Christopher Spencer

As a Software Developer, I have a passion for creating innovative applications with high readability that tell a larger story. As a Consultant Intern, I’m honing my consulting skills as part of an internship with a startup called Olive & Coop. As a 2023 Tech Elevator alumni (a Java Web Application Development Coding Bootcamp), I have the skillset, natural curiosity, and adaptability to approach any Full Stack Development project head on with confidence.

I also have 15+ years of experience as a Freelance Writer and a Contractor. As a writer, I honed my ability to craft compelling narratives, as well as research, edit and refactor content. I view programming as the natural progression of my writing career–what’s cooler than gaining the super power to actively create working models of the syntax that you’re writing? Besides, I love proofreading, and code loves being proofread.

I've also completed over 150 projects as a contractor–designing projects with clients, training and mentoring new hires, and ensuring client satisfaction through open communication. To me, creation and communication is foundational, and a big part of why I’m so passionate about making my way into tech as both a Consultant and Software Developer.


Technical Skills

Programming Languages & Tools
  • Java
  • JavaScript
  • TypeScript
  • C#/.NET
  • LINQ
  • ASP.NET Web API
  • Razor Pages
  • ADO.NET
  • PHP
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • Vue.js
  • React.js
  • Figma
  • Spring Boot
  • Maven
  • PostgreSQL
  • Responsive Design
  • IntelliJ
  • Postman
  • Visual Studio Code
  • JUnit (Unit Testing)
  • Integration Testing
  • E/R Diagrams
  • Git
  • GitHub
  • GitLab
  • MongoDB
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Cloud Computing
  • Linux / Ubuntu
  • Open Source Contributions
  • Agile/Scrum Methodologies
  • Nx
  • Nx Generators
  • Technical Documentation
  • Story Documentation

Side Projects

Something Fishy Application:


• A text-based fishing game application in development (utilizing TypeScript), the goal of which is to work in a mentorship-lead simulation of a professional work environment.

• Focused on infrastructure (Nx Monorepos), documentation (GitHub Wiki), and automation (Nx Generators), as well as working via development stories and utilizing GitHub Project boards, git branching, pull requests, and code reviews.

(Tools: TypeScript, Nx, Nx Generators, CLI, Visual Studio Code, Git, GitHub, Technical Documentation)

Dev Portfolio:


• A full-stack C#/.NET application, utilizing an MVC pattern on the backend with ASP.NET Web API and ADO.NET, to dynamically access data in the PostgreSQL database based on user selection.

• A Dev Portfolio builder, with plans for users to be able to add and modify Portfolios, Side Projects, and Blog Posts.

(Tools: C#/.NET, ASP.NET Web API, ADO.NET, Postman, Visual Studio Code, Unit Testing, Integration Testing, PostgreSQL, MVC, DAO, REST APIs, Git)

City Tour Website:


• A full-stack application created with Agile/Scrum Methodologies, featuring a GUI (Graphical User Interface) built via Vue.js, which dynamically accesses/modifies information in the PostgreSQL database based on user selection.

• A user can create an itinerary for a trip, plan routes, browse locations, see those locations dynamically pinned to their personal itinerary map (accessed via a Google Maps API) and upload vacation photos (accessed via a Cloudinary API).

(Tools: Java, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Vue.js, IntelliJ, Postman, Visual Studio Code, MVC, DAO, Spring Boot, JUnit (Unit Testing), Integration Testing, REST APIs, Git, PostgreSQL)

Cartoonism Web Application:


• A full-stack Java application, featuring JavaScript via Vue.js on the front end, RESTful APIs, and a PostgreSQL database.

• Currently showcases dynamic blog posting capabilities, with plans designed for a variety of dynamic features, such as building and modifying comics architecture, creating your own characters, and interacting with a cartoon chatbot.

(Tools: Java, JavaScript, CSS, HTML, Vue.js, IntelliJ, Postman, Visual Studio Code, Git, JUnit (Unit Testing), Integration Testing, Spring Boot, PostgreSQL, MVC, DAO, REST APIs)

Candy Store Cash Register:


• Created a command line interface that kept track of the customer’s balance, the store’s inventory and cash register sales.

• Utilized pair programming and Object-Oriented Programming via Java, Git, IntelliJ, file I/O, and Unit Testing.

(Tools: Java, Git, IntelliJ, File I/O, JUnit)

Choose Your Adventure Framework:


• Applies OOP principles (Polymorphism, Encapsulation, and Inheritance) to construct a Java-based, interactive game.

• The framework features randomly generated games, such as Battleship, TicTacToe, and Hangman, based on user input.

(Tools: Java, IntelliJ, JUnit (Unit Testing), Object Oriented Programming, Git)

Money Transfer Application:


• A Client/Server CLI application that utilizes Model View Controller and Data Access Object design patterns to connect to a local server and access a local database.

• Built end to end to view all users on the application, track signed-in users' transfer history (both sent and received transfers) as well as the ability to display a single transaction by a Transaction ID.

(Tools: Java, Spring Boot, JUnit (Unit Testing), IntelliJ, Postman, MVC, DAO, PostgreSQL, REST APIs, Git)


Experience

Consultant Intern

Olive & Coop

• Partnered with clients to plan and design upcoming website sprints, providing expertise, guidance and feedback

• Authored detailed Story Documentation and designed web frames using Figma to illustrate user stories

• Leveraged GoHighLevel to build new web pages, create links, and implement client updates efficiently

• Produced Sprint demo videos to present website updates, ensuring client approval before feature deployment

May 2024 - Present

Contractor

Architectural Remodeling

• Revised and proofread company emails, leading to a 25% decrease in grammatical errors, infusing enhanced, positively-reinforced rhetoric, and clear, persuasive correspondence

• Mentored, trained, and guided successfully recruited hires, resulting in 15% improvement to team productivity

• Collaborated with clients to conceptualize project designs and efficiently managed teams of 3-5 professionals, ensuring both client satisfaction and that project completion aligned with established deadlines

• Facilitated effective communication between clients, management, and workforce, adeptly assessing needs and ensuring customer satisfaction for 150+ client projects

• Oversaw business transactions worth $100,000+ via transferring checks and purchasing job site materials

August 2011 - May 2023

Writer

(Freelance Writer)

• Demonstrated daily application of creative thinking and problem-solving skills through writing, research, editing, and proofreading, consistently striving for improvement by refactoring and redrafting works and revising syntax

• Actively participated in monthly critique group sessions for over 7+ years, engaging in proofreading, constructive discussions, and providing valuable creative and structural feedback for peers' works

• Recognized as a finalist for the 2011 and 2014 Dana Award for short fiction, the 2015 American Short Fiction contest, the 2015 Mark Twain House contest, and the 2019 PRISM International Short Fiction contest

• Contributed published works to established literary platforms, with stories prominently featured in publications such as The Gettysburg Review, Woodwasp, and TulipTree Publishing's anthology, Stories That Need to Be Told 2016

August 2007 - May 2023

Illustrator/Cartoonist

(Freelance Cartoonist)

• Enhanced design, layout and architectural skills by composing and arranging panels with an emphasis on detail and a focus on the aesthetic of the finished product

• Designed and created commissioned artworks for clients based on collaborative conversations to assess and determine their overall vision for final drafts

• Coordinated with artists, cartoonists and writers to ensure drafted designs and blueprints matched the thematic and artistic objectives of each individual project

• Contributed comics, illustrations and artwork to literary and indie zine publications such as Tributary Reader and Dream Dialogue

December 2019 - May 2023

Assistant Contractor

Architectural Remodeling

• Orchestrated job listings through Facebook/Indeed every 3-6 months, crafting content to attract top-tier candidates

• Cultivated skill sets such as communication, problem solving, and critical thinking on a daily basis through spirited observation, proactive inquiry, and commitment to growth

• Inspired culture of team collaboration by integrating 2-3 person paired mentorship projects

• Organized and restructured company vehicles, job sites, workshop and office, preserving 4+ hours per week for the advancement of business interests

August 2008 - August 2011

Education

Tech Elevator

Java Web Application Development Bootcamp
A full-stack Java coding bootcamp to learn how to develop dynamic web-based software systems using the Java programming language and platform with 800+ hours of lecture and application including:

• Object-Oriented Programming: Java

• Web Application Development: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Spring Boot, Vue.js

• Database Programming: JDBC, Table Design, SQL, PostgreSQL, E/R diagrams

• Development Tools and Techniques: Agile, Unit Testing (JUnit), Integration Testing, Git, IntelliJ
May 2023 - August 2023

The Ohio State University

B.A. in English

• GPA: 3.55

• Dean's List for 8 terms

August 2007 - December 2011

Certifications & Credentials

  • Learn TypeScript Course, Codecademy - May 2024
  • Figma Essential Training: The Basics, LinkedIn Learning - May 2024
  • Create a Front-End App with React Skill Path, Codecademy - March 2024
  • Build Web Apps with ASP.NET Skill Path, Codecademy - February 2024
  • AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Amazon Web Services (AWS) - December 2023
  • Introduction to Linux Course, Codecademy - November 2023
  • Introduction to Open Source Course, Codecademy - November 2023
  • Introduction to MongoDB, MongoDb - October 2023
  • Introduction to DevOps Course, Codecademy - October 2023
  • AWS Knowledge: Cloud Essentials, Amazon Web Services - September 2023
  • Learn C# Course, Codecademy - September 2023
  • Learn PHP Skill Path, Codecademy - September 2023

Volunteering

OhioX - Ohio Tech Summit

Vendor Assistant

• Coordinated with vendors and sponsors, serving as a primary point of contact for addressing issues, concerns, and requests for assistance

• Provided detailed information, directions, and guidance concerning scheduled events

• Ensured smooth operation and logistics by facilitating communication between event organizers, vendors, and attendees

May 2024

Stir Trek Conference, Inc.

Volunteer Staff

• Oversaw technical and logistical aspects as a session proctor, checking for technical issues and room overflow, monitoring attendee count, assisting speakers with Q&A by monitoring and relaying Discord messages, and adhering to time constraints between sessions by utilizing time cards

• Contributed to the swift transformation of the AMC Theater into a fully functional conference center for Stir Trek, achieving full setup within a 1.5 hour timeframe

May 2024

CodeMash Conference

Volunteer Staff

• Oversaw technical and logistical aspects as a session proctor, conducting soundchecks, resolving technical issues pre-session, monitoring attendee count, and ensuring sessions adhered to the schedule to maintain smooth and timely execution of speakers' presentations and classes

• Maintained Registration and Sponsor Booths, signing in attendees, speakers, and sponsors, delivering comprehensive information and tailored suggestions, and providing directions to contribute to a well-organized and engaging conference experience

• Assisted in the rapid transformation of the conference center for CodeMash, achieving full setup and disassembly, each within a 1.5 hour timeframe

January 2024

getWitIt Columbus - WitCon

Volunteer

• "getWITit aspires to cultivate local community engagement so that women can sustain, excel, and advance in technology careers."

September 2023