Chris is our Gamification Analyst. He is a coop who has been working on the email application, analyzing user data and doing a great job! Today, he discusses his coop term, his education and what he is learning here at SimplyCast.
How did you get a job at SimplyCast?
I came here on a coop.
Which educational institution do you attend and what have you studied?
I am currently enrolled at NSCC, where I have done one out of two years of the IT Diploma Program. Also, deep in my history I have a Masters in Mathematics from University of Waterloo.
How did you hear about SimplyCast?
I got a SimplyCast t-shirt at an Innovacorp event.
What made you want to join the SimplyCast team?
After submitting my resume, I got a response almost immediately. I could tell by the response that my resume had been read thoroughly, not just perused. Then, at the interview, the position I was offered and the work that was discussed was so ambitious in scope that I couldn't resist the challenge.
What would you like to gain from working at SimplyCast? What have you gained during your time here?
This is my first job in the IT field, so I'd like to gain a reference and some credibility. I'm getting to practice the skills I will need to be a full time developer.
Would you consider returning to SimplyCast for another coop term?
The office life at SimplyCast as well as the challenging work have been very satisfying. I'd gladly consider returning.
How would you explain what SimplyCast does?
SimplyCast maintains an application for businesses that includes a CRM-style customer and lead database, and tools for the automation of many different types of communication. The core functionality, including the database, is available for free, with full access available by monthly subscription.
What's your vision for SimplyCast?
To improve and maintain the product while providing its employees with opportunities for creativity and advancement.
Would you recommend SimplyCast to others?
Yes, as a place to work and as a product.
What would you tell an applicant considering SimplyCast for an employment opportunity?
SimplyCast is just what you think of when you imagine a hot startup: successful, positive and full of fun people who are interested in new ideas and collaboration.
What classes or training helped prepare you for working at SimplyCast?
In my role as developer, I've benefited from many of my NSCC classes: Linux operating systems, general coding and OOP practice. I have also gained a lot of knowledge from my spare time dabbling in the specific languages used here at SimplyCast, especially PHP, JavaScript and jQuery.
How does SimplyCast differ from other employers you have worked for?
It's a smallish company compared to my other employers. This means I can make a big difference, and it's never hard to reach people, whether you're looking for a coop student or the CEO.
Can you walk us through a day in the life of a SimplyCast employee?
From the outside, it all looks like sitting at a terminal and typing (with brief exciting interludes to play foosball). However, from my perspective, I'm getting to tackle challenging projects, designing interesting and innovative code architecture, and making a difference to the company's core product.
How does SimplyCast celebrate failures and/or successes?
Accomplishments of team members are regularly shared with the whole company at weekly meetings.
What is your proudest moment at SimplyCast?
Having several hundred lines of my own code added to the application, and watching the effects applied to users from all over the world.
