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Paul O'Brian

Work Phone: 303-492-0584
Home Address and Phone Number: Available on request
Email: obrian@colorado.edu
Objective: To obtain employment that utilizes and develops my writing and computer skills in the creative production of interactive experiences.
Computer Skills: Visual Basic, Scripting Languages (DynaComm 3270, FirstLine ScriptWrite [scripting language for voice response applications]), Java, C++, HTML, SQL/Relational DBMS Fundamentals, UNIX, DOS/Windows, Inform (C-like text adventure language)
Job Experience:
Information Technology Professional
November 1997-present
University of Colorado at Boulder Office of Financial Aid
  • Create and modify database and document imaging applications in a variety of languages, including Visual Basic.
  • Maintain and improve a 12-line telephone voice response system using a proprietary scripting language. Write new applications for this system. Revamp and debug current ones.
  • Assist in maintenance of hybrid Novell NetWare/Windows NT network, including creating/deleting accounts, managing backups, and troubleshooting/analysis of network problems.
  • Provide technical support to 80 users.
Community Service Counselor
August 1995-December 1997
University of Colorado at Boulder Office of Financial Aid
  • Design and write code for Financial Aid web page.
  • Serve as liaison and trainer to 50 off-campus work-study employers. Administer $50,000 Job Location and Development program.
  • Train and supervise 6-10 student employees.
  • Counsel students on financial aid adjustments and employment opportunities.
  • Grant and adjust financial aid awards.
Administrative Assistant
September 1994-July 1995
University of Colorado at Boulder Office of Financial Aid
  • Administer $50,000 Job Location and Development program.
  • Train and supervise 6-10 student employees.
  • Coordinate Camp Day including maintaining financial records, contacting potential employers, and organizing event.
  • Correct biweekly payroll reports for $3 million work-study program.
Instructor
January 1993-May 1994
University of Colorado at Boulder English Department
  • Design and implement curriculum to teach writing to freshmen and minority students.
  • Hold classes and individual meetings with 10-30 students per semester.
  • Grade writing samples and give specific, detailed feedback.
Education:
Institution Degree Field Completion Date Details
University of Colorado at Boulder minor Computer Science December 1998
  • 4.0 GPA
University of Colorado at Boulder M.A. English Literature August 1994
  • 3.88 GPA
University of Colorado at Boulder B.A. English August 1992
  • 3.86 GPA
  • Phi Beta Kappa
  • Dean's List
  • Graduated with distinction
Interests and Activities: I write and design interactive fiction software (also known as text adventures), including LASH, an interactive novel combining science fiction and historical fiction. See my home page at http://ucsu.colorado.edu/~obrian for more information on my interests and activities.
References: References available on request.
"Which of us... is to do the hard and dirty work for the rest -- and for what pay?"
-- John Ruskin
This page has been viewed times since June 18, 2000, and yet somehow I'm still not writing text adventures for a living.
Online Résumé / Paul O'Brian /obrian at colorado.edu / Revised July 2000
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