Name: Wesley Hovick
Role: Senior Software Engineer
Why do you love what you do?
Technology has always been fascinating to me and I’ve always had an appreciation for all technology.
I got into software engineering because it’s incredibly rewarding to take an idea and then use engineering to build that idea into a product that makes people happy or makes their lives easier.
Favorite food?
Probably a tie between a chicken quesadilla and a burrito, from Panchero’s of course.
What is an accomplishment you’re proud of?
I spent the last year helping to build and maintain Hy-Vee’s Covid-19 Vaccination Reservation/Signup Platform, as well as numerous internal tools for managing signups, time slots, inventory, and private vaccine events. As a result, the platform allowed millions of people to get vaccinated for Covid-19 in a quick and efficient manner to help slow down the spread of covid-19. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of building this tool and having the opportunity to impact millions of lives for the better.
Anything else we should know?
I studied piano performance at a private music school in Minnesota, before getting a degree in computer science from ISU.
Fun Fact:
I also studied Russian and German in college.
How did you get started down the path to becoming a developer?
I’ve worked various jobs in technology from tech support, to computer repair, to help desk. Although I loved working with the technology, I felt something was missing. I decided that I would quit my job, go to college, and see where life takes me.
I was initially accepted into the music education program at ISU, but switched to computer science last minute and never looked back.
What made you decide to join We Write Code?
It seemed like a great opportunity to explore other avenues of my career in regards to technology and further expand, and share, my knowledge and expertise.
How do you see your past experiences at other organizations helping you in your new position at We Write Code?
I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and teams over the years. That experience has made me into the engineer I am today. I love tackling complex problems and coming up with solutions to them. I’ve had the experience of tackling scalability, architecture for both front end and back end systems, user experience optimization, and countless other interesting successes in my career that benefit me today.
What hobbies and activities do you do outside of work?
I enjoy a large variety of hobbies and activities:
- I enjoy a couple video games from time to time, such as Rocket League where I am ranked Grand Champion.
- I play in a pool league here in Des Moines, and have played in numerous tournaments in the area and in Las Vegas.
- I enjoy reading, playing piano, and spending time with friends and family whenever I can.
- I’ve recently gotten into FPV drone flying and I plan to do drone racing someday.