Adam Thomas, Principle Solution Architect
In a previous post, I mentioned TOPHAT LTD’s involvement in IWU’s intern program. We are continuing to participate in that program and are excited to introduce our next intern, Christina Gladback.
What does custom software look like?
There is a saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” My hope is that when it comes to graphics, Christina is a very verbose artist. Christina has a background in media design. Last semester, Cody Rassi assisted us in creating written communication to help TOPHAT LTD better connect with our clients. This semester, my hope is that Christina can help us build the visual elements that will help our clients understand the value TOPHAT LTD can provide to their businesses.
Industry Standard Tools
In the past, I’ve used media design tools and apps that were quick and easy to use but not the industry standard. A large portion of the media design industry uses the Adobe toolset (Photoshop, Illustrator, Publisher, etc.). I’ve only dabbled in these applications. However, one of Christina’s first tasks will be completing several tutorials and example projects using the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. Her next task will be showing me how she did it.
Using industry standard tools has not always been a priority for me. In previous positions, I was usually more concerned with the functionality versus price. If I could find a tool for half the price that still did what I needed it to do, I’d buy it instead of the industry standard tool. This mentality has changed and I believe it is an important and necessary change.
With more and more business operations being reliant on IT (information technology) systems, maintaining the continuity of those systems becomes more important. If industry standard tools were used to build the original system, then you are more likely to be able to find someone that has both the tools and skills to fix it in the future.
With this in mind, I’m making a concerted effort at TOPHAT LTD to use common tools in use across the industry, such as the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, instead of the best tool for the price. This should result in a deliverable that is more easily maintained in the future.
Using industry standard tools has not always been a priority for me. In previous positions, I was usually more concerned with the functionality versus price. If I could find a tool for half the price that still did what I needed it to do, I’d buy it instead of the industry standard tool. This mentality has changed and I believe it is an important and necessary change.
With more and more business operations being reliant on IT (information technology) systems, maintaining the continuity of those systems becomes more important. If industry standard tools were used to build the original system, then you are more likely to be able to find someone that has both the tools and skills to fix it in the future.
With this in mind, I’m making a concerted effort at TOPHAT LTD to use common tools in use across the industry, such as the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, instead of the best tool for the price. This should result in a deliverable that is more easily maintained in the future.
Young Talent
I sincerely appreciate this continued opportunity from IWU to engage with young talent and provide them “real world” experience. I believe businesses especially need to be engaged with learning institutions to facilitate the transition of young talent to the work force. Students like Christina are our future and, from what I have seen, we have a bright future ahead of us!
RSS Feed