José Castro Castillo

Business Information Technology Student — University of Salford

Skills

This page provides an overview of my professional abilities and practical experience. It summarises key technical and interpersonal skills, alongside the certifications, education, and work experience that support my continuous development in Business Information Technology. The aim is to show how analytical thinking, digital design, and hands-on delivery come together in real projects.

Skills by Type:

Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Teamwork & Collaboration
  • Problem-Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service
  • Attention to Detail
  • Initiative
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Reliability

Hard / Business-Technical Skills

  • Programming (Python, Java, HTML, CSS)
  • Business Development
  • Accounting
  • CRM
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Practical Tools & Equipment
  • Git & GitHub
  • Responsive Web Design
  • Web Accessibility (a11y)
  • Form Handling (validation + Formspree)

Certificates

  • AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping (603/6343/5) — Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), UK.
    Awarded:
    Note: Certificate/ID available on request (redacted for privacy).
    Relevance: demonstrates numerical accuracy and financial data handling skills useful for BI and business systems.

    View AAT Level 2 Certificate (opens in new tab)

  • Level 1 & Level 2 Bookkeeping Assistant — Future Skills (affiliated with University of Salford), 2022–2023.
  • Microsoft Excel — certification in progress
  • Planned: Microsoft Certified — Power BI Data Analyst (PL-300) · Target: 2025
  • Planned: Google Data Analytics (Professional Certificate) · Target: 2025

Education

  • BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology — University of Salford, Manchester
    Sep 2024 – Present (Expected 2026)
    Relevant modules: Web Design, Business Intelligence, Data Analysis, Dashboard Development, Project Management.
  • BSc Software Engineering (Year 1) — Edge Hill University, St Helens
    Sep 2023 – Jun 2024
    Modules: Python, Java, Databases, Web Design.
  • Foundation Year in Accounting and Finance — Canterbury Christ Church University, Manchester
    Sep 2022 – Jun 2023

Relevant Experience

  • Junior Manager — Drew Brady & Co Ltd (Manchester) · Sep 2016 – Apr 2022
    Supervised a 10+ team and coordinated daily operations to meet production and quality KPIs. Reduced inter-department delays by ~15% through workflow redesign and improved communication. Recognised for reliability, leadership, and continuous improvement.
  • Business Owner — Happy Days Retail Shops (Spain) · 2002 – 2017
    Founded and scaled from one to three locations. Increased sales by ~30% via promotions, supplier optimisation and digital marketing. Introduced e-commerce and social campaigns attracting 1,000+ new customers.
  • Self-Employed — Tool & Equipment Rental (UK) · 2022 – Present
    End-to-end operations: inventory, pricing, customer service and safety checks. Introduced simple digital tracking (spreadsheets/CRM) to reduce lost items and improve turnaround time; maintained utilisation across peak seasons.
  • Self-Employed — Construction Projects (Driveways & Small Works, UK) · Seasonal
    Scoped requirements, estimates, material sourcing and on-site coordination. Managed timelines, client communications and aftercare with a focus on safety and quality.
  • BI Dashboard — Income by Area (Power BI) · University project (2025)
    Built a read-only dashboard with KPI cards, maps and stacked charts; designed a guidance page and filter logic to support evidence-based decisions.
  • Web Prototype — Problem-Solving (Restaurant) · UX/Frontend (2025)
    Mobile-first flow with clear hierarchy, contact/social proof, and an email-generation form to reduce friction for bookings and feedback.