Staff Case Studies: Uzma

I'm a self-confessed geek! Computing has been a part of my life ever since I laid eyes on an Amstrad CPC 464 computer in 1987. I was fascinated with the way you could create a simple programme by using text and symbols. Addictive gaming sessions using a cassette-tape player made me more curious about the world of computing.

"I taught myself basic HTML and CSS coding during the .Net boom and had several "free" websites in the 90s. Since then, I have had a passion for the web and all technologies surrounding it."

After graduating from Kingston University in Computing with Statistics (BSc), my career path took me towards retail, sales, marketing, customer service and administration roles.

I worked for the NHS for 3 years as an Information Analyst and, most importantly, as the Intranet/Web Publisher for the NHS Trust. In this capacity I worked with various Microsoft Technologies - in particular, SharePoint server.

"Working with SharePoint from an end-user perspective allowed me to understand the product well, and to understand how work-flows and information can be streamlined - saving time and money."

Following on from this role in 2008, I took a position as a SharePoint Consultant, gathering information, installing, configuring and deploying SharePoint 2007 for clients, and teaching them how to work with the product and improve business productivity. This involved the use of work-flows, information management and business-intelligence reporting.

"I became certified in the development and configuration of Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 during my role as a SharePoint Consultant, and was also exposed to help-desk management and to general customer service duties."

Taking a step forward with Wanstor in London, I currently work as a web/SharePoint Developer, and have combined my previous skill-sets into one role, working with Sales, Marketing and the Support team, as well as managing my own projects and deployment.

"I have deployed several SharePoint 2010 developments for Wanstor's client base, and currently am working on the MCITP: SharePoint Administrator 2010 certification."

As well as being a regular attendee of the SharePoint User Group in the UK and the Girl Geek Dinners in Reading and London, I have a very active social life. I enjoy travelling, films, photography, books and live music, as well as being a fanatic in the gym. I also thoroughly enjoy spin classes and kick boxing!

Next: Manmit