Stories from the Hackery

Erik Lindstrom graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

I started off my professional career as an engineer where programming was useful, but was never the focus of my work. Since then I’ve found software development to be an exciting way to approach problems from new angles. Whether the solution is a grand design or minor alterations, I find great satisfaction in finding innovative ideas that move a project forward.

Amanda King graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

I’ve always enjoyed breaking down large, complex problems into small, parsed solutions. Having that ability made success in technical sales come naturally. I loved the many ways I could help business owners find opportunities to grow their businesses through technology or design, and I learned so much about user or client needs and wants in software. As I start a new career in software development, I love seeing all the ways I will still be able to help organizations grow through solutions I create. I'm so excited to see what kind of changes I can make with a future in software development.

Chad Jones graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

Throughout my professional career I’ve developed, presented, and sold multichannel marketing strategies spanning across radio and digital platforms. As the radio industry began to merge with more tech-minded solutions, I became more interested in the development side, this led me to pursue a career in software development. My skill set is deeply grounded in a persistent desire to learn more, and software development gives me the constant opportunity to explore new ideas and technologies.

Patrick Murphy graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

My love for coding began in the early 80's seated in front of an Apple ][+ where I taught myself the fundamentals of Basic. My love of music won out, however, and led me to a career as a recording engineer. I found myself moving to Nashville in 1994 where I continued on that path for just over 25 years. The changing nature of the music business has brought me full circle, though, back to sitting in front of an Apple computer. Albeit not the ][+. My experience with complex signal flow, problem solving, troubleshooting, and session leadership have lent themselves well to my entry into software development.

Brandon Wheatley graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

Before embarking on the software development journey my professional life was balanced between leadership roles at Costco Wholesale and passion pursuits in the world of music and video game sound design. While participating in a Global Game Jam as a sound designer I was introduced to a Nashville Software School graduate and the rest is history. Technology has been an integral part of my entire life and the opportunities to creatively problem solve, express myself, and help influence the world for better are second to none with software development.

Brandon Wheatley graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

Before embarking on the software development journey my professional life was balanced between leadership roles at Costco Wholesale and passion pursuits in the world of music and video game sound design. While participating in a Global Game Jam as a sound designer I was introduced to a Nashville Software School graduate and the rest is history. Technology has been an integral part of my entire life and the opportunities to creatively problem solve, express myself, and help influence the world for better are second to none with software development.

Tasha Lane graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

As a professional I came across a need to build a solution to a problem I was having. Learning how to build the product on my own became a goal I set in 2017. Learning everything from Business Intelligence to Cybersecurity to give my application a strong foundation. The impossible is where I soar.

David Bruce graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

Through the years, I've worked quite an array of jobs, from my time as a young adult welding, installing truck accessories, and making dentures to a four year stint in the US Army Signal Corps that inspired me to go back to school and pursue a career in IT that has almost been just as varied. After a recent five year run as a full time programmer writing HL7 interfaces, I decided to update my skill set at NSS, so I could contribute to a modern development environment using leading edge technologies. My key to stoking the IT fires for so long has been maintaining a healthy balance between outdoor pursuits, like hiking with my three dogs, canoing, frequent walks at the park next door, and my career.

Sisi Freeley graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

My interest in programming was sparked during my experience as a pharmacist and witnessing the launch of an electronic health record at my previous place of work. I was very interested in how the software affected the user experience and translated into patient safety and outcomes. There are many aspects of pharmacy that I genuinely enjoy that I believe will translate well into the software development process, including problem-solving, working as a team in a high stress environment, and being a life-long learner.

Tyler Hilliard graduated with Full-time Web Development Cohort 41.

I started my journey in tech with my degree in animation. I feel like it is an amazing blend of both tech and the arts that allows for all kinds of unique stories to be told. I got to work on diverse teams and it allowed me so many volunteer opportunities. However, after obtaining my degree i wanted to shift into a more software development/technical focus. I've always been technically minded and this route allows me to hone new skills while bringing in animation/design skills and out of the box thinking to create something beautiful yet functional.