Meet the Instructor: David Arrowsmith

How long have you been coding? How did you get started?

I've been coding since 2019, initially as a hobbyist, AND then with Manchester Codes. Now I work as a software engineer at ThinkMoney, an online banking platform. I started coding so that I could do a game jam with my partner, who is also a software developer. it was great fun, and after that I continued to code as a hobbyist. Eventually I enjoyed it so much that I decided to make the career switch from chemistry into software engineering.

What do you enjoy about working at Manchester Codes? // New? What are you most looking forward to with working at Manchester Codes?

I really enjoyed doing the Manchester Codes course. The content is really interesting and the school has a great supportive atmosphere. I'm really looking forward to sharing that experience with new students.

What gets you excited about Technology?

Tech can change lives, sometimes in big ways, more often in smaller, cumulatively impactful ways. I also think it's amazing that a single person can write a piece of software, and because it's so easily distributed and replicated it can provide value to thousands of people with minimal extra effort.

Favourite language and framework/library/ tool?

My favourite language is JavaScript and my favourite framework is React. I also like dabbling with CSS.

Least favourite language and framework/library/ tool?

Java and low-code platforms.

One piece of advice you have for people fresh to Software development?

Imposter syndrome is real! Most of the people I know who work in this industry, and in other technical industries, have sometimes felt like they're not making progress fast enough, like they're not as good as their peers, like someone will turn around and tell them they aren't good enough and shouldn't be here. It's a normal, natural feeling, and it's TOTALLY UNTRUE. Learning takes time. Stick with it and you'll get there, and never be afraid to ask for support and show your knowledge gaps. That's how we learn :)

Outside of work, what do like to do for fun? How do you spend your downtime?

I love hiking and rockclimbing. I do some 3D modelling. I play videogames and am a bit obsessed with VR at the moment. I read, mostly a mix of modern history and sci-fi.

What did you want to be when you were younger?

First an archaeologist, then a marine biologist, then a videogame designer. I settled on chemistry and worked in that for a decade or so before making the jump to software development.

Do you have a pet? If so, what do you have?

I have a tuxedo cat called Boris Karloff and a little black cat called Scarlett Johansson.

If you could be a superhero, who would you be and why?

I would be Domino. With good luck powers you can achieve anything!

What would your dream holiday destination be?

A long hiking adventure holiday in southeast asia.

If you were stranded on a remote island, alone. What piece of technology/ gadget would you be unable to live without?

An MP3 player full of music and audiobooks.