Hi, I'm Carly
I worked as an engineer for several years designing complex mechanical systems but decided to change career track and jump into software development. As such, I may be new to development, but bring with me enthusiasm, energy, and an arsenal of quality tools honed over years working as an engineering consultant.
Many of the skills required to successfully deliver engineering projects are equally valuable in software. I have a proven track record of successful project delivery, including elements of scope definition, budget preparation and program management; critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork; communication and focus on customer outcomes and experience, while maintaining best practice.
Similarly to software development, engineering involves open-ended challenges in a new or existing environment, which use modular building blocks to compose complex systems. These systems then interface with other disciplines and programs to create a smooth and cohesive end product.
I am always thrilled to find and learn new programs that will help me improve efficiency and effectiveness. Previously, these included AutoCAD, Revit, Camel, BlueBeam, and the full Microsoft Office Suite; now I spend my time dabbling in Sketch, Xcode, Visual Studio Code, Atom, Microsoft SQL Server, and the Chrome developer tools.
I enjoy creating simple, elegant solutions to challenging problems and delivering excellence for both the short and long term. I love automation, testing and continuous improvement.
What I can do for you
Project Management
Proven Leadership and Teamwork
Collaborate for high performance and successful project delivery.
Problem solving
Critical Thinking and Attention to Detail
Operate with an open mind and a scientific approach.
Frontend Web Development
HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, Javascript, jQuery, React.js and GitHub
Represent people, products and personalities with smooth user interactions.
Backend Web Development
Node.js, Express.js, RESTful APIs, authentication and security, SQL and NoSQL databases
Compose clean queries for backend development and connection.
iOS App Development
Programming in Swift
Create sleek and satisfying applications that make your eyes smile.
Android App Development
C#, XAML and Xamarin Forms
Develop elegant solutions to meet any brief.
Here's what I have already done
The Notepad app allows you to add and delete notes.
This is one of my first React apps and is where I learnt about file structure, Components, props, hooks (useState), and debugging with the Chrome developer tools.
My next step will be to add a login feature with authentication, so users can save their lists and persist data after the page is refreshed.
See sample code on CodeSandbox.
I started building this website to learn about web development, but got carried away too early and built it with BootStrap!
Nevertheless, you can see through this code my web development journey. Beginning with a static page of pure HTML and CSS, I then added in some vanilla JavaScript, jQuery, BootStrap, and am now looking to test myself with other frameworks.
Stay tuned, as I will continue to use this page as a springboard to build up new skills.
See sample code on GitHub.
The Make10 app is a game in which the user is presented with 4 random numbers with which to make the number 10.
This was one of my first projects undertaken in Swift. Features include: a timer to record the time taken to complete the challenge, a random number generator, an option for custom number input, an option to pause the game (this will hide the current game screen), 8 different operators and parentheses to manipulate the numbers, a 'Clear' button to remove all operators, a 'Check' button to check your answer, and persistence of data to track game statistics such as total number of games, best time and longest streak.
Beyond this, I learnt about OOP, MVC, autolayout, gesture recognisers, and external libraries, which are highly transferrable concepts for use on many different platforms.
See sample code on GitHub.
The ExerciseWeather app provides short, high intensity workouts, based on a built-in library of exercises. When the user opens the app, it also fetches the weather data from a web service API and prompts the user to go outside if the weather is nice.
It tracks the total number of workouts, current daily streak, and longest daily streak of the user, and saves them to a local SQL database.
The user is presented with a short, high intensity workout of randomly chosen exercises that they can start, stop, skip or reset, as well as local weather data.
Customisable settings include: location (city), exercise duration, rest duration, number of exercises to complete, and optional night mode.
For this project, new concepts included RESTful APIs, the MVVM design pattern, unit testing and SQLite local storage.
See sample code on GitHub.Formal qualifications
2020-2021
Certificate IV in Programming
For the past year, I have had the luxury of staying home with my 2 young childen while completing my Certificate IV in computer programming.
In doing so, I pushed the limits of my skills in multi-tasking, time management, creative problem solving and communication. I also discovered the minimum amount of sleep that is required to function in a day.
2017-2020
Design and Project Engineer
As part of the Scentre Group design team, I worked on and led numerous small scale projects in existing retail centres, where understanding the detail of existing systems and interfaces was critical to the project's success.
I also reviewed designs for new centres and large-scale redevelopments, where it was more important to take a step back and focus on big picture planning.
2014-2017
Mechanical Engineer
Working for Beca, I completed a range of assignments including internal multidisciplinary work package management, on-site performance testing, and documentation preparation and review.
This gave me the opportunity to learn a specific engineering discipline (HVAC design), but also meet clients, attend project briefings and learn to coordinate with other disciplines.
2011-2013
Engineering Scholar
I enjoyed 2 years in rail signalling at RailCorp, working on electrical diagrams, construction documentation and safety on site, while researching and documenting my final year thesis.
This was my first experience working on site and gave me a fascinating view into the dynamics of engineering and construction teams.
2009-2010
International Study Exchange and Work Placement
I completed an international exchange in Milan, Italy. During this time, I learnt a lot about different cultures and their approach to work and study.
While there, I also completed a 3 month internship at the main head quarters of Roland Europe, where they developed a digital accordion from idea through to design, manufacture, testing, packing, and shipping. This was my first foray into the practical side of engineering.
2008-2013
Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Commerce
I completed both my degrees at the University of New South Wales, with majors in Mechanical Engineering and Finance.
Here, I learnt to read a works brief, brain-storm solutions, work with a team to develop an idea, and communicate that idea to others. Although I ran the gauntlet of mathematics, physics, ethics and design, I believe the most valuable lesson I learnt was how to think critically when presented with a problem.
What next?
I must admit, I have a gentle obsession with learning new things.
In parallel with my 'official' studies, I have completed a number of programming courses on Udemy to help deepen my understanding of various topics, including OOP, web development, mobile app development in C# and Swift, clean coding and Unit Testing. For the most part, I must give huge thanks to Dr Angela Yu (The App Brewery) and Mosh Hamedani (Code with Mosh) for their great teaching styles.
Next on my list to complete include: more advanced css, javascript and node.js concepts, unit testing with node.js, React Redux and TypeScript, algorithms and data structures. I'll also be working to integrate the concepts I've learnt into some fun new apps to share.