Web Staffing: June 2008 Archives

I recently graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science. Thankfully I didn’t have to look far for a good employment opportunity, and I started working with Web Communications on May 27th.

My job title is Programmer/Analyst, and I will actually be splitting most of my work between two other departments here on campus: The Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative with Rebecca Calvin and the International Center with Kerri Urban. My tasks will include the development of new web-based software, revision and updates of old software, and analysis of third party software to meet their needs. I will also be working with them and the very wonderful, very talented Web Communications staff to migrate some of their web content to the CMS.

Prior to working here I was a student worker for the College of Engineering’s External Relations department, where in a year I did everything from shredding boxes of paper and stuffing envelopes to writing PHP code to parse XML and building MySQL databases.

I have an expansive programming background with experience in a lot of different types of programming languages, such as PHP, Perl, ColdFusion, C/C++, Java, and Visual Basic, and software engineering-related concepts such as database design and normalization, UNIX systems, networking and sockets programming, and other dorky-sounding concepts.

I seem to be settling in pretty well, and I’m looking forward to working with the Chancellor’s Diversity Initiative, International Center, and Web Communications.

My reign as editorial overlord in MU Web Communications comes to a close today. I’m packing a truck and heading to Washington, D.C., for new adventures in employment and rent control. So what have I learned?

• With time, even an acronym-averse individual can learn what all the tech-based acronyms mean. (However, I still tend to glaze over or nod off when people start speaking in acronyms rather than words.)
• Tell a good story and people will still read! Developing and editing Mizzou Wire has been a pleasure, and our readership continues to grow. My replacement, Karen Pojmann, will keep it growing, and you can look for more multimedia work in the future as Shane Epping comes on board full-time.
• Blogging can be a real chore. I didn’t blog on Interface nearly as often as I should have. To be fair, though, I was writing a lot for Mizzou Wire and the Live Wire Blog.
• Having an office full of fellow subversive, sarcastic beings leads to good mental health. Be diplomatic in all things public, knowing that you can alway share a good gripe and laugh with your coworkers.
• Nerf hoop provides a good 15-minute break. I am the Nerf hoop P-I-G champ of the office. Sorry, Jason.
• Starbucks is the new crack — only more expensive.
• Web analytics rock. There’s nothing better than knowing exactly how long people are spending on your page, where they’re coming from, where they’re going, etc.
• MU Web Communications staff rocks even harder. This is a talented group of people, top to bottom, and a great place to work.

That’s it. Farewell.