Curriculum Vitae

Date of Birth: 05/07/75 

Status: Single 

Education: 

1985-1993:      Beechwood Park Preparatory School, Markyate, Hertfordshire.

                        Awarded top external scholarship to: 

1988-1993:      Bedford School, Bedford.

                        Chairman of Philosophy Society.

                        Head of School Printing Company. 

1994-1996:      UMIST, Manchester

                        BSc(Hons) Construction Management 

[snip]ifications:

                        11 GCSE’s (5 As, 5Bs, 1D)

                        3 A-Levels (BBD) 

                        Currently studying for Microsoft Certified System Engineer 

Work Experience: 

July 2000 – June 2005 

Owner

I left my previous job to start my own business with the aim of providing a comprehensive IT service for small businesses. This requires a wide range of IT skills from myself as my client base ranges from small 1-2 PC businesses to those with over 50 PCs with servers. The business has been reasonably successful over the past five years but I haven’t been able to expand the business greatly. I was involved in a car accident last March which left me unable to work for several months, as a result of this business suffered and I decided it would be best to close down the company.  

Jan 1999 – June 2000 

Technical Manager –

Responsibilities – networking consultant, on-site maintenance department and telephone helpdesk. The company’s aim was to supply support to local businesses irrespective of which software platform they were operating on. Part of my job was to co-ordinate engineer visits for all our clients and if necessary go on-site myself to resolve problems. I was also responsible for designing and implementing networking, hardware and software solutions for new clients.

I was responsible for the IT administration and support for fifteen major clients. These companies had networks of between 10 and 60 PCs, all running NT server, some also with MS Exchange and two with Microsoft Small Business Server. I was personally responsible for developing and implementing new network solutions for several of these clients, including migrating one from a Novell/Lotus Notes to Microsoft/Exchange based network. The last major project I completed before leaving was providing a complete network overhaul and upgrade for a major client, which included linking branch offices to the head office, providing a company wide Exchange based e-mail and collaboration system, centralised file storage with automated backup plus virus protection, and a comprehensive new IT policy with roadmap for future development. 

Jan – Dec 1998

                       Manager –

Responsible for the day to day running of a small printing company, covering all aspects of a small business from accounts to hiring and firing staff. I was primarily responsible for ensuring that the business ran smoothly and profitably. Although it was a challenging and rewarding job I decided to return to the IT industry when I was offered a job at EBS. 

1996 – 1997

After University I stayed on in Manchester to run my own business, which I had started whilst I was studying. The business was mainly involved with leasing and selling PCs to students, as well as supporting local businesses. Although it proved reasonably profitable I decided to return south when offered a job at Minuteman Press. 

1993 – 1994

Technical Manager,

Responsible for the company’s technical support and returns department. At the time [snip] was the second largest mail order supplier of computer components and peripherals in the UK. I initially joined the company as a technical assistant and was made technical manager after three months. As head of the department I was in charge of three technical assistants and was responsible for pre and post sales support as well maintaining the internal company network and systems. I left the company to take up a place at University. 

Software & Hardware Experience: 

All my clients are Microsoft based so my software skills are mainly orientated around their products, especially Windows 98, 2000 & XP, Windows 2000 Server (including Active Directory) plus Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5 & 2000, Internet Information Server, SNA, SMS and SQL. The majority of my clients are running Small Business Server 2000 which means I have a great deal of experience with the core Microsoft Server products. Recently I have been upgrading clients to SBS2003 so I have been gaining experience with 2003 Server and its associated new software. Having worked with Microsoft software for the past 12 years I also have a great deal of experience with their older products going back to Windows 3.1. 

I usually design networks from scratch, preferably specifying individual workstations and servers in order to ensure reliability and compatibility. As a result I have a wide ranging knowledge of PC and networking hardware and components. 

I am experienced in installing and configuring networks for 2 or more clients. This includes setting up Active Directory, defining login scripts and group policies etc. Rather than just providing an “off the shelf” solution I like to work with the client to customise their network to suit their business as much as possible. This involves working closely with the client to establish an IT policy for their business and then providing the solution they require. Normally I like to provide a complete package for the client including training and an ongoing support/development arrangement, for example developing custom Exchange based applications.  

I have installed networks based on both BNC & CAT5 UTP cabling standards, using a variety of hubs, bridges and routers, including routers for Internet gateways and WANs. I am very familiar with TCP/IP, for planning network structure, configuring routers and DNS servers and so on. Recently I have been doing a lot of work with VPN systems to provide RAS solutions for clients, using both off the shelf hardware solutions and those built into Windows. I also advise clients on security and backup issues, from recommending anti-virus software to full security policies for networks. 

I am experienced in providing both helpdesk and on-site support for users of all Microsoft operating systems as well as the Microsoft Office Suite. I have an in-depth knowledge of many other applications as well, such as Symantec ACT!, Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Macromedia Dreamweaver and MS Frontpage. Since I started with [snip] I have always maintained an interest in the hardware side of things, regularly building PC’s for clients and myself as well as diagnosing and repairing hardware faults. 

As part of my business’ services I provide a variety of training courses from basic file management techniques to advanced Server/Exchange administration. I produce fully illustrated training manuals to go with all courses with step by step guides to the skills involved. Often I will provide a bespoke training package as part of a larger project for a client, for example when I recently installed a new file server for a client I also trained all their staff in how to use it effectively. 

As you will see from the above over the years I have acquired a wide breadth of experience and IT skills rather than specialising in any one particular area. However I consider my primary skill is an intuitive understanding of IT and the ability to learn new technologies and software skills very quickly. In my previous jobs this has often been tested by clients requesting a solution to a particular problem outside of my experience, this has required me to research possible solutions, explain and then implement and support them for the client.    

Other Experience: 

After leaving school I travelled extensively around France and Europe for several months, at the time my French was quite fluent. I have an aptitude for learning and assimilating information quickly and effectively. Nowadays I find that running my own business is very time consuming but I try to maintain a balance with my social life. I play cricket and football for local teams, but would not claim to be very good and occasionally I take part in events with a friend’s paintball team. Normally I try to visit the local sports centre once a week, usually to play badminton or for a swim. I am also learning to hang-glide and am training for my pilot certificate when I can find time.  

Referees: 

Having been self-employed I am unable to provide a conventional list of previous employers but if you wish I can provide a list of my former clients.