A Coffee with Shay

We sat down with Shay our Web Developer Intern from Drexel University to discuss all things coding. He talked to us about his love of Green Day, video games, and why exactly people call him ‘Shay Butter’.

What is your role at iperdesign?

I’m a ‘Computer Science’ student at Drexel University, and currently interning with iperdesign for six months as a Web Developer.

What are some of your current goals?

I want to complete my current ‘Computer Science’ degree and develop an app, website, or software that will make a difference. I’m not sure what that difference is yet but I will figure it out. I love learning new coding languages in my spare time and increasing my understanding of web design.

What is one designing or coding pet peeve of yours?

Not knowing why a specific piece of code is broken and when fiddling with the code I somehow fix it, but I’m still not sure what was broken in the first place. It’s frustrating because you’ve solved the problem, but you haven’t learned a lesson.

When you show people around Philadelphia where do you take them?

I usually show people Penn’s landing, I enjoy the scenery and the food trucks, it’s a really nice place to hang out. I’ve lived in North Philadelphia my entire life so I also enjoy the AMC theatre in Philadelphia Mill’s Mall.

If you weren’t at work today what would you be doing?

I’d probably be gaming or at the movies. I enjoy all things Marvel and DC so I usually watch whatever the latest superhero movie is.

Music or Podcast recommendations?

I don’t have any specific podcasts I listen to as long as it’s about gaming. I usually have Twitch open on my second screen, watching someone play games while I code. When it comes to music I like all genres (including country!) and my favorite all-time band are Green Day.

Any hidden skills or talents?

I used to skateboard a lot when I was younger and I was really into breakdancing for a while. I didn’t perform I just really enjoyed practising with friends.

Who is someone you admire and why?

I really admire my father, he always manages to put me and my mom first and I hope I have the same moral values as him.

If you were to write an autobiography what would the title be?

“I can’t believe it’s not butter”. My math teacher in high school gave me the nickname Shay Butter like the lotion ingredient ‘Shea Butter’. I’m not really sure why but it followed me through changing schools and has just stuck.