PROFILE

Colby and son, Jacob



Hey, I'm Colby!



I'm a student at Washington State University studying computer science while working on graphic design and web development in my free time.

Feel free to view my projects, blog or just send me an email in the contact section.

EXPERIENCE


Education

Washington State University

August 2017 - Current
August 2008 - December 2010

Bachelor - Computer Science

I initially started attending WSU in 2008. Having been relatively successful in my highschool engineering endeavors, I decided to attend WSU and major in mechanical engineering. Though I initially did well in my studies, I possessed a severe lack of excitement for the material which lead to a decline in my accedemic standings. Unwilling to throw more money at an education that I had no interest in, I enlisted the Air Force. The discipline instilled in me by the military as well as the maturity gained from the passing of time culminated in a period of tremendous personal growth. After separating from the armed forces, I once again find myself at WSU in pursuit of a BS in computer science. Though I have many more challenges in my life than I did in 2008, I can say with all certainty that my studies are proceeding exceptionally well.

Defense Language Institute

June 2011 - September 2012

AA - Korean

While serving in the Air Force, I was employed as a Korean Cryptologic Language Analyst. Having no prior experience with Korean, or any other foreign language, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The program was taught by Korean nationals and though grueling at times, invariably worth it .

Garfiend-Palouse High School

Aug 2004 - June 2008

Highschool Diploma

I completed highschool with plans to become an engineer. Participated in baseball, basketball, golf and was captain of the football team. I was also a member of the school FFA team, National Honor Society and placed second place at the JETS/AbilityOne National Engineering Design Challenge which was later became a part of Technology Student Association. Following our success, Massachusetts Institute of Technology invited the team to another national competition as well as awarding the school a grant of $10,000.

Work Experience

Washington State University

March 2018 - May 2019

Desktop Support IT Specialist

I worked at the university as an IT specialist. I troubleshot user issues as well as ensuring that all systems were up to date with the latest software and maintaining images for department computers. In March of 2019 I was told Desktop support would no longer be employing students at the end of the semester. Not one to sit idle, I reached out to someone I had done some work for while at Desktop support and by the end of the day had an interview scheuduled for the Crimson Service Desk.

Crimson Service Desk

August 2019 - August 2020

Technical Assistant II

Using the reputation I had built at Desktop support I was able to easily transition to the Crimson Service Desk. The primary difference between the two jobs was that I was now assisting students with IT and account related issues rather than department staff. After one semester of working at CSD I was promoted to Technical Assistant II. Unfortunately I had to leave CSD due to time constraints caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the switch to an online learning environment. Shortly before leaving CSD I was part of the team that was used to model the current operations of CSD on all WSU campuses.

United States Air Force

April 2011 - April 2017

Korean Cryptologic Language Analyst

While serving in the armed forces, my duties were those of a linguist and intelligence specialist. After completing the Korean course at the Defense Language Institute, my first duty station was Osan Air Force Base, South Korea. I excelled at my position and within six months was promoted to Conventional Operations Supervisor, a position generally held by a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO). After two years in Korea, I received the Air Force Achievement medal and departed for Fort George Meade, MD.

While stationed in Maryland, my primary job was as a Target Analyst at the National Security Agency. My duties included working on reports and handling administrative tasks. I separated from the armed forces in 2017 and returned to Washington state after receiving the Joint Service Achievement medal.

Bishop's Orchard

August 2007 - September 2010

Lead Technician and Fabricator

I worked as the Lead Technician which included operation and maintenance of the orchard’s heavy equipment. I was also responsible for fabricating anything the owner needed, including the gates installed at the primary entrance points. Other duties primarily customer service related.

ABILITIES

CSS

HTML

C#

C++

C

Java

Python

Haskell

Jira

Git

PROJECTS

CONTACT

Do you have any questions? Please do not hesitate to contact me directly. I will get back to you as quickly as possible!

  • Colfax, WA

  • (210) 557 2304

  • colbycocking@gmail.com