About me
A short introduction about myself
Alan Colquhoun
Web Designer & Developer from Vancouver
I have been designing websites since 2011. By September of that year, I had entrolled in BCIT's Web Technologies program and achieved a GPA of 87%. Examples of my work can be found in my portfolio (2011-2015). Since then, I have achieved over 90% in many of my courses in the Applied Web Development program. I have an interest in Web technologies such as JavaScript and wish to learn as much as I can about Front-End Development.
From 2016-2017, I worked for SAP Canada. Included in my resume are two references I received upon completion of my contract. I was part of their Partner Relations Management team. Working on another team is a goal I wiah to attain as running one's own sole propetorship has it's drawbacks. I know where my strenghs and weaknesses lie, and there is much that I can contribute. I have very strong analytical skills, as well as programming abilities.
Download Printable Resume
Technical Skills
I have achieved good results so far.
Photoshop
I have used Photoshop in both programs.
JavaScript/jQuery
I continue to expand upon my coding skills.
XML
XML for Web Development
Systems Analysis
I also took systems analysis in university.
Relational Databases
Also part of my university training
Work Experience
Application of Skills & Knowledge
Jul. 2019
ARC Web Design
Web Designer
It was my intention to return to creating websites for clients, but I found the work too solitary. Able to once again make use of HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript, I did not anticipate having to wear multiple hats and handle marketing as well. For the most part, my portfolio is as it was between 2011-2015. I have since improved upon it, but the aim is not to run a business now. I am aware of many of the chaleenges of running a business, but it can involve a lot of 16 hour days. I had clients between 2011-2015, but not all of them are in my portfolio.
Nov. 2017
SAP Canada
Junior Web Developer
Use of Agile / Scrum Methodology, JIRA and GIT repositories / Testing and troubleshooting of Apps - desktop, tablet & mobile / Front-end development with SAPUI5 / UI mock-up design with Axure and SAP BUILD / Automated testing with Worksoft. The work I did at SAP Canada is referred to in the 2 references noted at the end of my resume. I continue to improve upon my skills and this is noted in my portfolio. At SAP, I was involved in APP development snd continued that in my UX/UI Design class. The work was done in Figma. This work built upon what I did at SAP.
Nov. 2015
Website Development and Instruction
HTML5, CSS3, WordPress
I took it upon myself to teach other people computing skills, and also developed business sites with HTML5/CSS3 and WordPress. It was during this period that I learnt PHP/MySQL development. Taking on the task of developing courses for individuals on the autism spectrum, I refined my teaching skills and helped others achieve their computer-based learning objectives. Havionmg completed TESOL training and the Provincial Insructor Diploma program, I knew mauch of what was necessary to provide instruction -- and found myself back in the classroom before joining SAP.
Education
My academic background
Mar. 2020
Applied Web Development
British Columbia Institute of Technology
Starting with COMP 1850, I have built upon my skills from the Web Technologies program. I improved upon my skills and achieved over 87% in at least 6 of my courses. During parts of this program, it was a requirement to work in groups and apply skills that had been learnt. Even though it brought down my final mark, I took upon myself to manage a UX/UI development group. I tend to veer towards the business side and project management itself. But I also have programming skills that can be applied whenever necessary. One way or another, work needs to be done and my teammates were not always forthcoming in COMP 1011. Proper development often involves application of Agile Methologies -- as well as Database Development and Systems Analysis.
Jun 2013
Web Technologies
British Columbia Institute of Technology
I began developiong websites in 2011 and first learnt all the design skills I carried forward into the Applied Web Development program. The two are associated with each other -- and I continue to expand upon the skills learnt in both programs. Having taken an interest in Angular and Vue.js, I have set a personal goal to learn the advanced JavaScript skills noted at BCIT. I was once a teacher and can also learn these skills following course outlines. Taking a course does not necessarily mean that one can apply the skills. Like in my portfolio, it can be demonstrated.
Jun 1996
Bachelor's of Arts: Computer Information Systems
University of the Fraser Valley
This work is part of year 3 and 4 of my bachelor's degree. Courses included accounting, systems analysis, programming and database management. They knowledge I learnt while at UCFV would be of benefit while I was in attendance at BCIT. But alas, I learnt PHP/MySQL development on my own. I do not think courses will always help one. One must take initiative onself and learn what is required in a position BEFORE applying for it. I enjoy doing the work and have worked with PCs since I was entrolled in Computer Hardware Maintenance (advanced electronics) from 1987-88.
1992
Computer Information Systems Diploma
University of the Fraser Valley
At the time, I was enroleld in two programs. A program in electronics that I graduated in by 1993, as well as Computer Information Systems. This consituted year 1 and 2 of my bachelor's degree. I have always had an interest in technology and think that people are far more important when considering the whole picture. I have worked as a scrum master for a group that I entered SAP Canada with and have worked on my team-based work while at BCIT. To a large degree, this was missing at UCFV. When it did occur, one or more individuals often ended up doing the work. Students cannot usually get fired. Team members who do not pruduce results as expected need to be reassigned to tasks that they can complete.
Get In Touch
Please feel free to get in touch with me.