How did you first learn about CarePort, and what made you want to join the company?
I first heard about CarePort because the technology stack that we use matched up very closely with my previous experience. However, once I spoke with Sean Santry (VP of Engineering) and learned more about the products and mission, I knew it was a great fit.
I had previously worked on consumer-facing products – mostly in the fashion and e-commerce space where the apps had to be performant, aesthetically pleasing and very easy to use for the end user. I love the challenge of taking those requirements and bringing them into an industry that has historically not been the best in those categories.
What is your role, and what does a typical workday look like for you?
I am the Engineering Team Lead for our Guide and Transition products. In engineering, we have three main tasks that we are tackling daily. We write and review our products’ code, we manage and monitor the infrastructure that our products run on and we work closely with the product team to plan new features and improvements.
Engineering is often viewed as anything but creative, but I think people that are involved in the profession think differently. There are many ways to solve a problem and each has tradeoffs. Sometimes a solution is so elegant that I just smile and get the same feeling as when I am in front of a beautiful painting.
Congrats on your upcoming anniversary at CarePort! What do you like best about working here?
I love the team and mission that we have here. We have a great, comfortable, open office environment that leads us to work collaboratively and focus on our mission of improving patient outcomes.
Many of us have family members that are doctors, nurses, therapists and other health care professionals. All of us have people that we love that need, or will need, care. Having the opportunity to build products that will make the quality of care better makes an already rewarding profession even more sweet!
What would you do for a career if you weren’t in engineering?
I think I would likely be a philosophy professor. I love solving big problems and there are no bigger problems than those in the realm of philosophy. Given the number of members of the engineering team with a philosophy background, I don’t think I am alone in that passion!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Oh wow, where to start? I have so many hobbies and I think I pick up a new one up every week. Some of my favorites are tennis, chess, guitar, songwriting, fountain pens, mechanical watches, photography, finance, baking bread and cooking. Ask me in a month and I will have a few more! I absolutely love learning and building new skills.
What is your favorite book?
Nonfiction: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Back to philosophy, I have always been a fan of the Stoic school and I think Roman Emperor Aurelius has some amazing thoughts on life in this one.
Fiction: Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. I think it’s one of the best stories ever told and one that makes your heart jump for joy. Sometimes the ones who seem the weakest are actually the ones who have the power to win the day.
Have any tips for people learning how to code?
Learn the basics and try to jump right in to create something you think is cool as soon as possible. Like any creative profession turning ideas into reality is what makes the hours of banging your head on the desk worth it.
Network with others to help you in your learning. When I was starting out, I went to a lot of hackathons where we would form teams and build prototypes of products in a weekend. This helped me meet a lot of engineers that I am still close with today.
Want to work with C.J.? We’re hiring across engineering, product and sales. Apply today!
