Many say there’s a difference between Academia and “The Real World,” but when it comes to software development, the mechanics are the same – writing code, problem-solving, testing, principles of continuous deployment and integration – each has to happen whether it’s an academic or business setting.
However, there are some important nuances in both domains.
Adam White, a professional software quality consultant, and Mike McKee, an Assistant Professor of Software Development at Seattle University, have had years of experience on both sides. In a discussion facilitated by moderator Jon Bach, Adam and Mike will discuss their experiences in teaching software to students who may have yet to get business experience and executives who may have a specific business outcome in mind that might make it hard to teach them about some development realities.
About our panel:
Jon Bach – Moderator – Director of Program Management for strategic initiatives in eBay’s Core Product division. He has more than two decades of software quality project experience as a tester, test manager, test consultant, and test director, which he now uses to help eBay make sure its marketing efforts are thoughtful and relevant. He has an energetic and practical style, and he is known to many eBay customers as “Jon the Bug Hunter.” Jon can be reached at jobach@ebay.com.
Mike McKee -Panelist – Assistant Teaching Professor, Seattle University Computer Science. Full-time for five years and served as an adjunct for 15 years. Mike has primarily taught database, software testing, and various software engineering classes to both graduate and undergraduate students. He is enthusiastic about “Data” and aiding students in finding their first job. Before Seattle University, Mike worked on developing database middleware tools for Software A.G. Mike has had over 40 years in the industry serving in a variety of development, management and consulting positions. You may find Mike on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikewardmckee or via email at mckeem@seattleu.edu.
Adam White – Panelist – Adam recently started a consulting practice focusing on Quality, Compliance and all the things engineering teams generally don’t like doing. His background is as a senior R&D leader and product builder with 20 years of experience in commercializing MedTech, SaaS, and IT infrastructure products. He is a serial entrepreneur having successfully launched 10 new software products. Established 1 patent. And built a robot that performs NeuroSurgery. He has held roles in all aspects of engineering, product, and project management. His main focus is helping Series A-D organizations grow their people, products, and process to the next stage. He enjoys unveiling the mystery of complex topics and using his experience to help build teams that can execute and deliver regardless of the domain.
