Shay Patel

Software Engineer

Jul 2025 - Present

Next plc.

Working as part of the Finance Technology team, I've designed and implemented automation tools in Python that allowed colleagues to connect with the Azure DevOps API to simplify data management workflows. These scripts generated SQL output and ADO work items in bulk, cutting more than 30 hours of repetitive manual effort from recurring processes.

Alongside this, I've been upgrading and patching C#/.NET and SQL repositories by ensuring frameworks are up to date, dependencies are correct, and error handling is clean, boosting the reliability and maintainability of core systems. I've also developed international functionality for internal gift card platforms, adding multi-region data filters to support operations in the Middle East and enhance global scalability.

Throughout these projects, I've collaborated closely with business and QA teams every step of the way, to clarify business requirements, test deployed fixes, and ensure smooth, high-quality deployments to production.

Teaching Assistant

Oct 2024 - Dec 2024

University of Birmingham

I led weekly tutorials and drop-in sessions for classes of 30-40 students, helping them grasp challenging concepts in logic systems, linear algebra, and formal reasoning. My focus was on breaking down complex ideas into clear, approachable explanations that supported a wide range of learning styles.

Beyond group teaching, I offered one-on-one feedback and guidance to help students strengthen their understanding and improve their performance. I also worked closely with the module lead and other teaching assistants to design engaging, effective tutorial materials that met students' needs.

Through this experience, I developed strong communication, presentation, and mentoring skills, learning how to guide discussions, build confidence, and make abstract theoretical topics more accessible.

Technical Lead

Jan 2023 - Aug 2024

Jayna Dance Academy

I developed a custom, content-rich website designed to highlight key offerings while ensuring a smooth and engaging user experience. By implementing SEO best practices and integrating Google Analytics, I enabled detailed performance tracking and insights into user engagement, supporting steady growth to over 100 monthly visitors.

To streamline the customer journey, I integrated Stripe payment links, allowing users to book classes and workshops seamlessly through the site. This upgrade simplified the payment process, reduced friction, and improved overall conversion rates.