Difference between revisions of "Curriculum Vitae - Vincent Dirks"

Revision as of 19:52, 6 October 2016

my cv is a wiki ...and I think that's pretty cool. Welcome and explore! Hopefully you'll find what you're looking for. It's early days still, and there's plenty more things to do. feedback is welcome

Intro

I'm an agile software test analyst. I love adjusting the test process to match it to the context at hand. I like manual (exploratory) testing, but I also have fun coding some automated checks. I gravitate towards Context Driven Testing (CDT), and tend to agree with the thoughts and expressions from the leaders of the CDT community, such as James Bach and Michael Bolton. I'm also really enjoying learning about Agile methods and philosophies; for me, Agile is best summed up as "Autonomy with Responsibility through Trust". When you distil software development to its true essence, it is still about people; it is driven by people, made by people, and most importantly, it is made for people. People have emotions, passions, motivators and more. We're all different, and we all have something unique to give. I'm looking to work with people that have a passion for what they do, and have fun doing it! For me, testing is my professional passion, and I'm looking for a new role where I can work with people who share their passions and challenge me to be the best.

Work Experience

Contracting - Engel Consulting (since Sep 2016)

Helping Kim Engel on some interesting smaller projects, whilst hunting for my next big career challenge.

Presented

• Automated Testing Auckland - Whiteboard Session - Automation Checks that find bugs now and into the future (http://www.meetup.com/Automated-Testing-Auckland/events/234011605/)

Senior Software Test Analyst – Trade Me (Dec 2014 - Aug 2016)

Part of small squad (cross functional agile team) testing software changes to the iconic NZ Trade Me website (Motors Group) covering

• DB, UI, API, and architecture changes
• deployment
• agile methods and squad mastering
• new staff induction and junior staff support
• test automation for API (Ready!API/SoapUI) and UI changes (tractor/protractor)
• test planning and test reviews
• test guild contributor

Whilst at Trade Me I continued to attend many WeTest MeetUps and developed a good network of fellow test professionals in the Auckland and New Zealand test communities.

Attended

• WeTest 2015 annual conference
• Rapid Software Testing by James Bach (was awarded the coveted James Bach star) (3 day course)
• Critical Thinking by Michael Bolton (1 day course)
• Visual Modelling by Adam Howard (Trade Me internal training)

Presented

• Gather 2016, an interactive session on Metrics Driven Development and the analysis of AB Testing data
• Agile Auckland, Three Agile testing Lessons I learned at Trade Me

Software Tester – LeasePlan NZ (Apr 2013 - Dec 2014)

Full time testing contractor to the IS department, testing a variety of bespoke applications primarily for internal use.

• Complex quotation app for car leasing built in MS-Access
• Online driver FBT data collection portal (UI, web security, data flows from web to and from LPNZ, emailing)
• Character based legacy (AS-400) system testing
• Developed a test automation framework for above character based system.

At LPNZ I was introduced to testing as a proper profession by my friend Christina Linwood. I attended the NZ Tester Magazine conference, and went to a full day workshop on Risk Based Testing by Matt Mansell. It was exhilarating to be with people passionate about testing.

Primary Caregiver (Sep-2009 - Mar-2013)

• Eastern Suburbs AFC –Junior Girls Co-ordinator (2011-2014)
• Glendowie Boating Club - Arrow Class Convenor (2011-2015)
• MOTAT Tramways Volunteer Conductor (2012-2014)
• Eastern Suburbs Montessori Primary School - PTA (2011-2012)

Research Assistant – University of Auckland (part time Aug 2011 - May 2012)

Set up large database (MS Access) of historic Auckland traffic flows for research into a cyclist's exposure to air pollution when commuting to and from work.

Logistics Manager - Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd (Aug-2005 - Aug 2009)

Total management of all aspects of production and delivery of all electronic hardware sold by the company.

BTech Lab Coordinator & Physics Tutor University of Auckland (part time Feb 2004 – Dec 2005)

• Managed the lab for approximately 20 students doing their final year projects in BTech(Opto-electronics)
• Primary academic supervisor for several students
• Physics tutor for Dept of Maori & Pacific Health

Bluetooth Software Engineer UoA Bioengineering Institute (Sep-2002 – Aug 2003)

Developed a Bluetooth protocol stack for the telemetry of data from devices implanted in rabbits used for medical research into kidney function.

• Bluetooth HCI commands
• Protocol stack implemented in extremely low resource PIC micro controler
• Code base written mainly in C and shared across multiple device types, and different compilers.
• LabView integration

Physics Tutor University of Auckland (part time Jul-2002 – Sep2002)

Physics tutor for Dept of Maori & Pacific Health

Senior Development & Support Engineer, Project Manager - Monitor Business Machines NZ Ltd (Aug 1997 – Nov 2001)

Monitor developed a cost management solution primarily for tracking photocopying through electronic swipe card terminals

• Global customer support lead
• Testing
• Release Management
• Global training
• Project Manager for Burswood Casino to develop a terminal based system for a premium player loyalty program

Short Term Contracts (1996 – 1997)

• Cerebos Greggs – Production Planner & documentation
• Auckland City Council – Ph PABX maintenance & support

Production Scheduler – Charter Holt Harvey – Tissue Group (1994 – 1996)

• Production scheduling (MRPII) of diapers and facial tissues
• Sales forecasting
• Product specifications
• Continuous improvement projects
• Developed a VB application to automate the generation of excel productions plans from data in AS-400

Education

• 1993 ME (Elec) University of Auckland
• 1991 BE (Elec) Hons. University of Auckland
• 1989 Secondary School Dux Literarum. Rutherford High School