Who is Derek?

Derek is a graduate of the University of British Columbia (UBC).  He holds a Bachelor of the Arts, majoring in English with an emphasis on Literature.  Derek graduated with an "A" average in his final year.  In addition to his 9 to 5, he is a writer, editor and general man-about-the-web. 

 

What are Derek's skills? 

Derek's had a few different jobs in his short lifetime, and has acquired a veritable plethora of skills along the way.  Some of the more employable of these skills include...

Writing

Derek is a skilled writer, able to write in many different styles and switch between them with ease.  He possesses a wide-reaching knowledge of grammar, spelling and typography.  Some of his formal stylistic training includes:

  • Business and Professional
  • Academic
  • Journalistic / blogging
  • Technical
  • Legal

 

Technology and the Web

Derek has been involved with technology and the web in a personal capacity since 1997, and has worked professionally in the industry since 2006.

  • Well versed in both Mac OS X and Windows-based PCs.  Experienced with both Windows XP and Windows Vista.  Experienced with Mac OS X 10.4 and 10.5. 
  • Able to use all major desktop office suites at a professional level (Microsoft Office, Apple iWork, OpenOffice.org, Google Docs, Zoho).
  • Able to use most graphic design suites (Adobe Creative Suite [Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator], Paintshop Pro, Pixelmator, gIMP)
  • Amateur technologist, following and assessing the development of Web 2.0 applications.

 

What are Derek's Interests? 

Clearly, Derek spends a large portion of his time reading, writing, and being online.  Aside from these activities, he is an avid coffee snob, an amateur music critic, and a fair-weather biker.

Derek has an active interest in social justice, politics, ethics and philosophy.

 

What is Derek's Employment History Like? 

 

Shaw Cablesystems 2008-Present

[www.shaw.ca]

Customer Service Representative, Sales.

A marked departure from Derek's previous work experience, he currently assists Shaw customers with anything and everything over the telephone.  Responsibilities include:

        • Acting as the front-line contact for Shaw customers for everything from billing inquiries to appointment bookings.
        • Promoting Shaw services to new and existing customers, finding the right fit for customers and entertainment products.
        • Meeting sales-per-hour targets and call handle length expectations.


 

email2, Inc. 2006-2008

[www.email2.com]

Technical Writer, Webmaster, Support Manager, lead Blogger.

Derek was the resident jack-of-all-trades for this technology startup.  He held many responsibilities, including:

        • Writing patents and legal documents
        • Writing product documentation and help files
        • Writing web copy for marketing and promotional purposes
        • Managing and administering the company website
        • Researching and compiling reports on competitors
        • Providing phone and face-to-face support for clients

 

Various jobs.  2002-2006

Pizza Chef, Shift Supervisor, General Labourer, Inventory Assistant, etc.

Throughout highschool and university, Derek has held a variety of jobs at fine establishments such as Little Caesars Pizza, Devcorp Builders, and The Arthritis Society of BC.  All of his previous employment opportunities have helped in the development of important professional and interpersonal skills.  More information about the nature of these jobs is available upon request.