About
I'm a proud Marine Rifleman who honorably served from 2005 to 2009. My time in the Marine Corps instilled discipline, adaptability, and a lifelong commitment to growth—qualities I’ve carried into my journey in the world of technology and development.
My passion for tech began long before I discovered programming. As a gamer, I enjoyed diagnosing and building custom gaming PCs. It wasn’t until the release of Pokémon Go that I got my first taste of programming. Within my local gaming community, I leveraged my technical skills to create a small-scale scanner, using my personal PC as a server to identify rare Pokémon and send notifications via Discord and Twitter. That experience opened my eyes to the potential of coding and planted the seed for a new career path.
In 2017, I decided to take the leap into professional software development. I enrolled in We Can Code IT, an accelerated coding bootcamp that accepts the Post-9/11 GI Bill. There, I honed my skills in Full Stack Java development with a focus on test-driven development. You can read my detailed review of the program HERE.
When I’m not coding, I enjoy gaming on both PC and VR, binge-watching anime, and researching new topics. I also love perfecting my marksmanship at the shooting range and taking strolls with my cat, Tara, who has a knack for riding on my shoulders.
Hobbyist Streamer & Gamer
When I'm not coding, I’m diving into the world of PC and VR gaming, streaming on Twitch and YouTube. Gaming isn't just a pastime—it's a chance for me to connect with my audience, explore new technologies, and push the boundaries of virtual experiences. I enjoy a variety of games, including first-person shooters (Halo Infinite, Call of Duty), strategy games (StarCraft II, Total War: Warhammer III), and immersive VR experiences (Population One, Beat Saber). My high-end PC, Meta Quest 3, and Kat VR Treadmill create an engaging, interactive setup that lets viewers feel like they’re right there with me in the action.
PC Setup
- Case: Hyte Y70
- Motherboard: Z690-E
- CPU: i9-12900K
- CPU Cooler: SilverStone IceMyst 360
- GPU: GeForce RTX 4090
- RAM: 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5-6000
- Boot Drive: Samsung 980 Pro SSD 1TB M.2
- Storage Drive: Samsung 980 Pro SSD 2TB M.2
- PSU: Corsair HX1000
VR Setup
- Headset: Meta Quest 3 512mb
- Headset Strap: BoboVR S3 Pro
- Batteries: 3x B100 Battery Pack
- VR Treadmill: KatVR C2 Core
Misc
- Headset: Steelseries Nova Pro
- Webcam: 2021 Casecube 2k 1080P
Facts
Highlights from my journey as a Marine veteran, developer, gamer, and content creator.
Years of Service in the Marine Corps
Coding Projects completed
Hours Learning coding and technology
Hours Streaming on Twitch & YouTube since October 17th, 2021
Twitch Clips shared
TikTok Videos uploaded
YouTube Content created
Total Content across platforms
Education & Training
A blend of formal education, certifications, online learning, and practical experience.
We Can Code IT (2017 - 2018)
Columbus, OH
Completed 480 hours of intensive training in Full Stack Java development, emphasizing test-driven development and web applications.
College of the Albemarle (2013)
Elizabeth City, NC
Earned certification as a PC Technician with coursework in hardware troubleshooting and networking basics.
Team Treehouse: Hands-on programming exercises in JavaScript, Java, and web development.
Udemy: Self-paced courses on topics like Python, Java, and web technologies.
- Head First Java: Basics of Java and OOP (Used in Class)
- Murach's Java Programming: Advanced topics like GUI and database programming (Reference)
- JavaScript: The Good Parts: Insights into mastering JavaScript (Reference)
- PHP & MySQL In Easy Steps: Exploration of PHP and MySQL (Library Book)
- Unreal Engine C++: Comprehensive guide to C++ and Unreal Engine development
Resume
Explore my professional timeline, from education to personal development.
Sumary
William R Thompson Jr
I am a dedicated Hobbyist Developer with a passion for building scalable web applications and solving complex problems. With a strong foundation in Full Stack Development and a disciplined approach learned from my time in the Marine Corps, I thrive in environments that challenge my technical skills and allow me to contribute to meaningful projects. I am particularly excited about continuous learning and expanding my expertise in Java, Spring, and web technologies. Additionally, I am exploring C++ and Blueprint for Unreal Engine 5.5 as a hobby, further enhancing my skill set in game development. My goal is to join a dynamic team where I can grow professionally and make an impact by delivering high-quality solutions.
You can download my full resume in PDF format for more details: Download Full Resume (PDF).
- Columbus, OH
- wrthompsonjr86@gmail.com
Education
Full Stack Development Certificate
2017 - 2018
We Can Code IT, Columbus, OH
Completed a 480-hour intensive bootcamp in Full Stack Java development, focusing on test-driven development, web technologies, and database integration. Developed several hands-on projects to hone both front-end and back-end skills.
Computer Engineering Technology
2011 - 2013
College of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City, NC
Earned a certification in Computer Engineering Technology with a focus on PC troubleshooting, networking, and hardware management. Developed foundational technical skills essential for systems administration and support roles.
Course Work in Computer Science
2009 - 2010
Owens Community College, Findlay, OH
Completed foundational coursework in computer science, including programming and networking fundamentals, before transitioning to full-time work. Developed initial skills in Java and C++.
Professional Experience
Junior Analyst (Software Developer)
May 2019 - August 2021
CU-Centric, Columbus, OH
- Collaborated with senior developers to enhance and maintain internal software tools, using PHP, PostgreSQL, and custom SQL scripts to improve data processes.
- Assisted in backend development and bug fixes to ensure smoother product delivery and deployment.
- Communicated directly with clients, providing technical support and assisting with troubleshooting and feature requests.
- Developed and ran custom SQL scripts to automate processes, resulting in a 20% reduction in manual work hours.
Software Engineer Intern
May 2018 - July 2018
JP Morgan Chase, Columbus, OH
- Assisted in developing Java-based applications and learned Java 8 for implementing new features.
- Worked with Jira and Maven to organize tasks and handle project dependencies effectively.
- Gained hands-on experience in writing unit tests and collaborating with team members on agile development cycles.
- Worked alongside senior engineers on critical projects that involved backend Java development and system optimization.
Rifleman (0311)
September 2005 - August 2009
United States Marine Corps, Various Locations
- Selected to serve as the Scribe for the Battalion Sergeant Major due to technical competency and ability to complete high-stress tasks & missions.
- Assisted with training and mentoring international soldiers on combat tactics and technical equipment use, while maintaining high standards of excellence.
- Medals Include:
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
- Iraq Campaign Medal (1st Award)
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2nd Award)
Portfolio
Here are a few projects I've worked on during my time at WeCanCodeIT and my personal projects. These showcase my journey as a developer and my growth in Full Stack Development.
- All
- App
- Web
- Miscellaneous
Fortune Teller
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Virtual Pet
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Virtual Pet Shelter
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Virtual Pets Amok
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Reviews Site
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GitHub Portfolio: The Beginning
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Reviews Site Full Stack
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GitHub Portfolio: Generation JScript
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Final Project: Watch Your Garden Grow
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Portfolio Updating
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Green Lawn Cemetery
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Babysitter Kata
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My GitHub Contributions
Check out my GitHub activity, and see how often I contribute to projects!