Michael Norman - Portfolio

About Me

Who Am I?

Me Myself and I

I would describe myself as a Christian with a strong passion for Software Engineering. I am a hardworking and motivated individual who is eager to build a career in the software industry. I approach new challenges with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, always aiming to give my full commitment to any task or project I undertake.

Alongside my university coursework, I actively work on personal software projects to further develop my technical skills and deepen my understanding of software development. As a Software Engineering student, I am continually learning new techniques and technologies with real-world applications, which helps me strengthen both my technical and problem-solving abilities.

Throughout my studies, I have faced challenging modules such as Software Engineering Workshop and Data Structures and Algorithms. These experiences have strengthened my logical thinking, resilience, and ability to collaborate effectively within a team to develop practical solutions to complex problems.

Background

My experience has been shaped by several aspects of my life, including my time at college and university, as well as personal pursuits in both Manchester and Liverpool. Throughout these experiences, I have developed a strong foundation of project ideas and technical knowledge, particularly during my time as a member of the Software Engineering Team (SETeam).

My passion for IT, specifically Software Engineering, stems from my enthusiasm for problem-solving. I am particularly motivated by the challenge of working through complex problems and the satisfaction that comes from developing an effective solution. This sense of achievement is something I value highly and is a consistent motivator throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

Prior to formally pursuing a career in Software Engineering, I had a longstanding interest in working with computers. I frequently explored computer hardware by dismantling and rebuilding systems, which helped develop my technical curiosity and resilience. During college, I discovered my interest in programming through a dedicated programming unit, which ultimately led me to pursue Software Engineering more seriously and solidified it as my chosen career path.

Volunteering Experience

I have an extensive history when it comes to volunteering. This comes from the Churches I attend and Businesses I've helped out at which includes:

  • Liverpool One Church (Sept 2024 - Current) - My current roles as a volunteer at Liverpool One Church is Camera Operator, Screens Operator. These are both positions that I love doing as it has given me knowledge, experience and friendships which I otherwise would not have been able to obtain. This is ranges from the basics like what is a ISO and how to set it on a C200 to experiences like me helping at Braveheart Womans Conference at the ACC arena in Liverpool as Stage hands. My time at Liverpool One Church is also expending into running the technical side of the Youth Ministry on a Friday night and at the Young Adults Ministry on the last Thursday of each Month.
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  • Audacious Church (June 2023 - August 2025) - My experience comes from the role of Vision mixer and AV operator. The were both positions that I Loved working as it not only gave me a friendship group which I honestly could never forget, but it also allowed me to learn more of the production side as this was my first time doing production of this scale in a church enviroment and it was an incredible. Similar to Liverpool One Church I received experiences from these roles that I never would have imagined, This also ranges from helping out the Luminous Womans Converence as both a AV operator and a Video Switcher to serving at Nights Of Fire Conference of which they had pastors from all around the world including David Hall from Revival City Church.
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  • Isaiah 53 Christian Bookshop (April 2022 - July 2024) - My role here was Volunteer Retail Assistant. This was a position I took up on a Saturday afternoon 10am - 5pm and was one I feel like I learned the most about the more technical side of Business management from. This is because whilst my main duties consisted of stocking shelves, inputting stock and handling customer purchases, I also had the oppertunity to sort the invoices from incoming deliveries work on the Facebook Page (in terms of setting it up and creating advertisements for it) and sending off delieveries for customers which were too far away. Whilst I often miss this place, I had to leave due to me starting my studies at Liverpool John Moores University the following september
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    Programming Experience

    • Python - Which I have utilised in the form of a horrible version of a snake type game, this helped to teach me about the concept of "Sequential Programming Languages". This was shown by how I needed to do one section of the screen such as the boarder before I allow the user to start the game. I also have a bit of experience with circuit python whilst using the matrix portal S3, This was used in a project which I called weather board, and I used an API alongside a Matrix Portal S3 and a Matrix Display in order to create a weather board which you can see the temperature of which ever city you want.
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    • Java - Before I started at the Liverpool John Moores University, I had NEVER touched Java. This meant that I had to learn all of the properties in which came from the this language, I learn't how to create variables and constants alongside classes, and objects (which at the time were new concepts to me), In my second year of University We went into a Module called "Data Structures and Algorithms", This showed me how data could be stored differently and this would affect the Big O notation. I have also (in my personal time) focused on a library called "JFrame" in whch you can create a GUI Which helped me to learn more of the Front end side of the work
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    • C++ - My main experience with C++ came with my experiences with both the Arduino Uno R3 and a ESP32. With both of these micro-controllers I have been able to achieve different project which are on a varity of different levels. This has ranged from following a simple blink tutorial online to using a PN5180 RFID card reader to make a workstation availability program in which you can see how many places to work are available
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