Middlepoint

As a web developer, working on the Middlepoint website was an exciting and fulfilling experience. Middlepoint, founded by two high school friends, Maarten and Patrick, is a recruitment agency specializing in international engineers across various markets, including construction, mechanical engineering, and the maritime industry. Their unique approach, leveraging Patrick's Polish heritage and connections, set the stage for a dynamic and innovative company.

Project Overview and Collaboration

The Middlepoint website, aims to attract and connect job applicants within the maritime industry. It showcases job vacancies in three main categories: Yacht Building, Ship Building, and Offshore Energy, making it easy for potential candidates to find and apply for jobs in their field.

I joined the project just after the website had been released to production. My role involved working closely with a backend developer to build new features, fix bugs, and provide ongoing support. We also collaborated with a designer who briefed us on new design elements, pages, and other web experiences to ensure they aligned with Middlepoint’s business needs.

Technologies and Development Approach

The Middlepoint site is built using .NET with Kentico as the CMS framework. The frontend development utilizes Blazor, Razor (cshtml), JavaScript, and SCSS. This combination provides a robust and flexible platform that supports a dynamic and responsive user interface.

One of the main challenges was taking over from the initial developer who had left the company. This meant I had to quickly get up to speed with the existing codebase and continue development with minimal guidance. Extensive research and a proactive approach were crucial in meeting the deadlines and ensuring the project's success.

Overcoming Challenges

Stepping into a project mid-way can be daunting, especially when the previous developer is unavailable for guidance. However, this challenge was an excellent opportunity for growth. By diving deep into the existing code and leveraging online resources, I was able to overcome these hurdles and deliver on the required tasks.

The collaboration with the project manager, backend developer and the designer was seamless. We effectively communicated and shared ideas, which made the development process smooth and productive. The designer's insights were particularly valuable in ensuring that the new features and pages not only met functional requirements but also provided an engaging and user-friendly experience.

Personal Enjoyment and Professional Growth

Working on the Middlepoint website was particularly enjoyable because of my interest in the naval industry. Developing a site for a sector that has fascinated me throughout my life made the work feel less like a job and more like a passion project. The chance to work with a modern tech stack, including Blazor and Razor, was an added bonus, allowing me to refine my skills and expand my expertise.

Conclusion

The Middlepoint project was a significant milestone in my career as a web developer. It combined my technical skills with my personal interests, resulting in a highly rewarding experience. The challenges I faced and overcame only served to enhance my abilities and confidence as a developer.