSonline.org Website Design & Development (2010)
Designer & Developer at Soul-Scape.com (2002 onwards)
For the past 8 years, I have been working as the designer for multiple sites & complex web applications from under the Soul-Scape.com domain. Projects have ranged from text-based MORPGs, content portals for Flash games, forums, blogs and a couple of proprietary CMSs to power them. I've made websites to advertise bands, solicitors and gaming guilds, each of which was carefully designed around their needs.
Soul-Scape.com Design, XHTML, CSS & CMS (2002 onwards)
Garners Solicitors Design, XHTML & CSS (2008)
Certificate for Chinese Course Print Design (2008)
World of Warcraft Guild Forum Design, XHTML & CSS (2008)
World of Warcraft Raid Tracker Design, XHTML & CSS (2008)
Coconut CMS Design, XHTML & CSS (2007)
Morbid-Martian Design, XHTML, CSS & CMS using XSLT (2007)
EUNICE Design Concept (2006)
Celeste Template for Shopify e-Commerce System (2006)
Silverlode Design (2005)
Oblivion Knights Design (2005)
Conquest MORPG Design (2005)
Career Plans
I am always enthusiastic about expanding my knowledge and I look forward to the experience of working for an established company. I've come to realise that the worlds of academia and the workplace are extremely different, and I am eager to work on more practical projects. I've got a wide understanding of many different computing fields, and I'm always enthusiastic and eager to learn.
I have a passion for design, and I take great satisfaction in designing effective and attractive user interfaces for software and websites; interfaces that improve the user experience and make their tasks easier.
Get in touch
I'm currently available for any small-scale web or design work throughout the Summer months. If you'd like me to work for you, please do get in touch.