Resume

Alternate PDF versions; the no-buzzword/keyword, short and sweet version is here. You will notice that there is little to no references to specific software or hardware in the above PDF and the HTML version found on this page. The primary reason for this is that I have been asked to work with client systems which I have no prior experience in and have done so successfully to client satisfaction on countless occasions. This ability to adapt and apply prior related knowledge/experience to the unfamiliar system at hand has become a skill in itself making the inclusion of specifics behind the general resume points redundant and/or irrelevant. Besides, keeping track and listing all the specific software and hardware involved would be an arduous task, resulting in a relatively useless metric of data for a resume covering over fifteen years in an ever-changing field such as IT. If you disagree with my assessment and actually find such data relevant there's the keyword-rich version which is similar to the html version found on this page but includes a sample list of some software/technology skills by employer,and an older detailed version (bigger is better right?) in a different format is also available here.
A list of hardware and software experience keywords can also be found with the historical accompanying data; my Learning Resume originally created for obtaining college credit for prior learning, covering 1987-1999. Obviously, the skills list at the bottom of that page includes things which do not fit into that time frame, and it also has several items which are now obsolete.

Interested in Certifications?

Thomas W Johnson III

Consultant

Consultant drawing from a wide range of experience and adaptability as a Network Specialist in advising clients. Detail-oriented analyst ensuring reliable and secure network computer systems. Seasoned professional with resourceful creativity implementing custom solutions to meet client objectives.

Professional experience

February 2003 - present

T3 Technologies - Newark, DE / Elkton, MD

Consultant, Networking and Security Specialist, Software Developer

Evaluate client systems, make recommendations, and implement changes as required with a focus on lowering total cost of ownership
Custom programming and development
Development and support of an innovative custom captive portal system for a free wifi hotspot provider
Management of VPN client connections for a medical billing provider
Partial Client History:
- dSpot, Inc.
- WFT Electronics
- Kolorama Networks - Wash. D.C.
- Earth Data - Centreville, MD
- Woodbridge High School - Bridgeville, DE

September 2000 - February 2003

Applied Computer Systems, LLC - St Michaels, MD

Network Specialist, Field Technician

Install and maintain Local and Wide Area Network systems for clients - cabling, routers, firewalls, VPN's, local network servers, internet servers, workstations, printer repair, security, administration, and custom database programming
Autonomous maintenance of client/customer accounts, including:

Maryland Rural Development Corporation
Kent County Health Department
Queen Anne's County Health Department
The Brookside Company
Bay's Best Seafood
Harris Seafood
Armour-Swift Ekrich
Easton Memorial Hospital
Dorchester General Hospital
Velsicol Chemical
YMCA, Talbot County

January 1997 - September 2000

State of Delaware - Milford School District, Milford, DE

Network Support Specialist

Network Engineering/Administration in 25 server, 4000 User Multi-topology WAN (users, security, printing, CD towers, managed hubs and switches, cabling, scripting, custom applications, network analysis, software licensing, inventory, and maintenance records)
Database Administration including data extraction and conversion as required, notably in the implementation of new State-wide Student Accounting System software
Coordinate with and supervise outside vendors

December 1993-November 1996

Maintenance Services, Newark, De

Engineering Assistant, Draftsman, Network Support Technician

Network administration and support on a 25 user Novell Netware LAN with gateway to an HP3000 server via WRQ Reflections software
Trained employees as required
Implemented drawing numbering system and performed all database programming for drawing number database as well as for the Quality Control department's inspection report database
Performed design, drafting and checking of drawings for all aspects of steel tank construction and repair, maintaining applicable industry standards and customer specifications
Saved company several hundred man-hours by developing automation routines for CAD, creating and modifying applications for engineering calculations, and developing database applications

June 1992 - December 1993

Allstates Design & Development, Trevose, PA - DuPont Louviers site

Senior Facilities Designer, CADD Draftsman

Managed all facilities design and drafting work for Louviers and other DuPont sites
Received award as a contributing member of a high productivity DuPont Facilities Services team
Managed internal peer-to-peer network providing access to proprietary information
Served as a member in a high output drafting team to create and edit PNI, Isometric, piping, electrical and other drawings related to chemical plant operations

Education

New Horizons, King of Prussia, PA

Novell ManageWise 2.6 Course

Delaware Technical and Community College, Georgetown, DE

Novell Networking Essentials Course
Novell Netware 4 Administration Course

Cecil Community College, North East, MD
Major in Computer Information Systems, 56 credit hours

Microsoft Windows NT Network Administration and Technical Support Training for MCSE Track

Clark Design Group, Elkton, MD
Computer Aided Drafting Apprenticeship

Architectural hand drafting, model building, and use of DataCad software

Certifications

For those who think cert's mean something, below are some certifications I have FWIW. They hold as much value as any other, in my humble opinion. I've encountered plenty of "certified professionals" that had no idea what they were doing. They could apparently study the test prep material and pass a test to get certified, but obviously had no experience. I'm of the opinion that industry certification, particularly in the IT field, rarely, if ever, is any indication of one's skill. While a certification may show that one has basic subject material knowledge, and is frequently used as a filter (a rather poor one at that) for HR and non-techs, it generally cannot prove the application of such knowledge to real world solutions. Some certs are better than others in this regard, but by and large they are only worth anything when evaluating entry level professionals or for getting a preferred vendor status.

For further reading on this subject: