On Contract in Lucca, Italy
A/V Technician Gordon Research Conferences
I’m James McGowan, a tech enthusiast seeking a career in sales & project logistics anywhere in the world.
I like to create websites, sell cigars, run events, and try out new gadgets. I'm passionate about building cool things, blogging, travel, and paleo living.
- Currently working in Italy
- Moving to Austin (7/3/2013)
- Pursuing a career in Tech
- Dependable
- Hardworking
- Analytical
- Leadership Experience
- Social Media Savvy
- Sales Experience
What I'm Looking For
I have sampled a wide variety of jobs while in college and have found a passion for logistics from event planning. In addition, I love to stay up to date with the latest technology, from learning how to service a computer, build a website, or learn a programming language. I'd like to combine my two passions in order to work with startups on exciting results-based projects.
A/V Technician
Gordon Research Conferences
Renaissance II Ciocco Resort - Barga Italy
Present Contract
04/2013 - 07/2013
Manage conference audio and visual equipment for presentation rooms at a remote hotel site in Barga, Italy. Troubleshoot software and hardware issues for multiple vendors and ensure reliability on different hardware equipment and operating systems.
General Manager
Saco River Cigars - Saco, ME
02/2012 - 03/2013
Manage a cigar lounge that sells exclusively cigars. Ensure a good atmosphere for upscale clientele. Process payroll, inventory, cash handling, and POS reports. Created and manages website and monthly newsletters. Handles marketing and bilingual French and English promotion on Facebook and Twitter.
Site Manager
Gordon Research Conferences
University of New England - Biddeford, ME
05/2012 - 08/2012
Manage a conference site for a non-profit science organization that uses the University of New England for twelve separate week long science conferences with minimal supervision received. Directly supervise and assign tasks to two other employees and work with clients to implement budgets in excess of $100,000 that include federal restrictions and other accounting procedures. Work with several on campus departments including Facilities, Housekeeping, Conference Services, and Catering.
Conference Services Sr. Assistant
University of New England - Biddeford, ME
04/2009 - 05/2012
Duties include distributing work to student employees and providing assistance to operations in retail, updating information on event and contact management software, customer service, and hospitality for outside clients and internal departments at the University. During the academic year manage and market online social media using Facebook. Full time during the summer with supervision of 12 junior student employees, including monitoring payroll, scheduling, and duties assigned to those employees.
President
Undergraduate Student Government
University of New England - Biddeford, ME
03/2010 - 03/2011
Executive leader of the student government with 30 members and the oversight of $500,000 in student fees. Personally hired, interviewed and supervised nine student employees and one office manager for a new student government office. Provides guidance to student government senators and committees. Chair meetings, enforce bylaws, conduct elections, hold office hours and perform student body president functions such as public speaking. Created an online social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, and Youtube. Serve on many administrative committees: Dining Services, Transportation Committee, Student Health Insurance Taskforce, Academic Calendar Committee, and the Tobacco Policy Committee.
Resident Advisor
University of New England - Biddeford, ME
01/2010 - 05/2011
Para-professional live-in staff member responsible for a floor of first year residential students. Each week performs two nights of on-duty patrol and coverage in a supervisory capacity for more than 400 students, promoting a safe environment and offering social and psychological support for students having difficulty. Develops community programs, events, and teaches students how live independently, enforces university policy, and maintains a learning-living community.
ITS / Blackboard Technician
University of New England - Biddeford, ME
09/2008 - 02/2009
Deployed online course technology for the Education Department. Taught professors and instructors how to use the online system, how to post videos, content and interact with their students. Provided diagnostic help and created a troubleshooting guidebook that showed step by step instructions for technical problems.
Website Designer / Administrator
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge - Wells, ME
10/2008 - 02/2009
Created and maintained the official Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge website. Converted existing and new content to new federal standards set by the Department of the Interior. Completed three federal web development courses to comply with compatibility, disability, and security requirements. Completed a FBI background check to acquire federal intranet access. Designed a technical guidebook for officials providing instruction on how to update the website in the future.
Constituency Services Intern
Congressman Mike Michaud - Bangor, ME
04/2007 - 10/2007
Staffed the congressman at events, routine office work, conducted public speaking on behalf of the congressman and facilitated constituency cases with federal agencies