10 Questions for Junior Front-End Developer and Performance Strategist, Ariel Sehr
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1. How did you become interested in design and development?
My previous work experience has been in database development. I mostly worked in fundraising and nonprofit environments. I love the data side of things and know a lot about specific types of software for client management relationships. I moved back to Evanston at the end of 2019 and took a couple of coding classes at Oakton Community College in Skokie. When the pandemic hit, I realized I wasn’t going to get a new job right away. So, I went heads down into coding and development, and by March I’d started as an apprentice here at Glantz.
2. Where did you grow up?
Evanston. Go Wildkits!
3. How do you relax?
My main hobby is sewing. I sew a lot of my own clothes. I am deep in the online sewing community whether it be blogs, online magazines or following sustainable fashion Instagram trends.
4. What would you say to the younger version of yourself?
In college, I had a close friend who I shared this mantra with: “We only like having fun.” We were always reminding each other to work hard but not take life too seriously. Of course, life has both ups and downs, but it was a way to poke fun at the downtimes: “Uh, yeah, I’m really upset that I have a lot of work tomorrow. And the thing about it is, we only like having fun.”
5. How do you see your work or role changing in the next 5 years?
I am excited about the changes being made to the core code of WordPress. For example, WordPress 6 has meant the implementation of a lot of tools that make developing WordPress sites more fun and better user tools to make population easier for clients. I think they’re going to be great for the growth of WordPress, specifically the security of sites. Additionally, more exciting and modern designs will be more efficient to create.
6. What are some of your hobbies?
Sewing, knitting, and many other textile crafts! I also love walking and hiking.
7. What’s your favorite band or song?
Right now, Vulfpeck.
8. What stage of the website development process do you enjoy most?
The little tweaks. This occurs in the QA process and it’s so satisfying to watch color and positioning changes as a website becomes pixel perfect.
9. What stage is the most difficult?
The 5 minutes between launching a site and seeing it go live. You click a button then have to wait 4-5 minutes before it propagates. The anticipation!
10. Best advice for future developers?
Surround yourself with people who are forward thinking and steeped in where the industry is going. Web development is something many people keep up with online, watching YouTube videos. Tech is always changing. So I’m always thinking, what video should I watch? What is a good blog to follow? What news should I subscribe to? It’s important to be on top of trends and keep your skills fresh.