Michael J Carlson
1020 NE 125th ST APT 18, Seattle, WA 98125
206 349 4445 / mjc@speakeasy.net


Objective I seek a full-time position working in a desktop support or help-desk setting focused on Internet services, application support, and/or hardware troubleshooting and testing. I am also open to other opportunities that engage similar skillsets, as well as my conversational fluency in German.

Education scored 92% 'Proficient' rating on PreVisor's Technical Help Desk (MS) assessment, 2008

Speakeasy Network
Efficient Networks Virtual Private Networking workshop, 2001

Redback DSL Router training, 2001

Flowpoint Router configuration workshop, 2000

University of Utah graduated 1997 with B.A. in German Language (3.77 GPA)

member of Delta Phi Alpha, Phi Kappa Phi, and Golden Key

one year DaFP program, Ruprecht-Karls Universität Heidelberg, 1993-94

Experience

2002-2008
C3 | Carlson Computer Consulting, Seattle, WA

Computer Systems & Network Analyst / Computer Support Specialist

  • founded and operated successful technology consulting firm, gaining 120 clients over 6 years
  • designed, installed, and supported Windows 2000/XP workstations and Apple OS X computer systems
  • installed and maintained printers, scanners, optical drives, backup hard drives, USB wireless devices, as well as digital cameras, PDAs and digital music players
  • setup and configured home and small business LAN/WAN networks supporting 1-10 PC / Mac workstations, fileservers, network printers, hubs, switches, routers, cable or DSL modems and related cabling
  • excelled in research, self-teaching, troubleshooting, problem-solving and documentation using Internet, Microsoft KB, Apple Support, and print resources
  • integrated legacy software / hardware with newly acquired systems
  • worked with and trained people with varying degrees of technical knowledge
  • authored and maintained small business and personal websites using Mozilla / Seamonkey & handcoded HTML
  • advocated for and taught open source productivity software including OpenOffice, Firefox, Thunderbird, VNC, VLC, VirtualBox, and Ubuntu and Fedora Linux distributions
  • evaluated and advised on hardware upgrades and new equipment purchasing
1999-2001 Speakeasy Inc., Seattle, WA

Senior Help-Desk Analyst

  • instructed end-users on DSL modem installation, TCP/IP  and Internet client configuration; and troubleshooting of Ethernet and router hardware
  • resolved account configuration issues; configured and co-managed Redback DSL router
  • advocated for Apple end-users as lead support specialist for Apple-specific issues
  • achieved advanced proficiency with Windows 98/2000/XP operating systems and Internet applications
  • managed relationships with national dialup service providers
  • engaged in special projects including basic mailserver administation as postmaster; and maintenance technician for TCS 1000 dialup rack and Radius authentication server
1998-1999  The Foundry (AmeriCorps), Seattle, WA

Director of Development / Computer Specialist / Self-Enrichment Education Teacher

  • developed 4 youth empowerment volunteer projects focusing on using the Internet in self-expression and community service, and recruited 18 high school students for them
  • designed, installed, and networked a 6 workstation computer lab
  • established and fostered relationships with non-profits and schools
  • solicited donations of refurbished computer equipment and software
  • authored and taught web development and graphic design classes