Christie, Software Developer

What are your primary responsibilities?
My primary responsibilities involve developing improvements and additions to airG’s WAP sites and our internal web tools.

What languages/tools/resources do you use to accomplish these tasks?
I primarily use Perl, but I also get to work with PHP and a bit of C++. My job involves a lot of work with XHTML and some WML as well. All of the software I develop runs on Apache and so I work with Linux on a daily basis. Many projects also involve database design work and interaction with MySQL.

What is a ‘typical’ day like for you?
I spend the bulk of each work day working on whatever my current project is at the time, which involves not only development work, but also coordinating efforts across various teams. Some of my time goes into maintaining projects I’ve work on in the past, or interacting with QA to resolve issues with whatever project I finished last. I have opportunities each day to put some time into my own ideas, such as improving documentation and discussing design suggestions. Some days, I am also able to ramp up new team members on our platform and mentor them as they become acquainted with it.

How did you find out about your position?
Some airG representatives came to visit the BCIT Open House and I was able to demo several of my past projects to them.

What was the interview process like?
My interview basically consisted of three stages. The first stage was a discussion with HR about the company atmosphere and vision. The next stage was a meeting with several managers in which we discussed everything from my school experiences, to how I got into programming, to painting. The last stage was a test that was approximately one hour long that touched briefly on a wide range of programming topics, all of which were related to the work I now do on a daily basis.

What do you like to do for fun outside of work?
Outside of work I like to paint and draw, struggle through hot yoga, play some casual sports with people from work (e.g. soccer, ultimate, etc.), hang out with friends, watch movies and read books.

What I like most about my job.
I like the freedom and encouragement to speak my mind and that my ideas are valued and listened to. Everyone at airG is very easy to approach and get along with, and a lot of fun to be around. We get along so well that a lot of us end up getting together outside of work to play games, hang out, etc.