Hi Graham! Can you tell us about your educational background?
I got a traditional degree in Computer Science several years before the introduction of the first iPhone. I taught myself Android application development through reading the books of Reto Meier and attending conferences and meetup groups. I naturally found my way into leadership over the course of my career because I never had a problem explaining tech to non-tech people.
Which, if any, educational opportunities, have made the biggest impact on your tech career?
I have learned the most from meetup groups and gathering with fellow hobbyists and professionals. Passion can be contagious, so hanging out in groups where everyone is motivated to learn and develop a skill will give you the energy to keep going.
What would you like to learn more about?
I’ve been pushing myself to better understand the crypto field and writing smart contracts in Solidity.
Related: What’s the Deal with Web 3.0 & How Does it Affect Tech Talent?, Partners for Upskilling
What led you to pursue a career in tech?
My parents were both in the field and understood how much it would be a part of the future. They made sure I was always exposed to tech. My first computer was an IBM 386. My parents showed me how I could use code to make the computer play guessing games with me.
How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?
I wouldn’t say I’ve chased fads, but as the world has changed from Windows apps to websites, mobile apps, and crypto contracts, I have been following along and trying to adapt to what companies and consumers want.
Is your new role different from previous ones?
This new role is a change of industry. I went from being the manager of a team of Application Developers to being a manager of a team of Hardware and Firmware Engineers.
What are some of the things you’re most excited about in your new role and company?
The opportunity to learn new things. After 3 years at my last gig, I didn’t feel like I was growing and I felt that I was just maintaining the status quo. It’s great to be outside of my comfort zone and learning new processes and acronyms. I was also worried that my skills would not transfer over and that somehow I had plateaued. However, it’s been very reassuring to change companies and still feel like I know how to make an impact.
What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?
It was slow. I was searching over the web, looking for job descriptions that felt right. I was constantly writing intro letters and dealing with no or slow responses from companies.
What’s your best advice for job seekers registered on the Hired platform?
Follow the site guides to get your profile in good shape – and then relax. The process works and you will start hearing about really interesting opportunities.
What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?
Try it!!
About Mason America
Mason America is a software development company transforming mobile deployments the same way AWS transformed website development, making it easy for anyone to turn an idea into a smart product and ship it to anywhere in the world. Mason has between 51-200 employees and is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
Tech Stack
Android, Node.JS, AWS, Python, AOSP, Git, Terraform, Ansible, Kubernetes, Docker
Benefits
Health/dental/vision/life/disability insurance, maternity and paternity benefits, fitness reimbursement, mental health benefits, flexible working hours, matching charitable donations, and more.
This post was originally published on Hired
