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Software Engineer | Graduate Research Assistant at ODU | abiral0999@gmail.com

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About

Welcome to my portfolio! I am Abiral Subedi, currently immersed in the dynamic world of software development as a graduate student pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science at Old Dominion University. Presently, I am on an enriching journey as a Software Developer Intern at Map Communications, where I am honing my skills in preparation for graduation.

My passion for technology ignited during my formative years in Hetauda, Nepal. It all began with a curiosity-driven exploration of web development basics – HTML, CSS, and JavaScript – which I delved into beyond the classroom confines. This early fascination laid the groundwork for a rewarding career path ahead. Over the past four years, I have navigated the intricate landscape of software engineering, with a primary focus on full-stack web development. My academic pursuits have been complemented by practical experiences, including a role as a Research Assistant at the Hands-on Lab for the Department of Computer Science, where I've been involved in cutting-edge projects at the intersection of academia and industry.

My professional journey took flight with a pivotal internship at Rigo Technologies during my undergraduate studies. Here, I imbibed invaluable insights into efficient coding practices and embraced the vibrant ethos of collaborative innovation. Subsequently, my role at Innovate Tech further enriched my skill set, as I tackled diverse challenges spanning front-end and back-end development realms.

At Innovate Tech, my responsibilities crystallized around an Ed Tech learning platform, My Second Teacher, where I spearheaded the creation of responsive, interactive user interfaces and highly performant REST APIs. Noteworthy projects included crafting a real-time chat application using socket.io and leveraging serverless lambda functions to generate progressive PDF reports for users. Collaborating closely with data scientists, I gained a nuanced understanding of statistical techniques and machine learning models, facilitating the evaluation of student learning gaps through mastery reports.

My journey has been marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, coupled with a fervent dedication to continuous learning. Whether collaborating with Quality Assurance teams to implement automated testing frameworks or embracing emerging technologies, each experience has propelled me closer to my goal of becoming a versatile technologist poised to make meaningful contributions in the ever-evolving landscape of software development.

Professional Goals

By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals in following areas, I aim to lay a solid foundation for continued growth and success in my professional journey post-graduation.

1. DevOps Proficiency:
Master tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS CodePipeline to streamline deployment pipelines, fostering agility and efficiency in software development cycles.

2. Technical Expertise Expansion:
Diversify skill set by exploring emerging technologies such as serverless computing, microservices architecture, and containerization, enhancing adaptability and readiness for evolving industry trends.

3. Project Management Skills:
Obtain certification in project management methodologies such as Agile and Scrum, equipping oneself with the tools and techniques necessary for effective project planning, execution, and delivery.

4. Leadership Development:
Cultivate leadership skills through mentorship, effective communication, and collaborative decision-making, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability within cross-functional teams.

5. Continued Education:
Engage in ongoing professional development through participation in workshops, conferences, and online courses, expanding knowledge base and staying abreast of industry best practices and emerging trends.

6. Community Engagement:
Contribute to open-source projects, mentorship programs, and tech meetups to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and inclusivity within the broader tech community.

7. Financial Literacy:
Develop a foundational understanding of financial principles and investment strategies through reading relevant literature and engaging with financial experts, fostering informed decision-making and long-term financial wellness.


Learning Objectives

By focusing on these specific learning objectives during my internship at Map Communications, I aim not only to enhance technical skills but also cultivate valuable professional competencies essential for success in the software development industry.

1. Enhance Cross-Platform Development Skills:

  • Objective: Gain proficiency in cross-platform mobile application development.
  • Activity: Successfully completed 200 tickets on the Ruby and CogniSent applications, surpassing project timeline by 2 weeks.
  • Impact: Acquired practical experience in leveraging Xamarin and React Native to develop robust and scalable mobile solutions, enhancing versatility and marketability as a software developer.

2. Improve Deployment and Monitoring Proficiency:

  • Objective: Contribute to the development and deployment of an internal web application while optimizing agent workflows and enhancing operational efficiency.
  • Activity: Achieved a notable 14% improvement in system performance and user experience through the integration of analytics tools like Dynatrace and Pendo.
  • Impact: Gained hands-on experience in deploying and monitoring web applications, sharpening skills in optimizing performance and user experience, while also developing an understanding of best practices in deployment and monitoring processes.

3. Refine Collaborative Problem-Solving Abilities:

  • Objective: Collaborate effectively with team members to resolve bugs and deliver feature enhancements.
  • Activity: Contributed to the resolution of a minimum of 20 bugs and deliver 5 feature enhancements, resulting in a more stable and feature-rich application.
  • Impact: Strengthened collaborative problem-solving skills within a team environment, fostering adaptability and resilience in navigating complex development challenges.


Internship Overview

map-communications

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Established in 1991, MAP Communications has been a trusted provider of professional live telephone answering services, available 24/7/365. Its remote virtual receptionists undergo rigorous training to handle diverse scenarios with precision. Specializing in industries like medical, legal, finance, education, and contracting services, the solutions are tailored to meet unique business needs. With a steadfast commitment to excellence, MAP Communications sets the standard for reliable and professional customer support, empowering businesses to thrive in today's dynamic marketplace.

  • Website: mapcommunications.com
  • Industry: Telecommunications
  • Headquarters:Chesapeake, Virginia
  • Specialties: Answering services and call center services

Projects

1. Ruby Virtual Receptionist - ruby.com

Ruby is an innovative application redefining client engagement for businesses worldwide. With its array of features including live virtual receptionists and round-the-clock chat services, Ruby is the ultimate solution for enhancing every interaction. Imagine having a virtual receptionist seamlessly handle caller greetings, message-taking, appointment scheduling, and more—all with professionalism and efficiency. Meanwhile, Ruby's 24/7 chat specialists engage website visitors, answer inquiries, and seamlessly transfer leads, ensuring no opportunity is missed. With Ruby, business isn't just managing client interactions—it's creating memorable experiences that set business apart from the competition.

Role: Mobile Application Developer using Cross-Platform Xamarin
Worked With: Collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team that included frontend and backend developers, UI/UX designers, product managers, and QA testers.
Expectation: Contribute to the development of a user-friendly and feature-rich mobile experience.
Tasks Completed:
  • Orchestrated the integration of Pendo, enhancing user behavior analysis for informed decision-making.
  • Empowered users to create status updates directly from their device calendars, improving workflow management.
  • Leveraged API integration to introduce VIP contact management and call forwarding features, ensuring seamless communication.
  • Streamlined the native contact import process, ensuring reliable synchronization across platforms.
  • Improved user interface design on Text and Outcall screens, enhancing overall user experience and engagement.

2. On-Call Schedule Management

On-Call Schedule Management is a pivotal internal tool at Map Communications designed to streamline call handling processes. This application offers centralized task assignment, real-time status tracking, and comprehensive call history records, ensuring agents operate efficiently. With its intuitive analytics, On-Call Schedule Management provides valuable insights into task completion by account or agent, facilitating informed decision-making. Ultimately, this tool empowers team to deliver exceptional service and thrive in a dynamic work environment.

Role: Full Stack Developer using React and Java Spring Boot
Worked With: Collaborated closely with a diverse team comprising UI/UX designers, product managers, and QA testers.
Expectation: Contribute effectively to both frontend and backend development efforts for the On-Call Schedule Management application.
Tasks Completed:
  • Integrated analytics modules into the application to generate graphical views of tasks completed by each account or agent, providing valuable insights for performance evaluation and optimization.
  • Implemented frontend interfaces for assigning call tasks to agents, allowing for seamless allocation and distribution of workload.
  • Developed backend functionalities to track the status of assigned call tasks in real-time, ensuring transparency and accountability.
  • Engaged in ongoing refinement and optimization efforts to enhance the overall efficiency, reliability, and usability of the application for internal users.

3. CogniSent - cognisent.io

Cognisent is a trusted emergency messaging solution. Designed for business continuity professionals, Cognisent offers a user-friendly interface, reliable notification system, and over 20 years of experience. With multi-operating system compatibility for Android and iOS, encrypted messaging, and HIPAA compliance, Cognisent ensures secure communication in any situation. Plus, features like message filtering and querying streamline access to critical information, making it the go-to choice for efficient emergency communication and coordination.

Role: Mobile Application Developer using Cross-Platform React Native
Worked With: Collaborated closely with a multidisciplinary team that included frontend and backend developers, and QA testers.
Expectation: Deliver high-quality mobile solutions that met the requirements and expectations of stakeholders.
Tasks Completed:
  • Developed comprehensive graphical representations within the application, providing detailed insights into message statuses and account details through visually intuitive graphs.
  • Elevated the security and functionality of the chat feature by seamlessly integrating real-time image sharing capabilities, enhancing communication efficiency and versatility for users.
  • Implemented message filtering and querying functionalities, empowering users to efficiently access and manage critical information, thereby optimizing productivity and workflow efficiency.
  • Introduced support for dark mode, augmenting user experience by offering an aesthetically pleasing and eye-friendly interface option, ensuring seamless operation in varying lighting conditions

Reflection on Experience

1. How did you meet your learning objectives?

Throughout my internship, I actively pursued my learning objectives with dedication and enthusiasm. Below are the key ways in which I met my learning objectives:

  • Actively engaged in diverse projects such as Ruby and On-Call Schedule Management applications.
  • Gained hands-on experience in full-stack development, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
  • Expanded proficiency in technologies like React, Node.js, and Java Spring Boot through self-directed learning and mentorship.
  • Pursued tasks aligned with career goals, surpassing learning objectives by the end of the internship.


2. What were your most powerful learning moments?

Among the plethora of valuable experiences during my internship, the most powerful learning moments stemmed from witnessing the seamless synergy of teamwork and innovation at Map Communications. Below are some of the most powerful learning moments:

  • Collaborated with seasoned professionals, gaining insights into agile development methodologies.
  • Contributed to integrating real-time image sharing capabilities in the Cognisent application.
  • Experienced the profound impact of collaboration and creativity on problem-solving and product development.


3. What were your most challenging moments?

While the internship presented numerous opportunities for growth, it also presented its fair share of challenges. Below are some of the most challenging moments:

  • Balancing technical intricacies with tight project deadlines during the implementation of message filtering and querying features in the Cognisent application.
  • Navigating through complex problem-solving scenarios while ensuring seamless integration of frontend and backend components in web application project.
  • Managing stakeholder expectations and balancing competing priorities during the development of the Ruby application, requiring effective communication and negotiation skills to meet project objectives.


4. What are the important skills you learned or practiced?

My internship experience provided a rich environment for learning and practicing a multitude of essential skills. Below are the important skills I learned:

  • Enhanced proficiency in frontend and backend development technologies, including React, Node.js, and Java Spring Boot.
  • Developed strong communication and collaboration skills through regular interactions with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Cultivated resilience and adaptability in navigating challenges and changes in project requirements.
  • Practiced time management and prioritization skills to meet project deadlines and deliverables effectively.
  • Expanded understanding of agile development methodologies and best practices through hands-on experience in project management and teamwork.
  • Honed attention to detail and quality assurance skills through rigorous testing and debugging processes.


5. What you would do differently if given the chance to go through the experience again?

Reflecting on my internship experience, if given the chance, I would approach certain tasks with a more proactive mindset from the outset. Below are some of the things I would do differently:

  • Proactively seek out mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals earlier in the internship to accelerate learning and development.
  • Maintain a meticulous record of accomplishments and learnings throughout the internship to facilitate comprehensive self-assessment and professional growth.
  • Seek feedback from supervisors and peers regularly to identify areas for improvement and refine skill set continuously.
  • Balance workload and commitments effectively to avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance throughout the internship experience.


6. What would you advice for a future student completing this internship?

For future students embarking on this internship journey, my advice would be to embrace every opportunity for learning and growth with enthusiasm and open-mindedness. Below are some of the advices:

  • Approach each task with a mindset of curiosity and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone.
  • Actively engage with peers and cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and camaraderie to enrich your overall internship experience.
  • Maintain a growth-oriented mindset and celebrate successes, no matter how small, as each milestone achieved is a testament to your dedication and perseverance.
  • Take ownership of your learning journey and actively seek feedback from supervisors and peers to identify areas for improvement and refine your skill set continuously.
  • Emphasize adaptability and resilience in navigating challenges and changes in project requirements, leveraging them as opportunities for growth and development.


7. Would you recommend this internship to other ODU students?

Absolutely, I would highly recommend this internship to other ODU students. My experience at Map Communications has been incredibly valuable and rewarding. I would recommend this internship for following reasons:

  • Provides opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real-world projects.
  • Offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on learning experiences.
  • The supportive environment fosters professional growth and development.
  • Mentorship and prepares students for future career endeavors.



Connecting to Career

My internship experience at Map Communications directly aligns with my major in Computer Science and my ideal career path as a Software Engineer. Throughout the internship, I had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that involved full-stack development, utilizing technologies such as React, React Native, Xamarin, and Java Spring Boot. These projects not only allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge gained through my coursework but also provided hands-on experience in developing real-world solutions. Additionally, collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging in agile development methodologies reinforced my understanding of project management and teamwork, which are essential skills in any software engineering role. Furthermore, the exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the mentorship provided by experienced professionals have further solidified my passion for software development and strengthened my resolve to pursue a career in this field. Overall, this internship experience has been instrumental in shaping my career path and has equipped me with the skills and confidence to succeed as a software engineer in the future.

Multiple Job Offers | Accepted Coalition Inc. Offer

As a testament to the value of my internship experience at Map Communications, I am happy to announce that I have been offered a full-time Software Engineer role with the company upon the completion of my internship. Additionally, I have received an enticing offer from Coalition Inc. (Ranked 2nd on Forbes America's Best Startup Employers 2024) for a Software Engineer position, which I have enthusiastically accepted. This internship played a pivotal role in securing these offers, as it provided me with the hands-on experience, skills, and confidence needed to excel in the software engineering field. I am excited to embark on this new chapter of my career journey, starting with Coalition Inc. on May 6, 2024, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities and growth that my internship at Map Communications has afforded me.

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