I am currently taking a break from my studies as a graduate student of psychology at the University of Waikato, due to illness. My career goal is to work as criminal psychologist. I moonlight as a web designer & developer in my free time. I am not currently looking for full or part-time work, but I'm accepting freelance clients on a casual basis.
Every position I have held involves dealing directly with customers, so I have a wealth of experience in this area. I understand the importance of the business-client relationship, and I approach every customer with this in mind.
I am an experienced computer user. I am comfortable with Windows, OSX and Linux operating systems, Microsoft Office (and similar) software, and Adobe Creative suite (and similar) software. I am also very quick to pick up the ins-and-outs of unfamiliar software. I type accurately at a speed of 85 words per minute, and I have a data entry rate of 5500 keystrokes per hour.
I have been designing and developing for the web since 1999. What began as a hobby has now turned into an employment opportunity for me. Below is a chart depicting my skill level:
I am currently working towards a PGDip(Psych) and hope to finish in November 2013. The emphasis of this diploma is on clinical psychology. Subjects covered by this diploma include: clinical psychology, abnormal psychology, psychology in a New Zealand/Treaty of Waitangi context, psychological assessment, child psychopathology, behavioural psychology, research methods, criminology and criminal psychology.
This degree was conferred in May of 2012. I majored in psychology, which covered the following areas: research/measurement, behavioural, cognitive, perceptual, abnormal, developmental and social. My supporting subject was sociology. I also took papers in criminology, social policy, human development, women's and gender studies, social science research and philosophy.
Throughout primary school, I was involved in a number of 'Gifted and Talented' programmes will helped me develop my logic, problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I have carried these skills through to my adult life.
During my downtime from university, I work sporadically as a web designer and front-end developer. Tasks involve:
Prior to enroling in university, I worked as a checkout operator for two Progressive Enterprises supermarkets in the Waikato region. Tasks included:
I spent a large part of my childhood living on dairy farms and I have had a lot of pets. I am an experienced dog and fancy rat owner. I have also volunteered for the SPCA in both my hometown of Whangarei, and in Hamilton.
I have a great passion for the English language and so I read and write often. My genres of choice are non-fiction and fantasy. When I write, I split my time between academic writing and online publishing (blogging).
I listen to metal music and wear my bogan badge with pride. I also try to do my part in dispelling the myth that bogans/metalheads are uneducated, unwashed and unloveable.
I am actively involved in the promotion of awareness of these two chronic illnesses, following my own diagnoses of ME in 2006 and fibromyalgia in 2009.