New Job
Well, new-ish job. Back in March I decided to enter the world of full-time employment again. This is my first full-time job since I left yahoo in 2006. Immediately after yahoo, I enjoyed time with friends and family for several months. In 2007 I traveled around the world. Then in 2008 I decided to follow my girlf.. ahem, fiancee, the lovely miss shayna, to chicago where she began grad school. Since I’ve been in Chicago I’ve pursued various opportunities in technology and business. I spent most of 2009 doing entrepreneurial ventures with midventures, some successful, some not. I met a lot of interesting people and learned that Chicago startup tech scene is quite different than San Francisco (aka silicon valley) in many ways. Then, looking for something a little different (as I often do), I did some contract work in the agency world, working with BBDO and Whittman Hart, then landing at my current position with Critical Mass.
Critical Mass is great. No, I am not talking about the bike ride, although that is great, too. My Critical Mass (aka CM) is a digital advertising agency. That means they primarily build websites and mobile apps, but operate more like an advertising agency than a technology shop. That means lots of client handholding, helping with strategy, extra creative power, and generally going above and beyond the call of duty. CM likes to say they create extraordinary experiences. Their clients include big names such as Budweiser, Nissan/Infinity, USAA, Autotrader and United Airlines. The last one, United, was and is where I spend most of my time. United Mileage Plus (UMP), which is actually a separate business unit from United Airlines, just launched a new version of MileagePlus.com designed by CM. That made for a very busy month of June for me, Mr. Chad.
My role within the company is somewhat unique. My title is Senior Developer, but I do more client management than i do technical work. I also manage other CM developers working on United, and engage with the technical people on the client side. As somebody who’s had experience in various roles and technologies, I am a good fit for this position. I enjoy the diversity it offers – I interact with a really talented and great team of people at CM, I get some freedom to manage my time and career, and the chicago office in general is a fun and creative group. I hope the challenges keep coming !!
If you know anyone looking for a job, Critical mass is hiring. Email me and I’ll put in a good word.