Eric Sorrells | Architecture Past, Startup Future

General Assembly does it again! Eric Sorrells just completed the 12-week Web Development Immersive, learning full-stack web design. He's already on track for success with a background in architecture and tons of creative projects under his belt. Eric was initially attracted to the web development world because of startups, so he's the perfect candidate if you're searching for some fresh tech talent.

What past tech projects have you worked on?
During my GA cohort, I created several applications. The first, called memori, helps new parents record memorable moments in an online baby journal via text messages. The next was a group project called TrolleyHop,
that encourages use of Atlanta’s new trolley system by creating an itinerary of events riders can enjoy while spending a day in the city. Lastly, I created a site called sceneIt that creates an online community of movie lovers to help each other discover new films.

What are your best technical or creative skills?
I practiced architecture before discovering my interest in web development. Architects are interested in design as a process, and what I learned from those experiences is to let the design unfold naturally. Rather than forcing a site to fit preconceived notions of what a designer wants it to be or to do, he or she should begin with an open mind, and allow the design to be shaped by user feedback, comments, and other discoveries made along the way. Each project I began in this way always took on a life of its own, and ended up in a place I never would have expected, but always felt right. While this may not sound like a hard “skill,” the ability to approach a project with an open mind takes time.

What’s next on your list to learn?
During the course, I worked on a site that featured a real-time component. I gained an interest in real-time apps, and discovered server-side Javascript. I think platforms such as Node.JS will be high on my list of areas to explore soon.

What’s your ideal internship/job?
At this early stage of my career, the ideal position is one that provides exposure to the entire development process. I would like to learn how to take a site from start to finish, and an opportunity that would allow me to see each stage would be very exciting.

Interested in startups?
Absolutely! Startups are what initially attracted me to web development. More so than established products, startups have to undertake an exploratory approach of uncovering how users actually interact with and experience their product, a process that goes beyond the nuts and bolts of web design that I find very exciting.

Post graduation plans?
I will be focused on learning for the immediate future, rounding out my skills and refining the projects I began at General Assembly. In addition, I will be looking for work in an environment that will allow me to grow as a web developer, and be a valuable part of a design team. I’m excited to move beyond the classroom and start building some great apps!