Recently, Rose went on the record with Dave Hamric, a front-end engineer who will celebrate his 7-year work anniversary at Brightspot, formerly Perfect Sense, later this summer. Since joining Brightspot, Dave has been a valuable member on some of our most complex projects for Healthgrades, Circa, Source Media, and, most recently, Sotheby's. During their conversation, Dave shares about his transition from graphic design to web development, details about his upcoming sabbatical, and the current book he's reading.
You've been at Brightspot for almost seven years. What initially brought you here? How have you seen the company evolve over time?
I heard about the company through a recruiter. Initially, I was hesitant about a daily commute to Reston, but after visiting the office and meeting everyone I realized it was a cool place. Over the years, I have seen a lot of people come and go. We have grown a lot over that time and the platform, Brightspot, has come a long way.
Tell me about the current project you are working on and your specific role on the team?
I am on the Sotheby's team as the lead front-end engineer. We are mostly building out templates and different features for various page types. I am currently working on the Algolia search application, which is using React, a new technology for me. We have a couple other developers working on the front end for this project, so I am also reviewing their code and making sure we work cohesively as a team.
I read that you started your career as a graphic designer for SAIC. How does your experience as a designer help you as a developer?
I thought I wanted to go into graphic design when I was in college, so I interned at SAIC. From that experience I learned that I enjoyed working more on the interactive side than the design side and decided to switch careers. Knowing some design tricks has been valuable and helps inform how I build out features on the front-end.
What inspired you to transition into web development?
When I started in graphic design, careers were geared much more to print. I wanted to work on things that could change and provide immediate feedback and front-end development appealed to me more.
Are there any technologies you haven't had the chance to work with that you're excited about playing with in the future?
On the Sotheby's project, I am working with React for the first time which has been exciting. I'd also like to work more with web components. There is always plenty to learn in the front-end field. Things are always changing, so there a lot of technologies I'd like to get on my hands on in the future.
Besides the people, what's your favorite part about working for Brightspot?
It has to be the free lunch, right? I love our free lunches! I also enjoy that we work in a cool, new developing area.
I saw that you are taking your sabbatical this summer. What do you have planned for your 3-week break?
My girlfriend and I are going to Greece for about two weeks. I have never been there so I am looking forward to that. After we get back, I'm going to Dewey Beach for a week. I'm definitely getting in a lot of beach time during my sabbatical!
What are your favorite activities or hobbies to do outside of the office?
I like to go to concerts, watch movies, play softball, and read.
What are you currently reading?
I am currently reading Treasure Island. I recently watched the show Black Sails and that made me interested in pirate lore. The show is a prequel to Treasure Island which I had never read. It's been a good follow up from the show.
What was the last concert you went to?
I just saw Lotus at the 9:30 Club. They were a lot of fun!
