Job Hunting Kit Portfolio _ACE Cohort 6-2022 by Joyce Chen

Her Story

Joyce Chen was born in Taipei city, Taiwan. In her childhood, she was inspired by one of her family members in the architecture industry. This brought her to study interior design and architecture design at Academy of Art University in San Francisco. She spent one year learning English in an ESL program at University of Tennessee. In 2013, she came back to San Francisco to pursue her interior design degree. Along with the learning process, she truly fell in love with interior design. Her dream was to help people create a welcoming home that can reflect their personalities and make their visions come true. She completed her degree in interior and architectural design in 2018 and soon started her professional career in an architectural firm right after an internship. She learned a lot from her professional work to be detail-oriented, a problem solver, time manager and an accountable person. She keeps learning English, thanks to The Accelerated Career English (ACE) program at HCC that offered such a great opportunity for her to enhance her skills both professionally and personally. Later, she found herself falling in love with technology, and she desired to be a programmer. She is taking every step to achieve her career goal in a huge career switch by attending an online program for IT training and will also be joining a full stack web development bootcamp at University of New Hampshire. She just added a new page to her journey!

JOYCE CHEN Linkedin / Portfolio joyceideas@outlook.com | +1 (510) 612-3626 | Watertown, MA 02472 A highly motivated, passionate and collaborative interior designer seeking an intermediate designer position.

EDUCATION B.F.A. Interior Architecture & Design | May 2018 Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA WORK EXPERIENCE Junior/ Intermediate Designer | MA Dimensions Inc | 2021 ● Familiar with city submittal process for residential commercial permit. ● Familiar with Zoom for virtual meetings. ● Onsite Measuring for projects, creating floor plan and construction document set in Archicad. ● Spacing designing for commercial and residential project with knowledge of regulations ● Worked on a commercial project in a restaurant, understanding the design process. ● Worked on numerous projects in residential to help clients with ADUs and remodeling projects. ● Follow-through with clients and corresponding with MEP engineers on timing manner. Interior Design Consultant & Sales | Gooder Supply Home Design, Inc. | 2018 ● Created 2D/3D floor plans and rendering using in house software 20/20 for potential clients ● Work closely with client to listen to their needs/problems and offer solutions through space design ● Assisted in the design and release of the company's own product line of cabinetry. Design Consultant Experience | Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) | 2018 ● Architected folders for six projects to unify all detailed documents together in Bluebeam Revu. ● Structured bookmarks and codified all single drawing artifacts and schematics into PDFs via Bluebeam Revu. ● Created hyperlinks for easy navigation of portfolios compliant with DSA requirements. ● Delivered a portfolio of six projects on time with high quality aligned with requirements from project architects. Design Assistant | Acme Builders Inc. | 2018 ● Created 2D floor plans using architectural visualization in Revit. ● Managed inventory of budget and cost related documents. ● Assisted in FFE (furniture, fixture and equipment) design in support of RFP for critical clients. Interior Design Internship | Ripple Ideas LLC | JULY-DEC 2018 ● Created 2D floor plans and full renderings with Revit based on working drawings. ● Drafted full set of commercial plan documents with working knowledge of codes and permits. ● Researched critical building permit requirements based on defined project specifications. ● Selected design layouts with space planning and concepts for projects based on spec sheets. ENRICHMENT Holyoke Community College | The Accelerated English Course- 14 weeks | 2021-2022 ● ● ●

Enhancing advanced level in grammar, listening, and writing for professional performance. Enriching English skills for higher education preparation and career change. Learning professional interview skills and receiving career coaching for career preparation.

REVIT Online Program | Certificate- 14 weeks | 2021 ● Joining evening REVIT online course to enhance software skill for professional performance. ●

Comprehensive understanding of REVIT in 2D and 3D presentation.

JOYCE CHEN Linkedin joyceideas@outlook.com | +1 (510) 612-3626 | Watertown, MA 02472

A highly motivated, passionate and collaborative designer seeking an opportunity in IT field

EDUCATION B.F.A. Interior Architecture & Design | May 2018 Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA

CAREER PATH

ELVTR | UX Live Course- 12 courses | Jan 2022 ● UX design skills in a B2B software environment. ● UX research in project. Ideate the solution, wireframing & prototyping, usability testing. ● Redesign Airbnb in adding distance feature and share function on APP to make it more usable. Holyoke Community College | The Accelerated English Course_ Part I_ 14 weeks | 2021- Present ● Enhancing advanced level in grammar, listening, and writing for professional performance. ● Enriching English skills for higher education preparation and career change. ● Learning professional interview skills and receiving career coaching for career preparation. The Tech Foundry | IT Live Course- 16 courses | Feb 2022 - Present ● Basic IT knowledge training with hardware troubleshooting to help solve the issue. ● Learning server, networking, and operating VM VirtualBox to manage data for remote operation. ● Learning scripts on Windows PowerShell to operate computer systems. University of New Hampshire Coding Boot Camp | Full Stack Web Developer- 24 weeks | June 2022 ● Learning rigorous coding curriculum in Databases, Server-Side Development, Browser Based Technologies, API Design and Quality Assurance in Unit Testing. ● Practicing daily in coding to prepare work in the industry. ● Creating team projects with classmates on complex projects.

WORK EXPERIENCE Intermediate Designer | MA Dimensions Inc | 2019 – 2021 ● Familiar with city submittal process for residential and commercial permit ● Onsite Measuring for projects, creating floor plan and construction document set in ArchiCAD ● Spacing designing for commercial and residential project with knowledge of regulations Interior Design Consultant & Sales | Gooder Supply Home Design, Inc. | 2018 ● Created 2D floor plans using in house software 20/20 for potential clients ● Helping clients to pick needed products to bring company values. ● Work closely with client to listen to their needs and offer solutions through space design ● Assisted in the design and release of the company's own product line of cabinetry. Design Consultant Experience | Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED) | 2018 ● Delivered a portfolio of six projects on time with high quality aligned with requirements from the project architects. ● Structured bookmarks and created hyperlinks for easy navigation to be codified all single drawing artifacts and schematics into PDFs via Bluebeam Revu to meet DSA requirements. ● Time management and detail oriented to all assigned tasks. Interior Design Internship | Ripple Ideas LLC | July-Dec 2018 ● Created 2D floor plans in Revit based on project drawings. ● Researched critical building permit requirements based on defined project specifications.

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Arranged company website to organize each project with updated information.

CERTIFICATES ●

UX Design | ELVTR | March 2022 Certified Guest Service Gold Professional | AHLEI | Dec 2022

Chao-Ying (Joyce) Chen Watertown, MA 02472 | (510)-612-3626 | joyceideas@outlook.com RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR DESIGNER 21th March, 2022 Company’s Name 123 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dear Search (Hiring) Committee, Please consider my application for the Residential Interior Designer position at________________. as posted on Indeed. I have 3 years experience in residential and commercial design. My interior design experience has trained me to be a detail-oriented person, and I have used this personal experience in my journey to prepare me to be a good designer. I have training in creating 2D layouts and architectural presentations in my work experiences. Along my design journey, I worked on numerous projects in single family residences, to help clients redesign their homes or design Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to create more value in their homes. I have experience working on multi-family residences in apartment complexes and commercial projects in restaurants as well. I worked at Truffle Poke Bar in South San Francisco, this work included implementing ADA codes. The submittal process to the city and health department required equipment specifications, a full set of construction documents, with coordinating MEP drawings. This was a great experience and the client received the permit for his restaurant. I am seeking an opportunity to learn more about architectural details, millwork design, lighting design, and furnishing selection to complete my goal of being a high-end interior designer. I am an active learner, and a natural problem solver. I believe that I will be a great asset to your company. Thank you in advance for considering me for the Residential Interior Designer position. I look forward to speaking with you about this position at ________________. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Sincerely, Chao-Ying Chen

Chao-Ying (Joyce) Chen Watertown, MA 02472 | (510)-612-3626 | joyceideas@outlook.com ENTRY LEVEL ASSOCIATE WEB DEVELOPER 21th March, 2022 Company’s Name 123 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dear Search Committee, Please consider my application for the Entry Level Associate Web Developer position at __________ as posted on the Indeed website. I am extremely interested in this Associate Front-End Web Developer position at ________ . My design background includes 3 years experience in residential interior design which has trained me to be a detail-oriented person. These design training experiences along my coding journey, has prepared me to be a web developer. I have trained in website creation and mobile applications using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and React. I have completed a full stack web developer bootcamp at the University of New Hampshire and an UX UI course with ELVTR bootcamp, where I have gained excellent hands-on skills to become a web developer and pursue my chosen career. I am extremely interested in this Associate Front-End Web Developer position at__________. I am seeking an opportunity to learn new technology to enhance my web development career. I am enthusiastic about creating more user-friendly web applications with my UX UI design knowledge. On my career path, both independently and collaboratively, I have worked on projects with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Python, and React. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this opportunity at _________. I am an active learner, a natural problem solver, and a valued team player. I believe that I will be a great asset to your company. I have attached a copy of my resume detailing my coding experience, along with links to my websites and software applications that I have had the honor of working on. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for considering me for the Associate Front-End Web Developer position.

Sincerely, Chao-Ying Chen

8 February 22th, 2022 Company’s Name

123 Huron Ave, Cambridge, MA 02138

Dear Interviewers, Thank you so much for meeting with me today. I really enjoyed learning about your experience in residential design and where you see the COVID-19 has brought up a different lifestyle where people work from home more as they start to care about their home design. I really appreciate your time of having sat down and talked with you and the rest of the team to learn about the company’s responsibilities and opportunities in this position.

Please let me know if there’s anything else I can provide to make your hiring decision easier. You can reach me anytime on the number or email. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

Sincerely, Chao-Ying Chen

Chao-Ying Chen | (510)-612-3626 | joyceideas@outlook.com

Bio Statement My name is Joyce Chen. I’m originally from Taipei city, Taiwan and I have lived in CA for 7 years. My educational background is in interior and architectural design, and I have worked in my field as an interior designer for 3 years. Previously, I helped clients redesign their homes or design their new homes by applying all of the code regulations, furniture selections, and construction documents in order to get the city permits for them. Recently, I have been training to become a full stack web developer. I am currently enrolled in an IT online boot camp with the Tech Foundry and soon will be joining with the University of New Hampshire to enrich my knowledge in the coding industry. Looking at codes really makes me feel energized. I have earned two bootcamp certificates so far. My top personal traits are attention to detail, problem solving, time management, and accountability. I see myself as a hard worker and an intuitive learner. I pay attention to the timeline when the deadline is set for the project. I am committed to the project and all responsibilities assigned to me. I do not hesitate to collaborate with teammates and ask for help in order to complete my task. I have the ability to sense people's needs without having to be asked. I have strong interpersonal and communication skills and understand how to effectively lead people in the right direction. In my spare time I like to stay healthy. I do aerial yoga, and enjoy taking solo road trips across the country. Having a cup of coffee with soymilk is my favorite thing to do in the morning.

Job Searching Job Website In General Name

Website

Google

Google Website

Indeed

Indeed Website

Mass Hire

Mass Hire Website

Zip Recruiter

Zip Recruiter Website

Interior Architecture Job Website 1

IIDA

IIDA Website

NEUVOO

Neuvoo Website

OPUS CAREERS Opus Careers Website

IT Job Website 1

Monster

Monster Website

The Muse

The Muse Website

3 4

Note

Learning Resources Resume Writing Website Name

Website

Kick Resume

Kick Resume Website

Resume genius

Resume Genius Website

Online Learning Resource In General 1

Coursera

Coursera Website

Udemy

Udemy Website

LinkedIn Course LinkedIn Learning Website

UX UI Online Learning Website 1

ELVTR

ELVTR Website

DesignLab

DesignLab Website

IT | Web Developer Job Website 1

W3 School

W3 School Website

edX

edX Website

FreeCodeCamp

FreeCodeCamp Website

CodeCademy

Codecademy Website

Note

Common Interview Questions 1. Tell me about yourself 2. What are your weaknesses? 3. What are your main strengths? 4. Why should we choose you for this job? 5. What are your hobbies outside of work? 6. Where do you see yourself in five years’ time? 7. Why are you leaving your current position? 8. Why do you want to work here? 9. What motivates you? 10. Do you prefer working by yourself or in a team? Either way 11. What are your salary expectations? 12. Tell me about an achievement you are proud of? Pass Permit 13. Tell me about a challenging situation and how you overcame it? Conflict/ solution 14. What do you know about the company? 15. What would your colleagues say are your best qualities? 16. What experience can you bring to this job from your previous role? Transferable skills 17. What makes a good team leader/manager? 18. What do you consider to be your biggest failure? 19. How do you deal with pressure at work? 20.Why is there a gap in your work history?

Interview question reference: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

20 Most Common Interview Questions & How to Answer Them 100 Interview Questions 10 Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them 125 Common Interview Questions and Answers (With Tips) Why Career Change? Interview Question and Answers 51 Great Questions to Ask in an Interview Algorithmic Justice League

Why Make a Career Change? 9 Good Reasons 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

More opportunities for long-term career growth and higher pay. Personal interest/ passion in an area. Make a bigger social or community impact. Uncertainty about the long-term prospects of your current industry. (This isn’t considered bad mouthing if you simply share your unemotional observations about the industry in general.) Seeking new challenges and personal growth. Taking a job that is better suited to your skills, experience, and/or personality. Following colleagues from a previous company who have made a successful career change and have recommended this new job/career to you. Higher salary potential. (It’s best to combine this with another reason above.) Starting a new career that’s more aligned with your idea of your “dream job.”

“Why Are You Changing Careers?” Example Answer 1: I want to change my career path for future growth potential and new challenges. I feel my skills and experience will transfer well into this new career. My current industry is struggling and I feel this industry has many overlaps with my current industry and role, so I’ll be able to learn quickly to contribute, rather than having to start over and learn from scratch. So I see this as a way to shift into a healthier, more stable industry while also keeping my relevant skills and being able to hit the ground running in my next position. Example Answer 2: Two friends of mine changed from the interior architecture industry to the tech industry and have said they’ve found the work to be more exciting and fulfilling. They’ve convinced me that it’s a worthwhile career move, and since I have similar interests and motivation to those two friends, I’m confident I’ll enjoy working for a company in tech. That’s the entire focus of my job search now, and I’m not applying to any interior architecture companies. I’m not unhappy in architecture; I just feel tech would be more exciting and more aligned with my passions.

Self-Exploration 1. What Hard Skills do you possess? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Bilingual (Mandarin, English) Computer language to code Computer skills in IT support Problem solving Analytical skills

2. What Soft Skills do you possess? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Empathy Prioritizing Caring for others Proactive learner Adapt to new situations quickly Interpersonal communication

3. What Transferable Skills have you developed from past work and community experience? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Accountability Attention to detail Self-awareness Time management Adaptability

4. What are your most important Work Values: (salary, flexibility, working independently or with a team, etc) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Ability to work with experienced team Learn from my co-workers Learning opportunity for employees Team player Work from home flexibility Interesting project to highlight my skills and career growth

Media: Gouache

Night is dark, but there will be light soon. One step at the time to be prepared for the next challenge in life. I believe there is hope in our life as long as we walk in the right direction towards to our goal. —--- Joyce 03-2022

Thank you for your time!