mick halpin

PROFILE

As a responsible self-starter, have established a solid record of performance in the growing Irish software industry. Advanced quickly from Educator, to trusted QA tester, to Senior Engineer over the combined QA and Support departments. Track record of implementing rapid change that improved delivery of solutions and services and quickly released benefits. Additional skills in leadership, budgeting, planning and project management. An innovative leader with excellent communication and interpersonal skills who gets results.

Principle Strengths include:

• QA: Fluency with current models, frameworks, and techniques. Initiated use of automated testing scripts and products. Constructed test beds to verify the hardware in different configurations. Implemented new processes and improved departmental productivity.
• Web Authoring: Experienced site designer and GUI tester. Proficient with DHTML, techniques, and tools. Experienced in use of graphics and cross-browser issues. Capable installer and administrator of Apache.
• Broadband: Proficient with Cisco, Motorola, and Riverdelta DOCSIS cable routers. Mastery of DHCP, TFTP, cable modems and other elements of the RF network. Knowledge of current tecnologies and products (DSL, wireless, satellite, VoIP, VOD)
• Networks: Proficient with TCP/IP and other protocols, NICs, laying cables, setting protocols, setting up email and web servers. Tools used included Communigate Pro, Wingate and the Internet Anywhere mail server.
• Visual Basic Enterprise Edition, Visual Basic for Applications: Proficient knowledge
• C/C++/Java: Working Knowledge with Borland 4.5, Turbo C++ Lite, and Java SDK 1.1
• Platforms: Have installed and worked with Solaris (Bourne shell), Linux (Redmond), and Windows (all varieties)
• Software: MS Office 2000, Lotus SmartSuite, JASC Paint Shop Pro, MS Visual Source Safe, Dreamweaver, ClearQuest.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Interactive Enterprise Ltd.                 Dublin, Ireland                 2000-2002
Senior QAS (Quality Assurance and Support) Engineer

• Involved with recruitment and mentoring of new QAS team members to fulfill high quality standards.
• Led teams of QAS engineers for several of the company's most important and successful projects. Point of Contact for multiple simultaneous projects worth £200,000 to £500,000 each.
• Was appointed Administrator for Rational ClearQuest, Interactive Enterprise's tracking system for software issues. Responsible for installing, migrating and upgrading this system.
• Provided in-depth support and training to several key clients, both on site and remotely via telephone, FTP and SSH.
• Developed, monitored, and revised project documentation, test plans, and test packs.
• Wrote and delivered courseware for a five-day technical training session focused on the architecture, installation and administration of the Conexon product.
• Developed a GUI Help tool, enabling customers to support themselves and reducing the burden on QAS department's resources.
• Redesigned materials and procedures for IE's QAS department.
• Identified, isolated and managed the progress of project issues. Areas of potential trouble included C++ code, UNIX directories, HTML/CGI/JavaScript, Oracle8 data and Solaris/Apache server configuration.
• Earned an Award of Achievement in DOCSIS Router operations and administration. Hands-on experience with cable modems and other broadband technologies.

JBA Software Products (Irl) Limited                 Dublin, Ireland                 1999
Educator

• Unified and refined knowledge concerning AS/400 legacy systems, middleware products (Jacada), and VB GUI panel source code
• Researched, developed and delivered instructor-led courseware for middleware conversion tools (Jacada 5.3, 6.0 & 6.1); Contributed materials to internal accreditation program
• Developed and progressed a departmental site using Dreamweaver, PhotoEditor and PaintShop Pro

Gateway                 Dublin, Ireland                1998-1999
Client Response Executive

• Resolved issues of technical, logistical, financial and manufacturing natures
• Consulted with Web Development Team, contributing innovations to site/intranet and enhancements with JavaScript code
• Acquired extensive knowledge of computer and organizational systems in a large, dynamic, multinational company

Ark Life Assurance                 Dublin, Ireland                 1998
Encashments Officer

• Attained a wide range of skills and experiences such as processing financial data, facilitating encashments of policies, and calculating fees

Harcourt Brace & Co.                 Orlando, Florida                1996-1997
Customer Service Representative

• Conducted all orders, shipments, warehousing and communications relating to Southeast Asia
• Mastered antiquated in-house computer system and contributed to growth of International profits

Grand Caillou Middle School                 Houma, Louisiana                 1993-1996
Special Education Teacher

• Successfully instructed, in a disadvantaged area, students with a wide range of special needs
• Simultaneously attended post-graduate courses in Education (3.5 GPA)

ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS

1999-2002 Numerous CRT modules on Project Management and Broadband technologies. Weeklong course in Motorola DOCSIS Cable Router installation, configuration and administration.

1998-1999 Diploma in Programming, City & Guilds, Dorset College.

1993-1994 Diploma in Education, University of California at Los Angeles

1989-1993 Bachelor of Arts (2nd class honors), College of William and Mary (1991-1992: Junior Year Abroad, University College Dublin)

OTHER INTERESTS

Upgrading and repairing computers, designing websites, literature, DIY, keeping fit. Award-winning radio DJ.