Kalifa Diarra
Ottawa,Canada
Summary
Bilingual Computer Engineering Technology student (3rd year) with hands-on experience in software development, mobile applications, databases, and system troubleshooting. Currently working as a Software Development Student at the Department of National Defense (DND), contributing to real-world government systems. Strong foundation in C++, Java, Python, SQL, SwiftUI, and Android development. Motivated problem solver with experience building full-stack and mobile projects from design to deployment. Seeking software developer or engineering co-op/intern roles.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Software Development Student
Department of National Defence (DND)
01.2026 - 04.2026
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of internal government software systems.
- Assist in coding, debugging, and testing application features.
- Collaborate with senior developers and technical teams in an Agile work environment.
- Document technical processes and support system improvements.
- Follow secure coding standards and government IT best practices.
Residential Support Worker
Walk of Grace
Ottawa, Canada
01.2023 - 10.2025
- Provide day-to-day support to residents, promoting independence and wellbeing in a safe and inclusive environment.
- Manage behavioral challenges with patience and professionalism, ensuring positive outcomes.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design and implement personalized care strategies.
- Maintain detailed documentation and communicate effectively with colleagues and management.
Team Member
Flying Squirrel
Ottawa, Canada
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Ensure customer safety and engagement in a fast-paced recreational facility.
- Deliver clear instructions and enforce safety protocols for large groups.
- Provide first aid response when required.
- Manage cash transactions and customer inquiries while maintaining high service standards.
- Host and coordinate events including birthday parties, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Team Member
Swiss Chalet / Harvey’s
Ottawa, Canada
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Delivered quality food service while maintaining speed and accuracy in a high-pressure environment.
- Supported team members with complex orders to improve efficiency.
- Ensured strict compliance with health and safety regulations.
Youth Program Leader
Boys and Girls Club
Ottawa, Canada
01.2021 - 12.2021
- Organized recreational and educational activities for children aged 6–12.
- Prepared and served nutritious meals while meeting safety standards.
- Supervised daily transportation of children, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
Education
Computer Engineering Technology - Advanced Diploma
La Cité Collégiale
Ottawa04-2026
Secondary School Diploma -
École Secondaire Publique Louis-Riel
01.2022
Skills
- C and Java
- Python and Kotlin
- Swift and SwiftUI
- SQL and MySQL
- REST APIs and ASPNET MVC
- Data persistence strategies
- Version control with Git
- Integrated development environments (IDEs)
- Debugging and troubleshooting
- Software testing methodologies
- Technical documentation skills
- Agile project management
- Bilingual communication proficiency
- Leadership and mentoring
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Customer service excellence
- Event coordination skills
- Adaptability and resilience
- Punctuality and reliability
- Solution-oriented mindset
References
Available Upon Request
Projects
Online Multiplayer Quiz Game (Distributed System)
React, Node.js, Express.js, Socket.IO, MongoDB
- Developed a real-time multiplayer quiz game using WebSockets (Socket.IO) for bidirectional client-server communication
- Implemented backend server logic with Node.js and Express to manage player connections, sessions, and game state
- Built a responsive React frontend to display live questions, player responses, and game results in real time
- Integrated MongoDB database to store and manage true/false quiz questions with full CRUD functionality
- Implemented real-time scoring system and response-time tracking to determine fastest and winning players
- Designed event-driven communication architecture for low-latency gameplay and scalability
Web Order App — E-Commerce Platform
Laravel (PHP), MySQL, HTML/CSS, JavaScript
- Developed a full-stack e-commerce web application with secure user registration and login system
- Implemented password hashing, session-based authentication, and protected routes for authorized users only
- Built product listing, shopping cart, and order management functionality backed by MySQL database
- Applied input validation and SQL injection protection techniques to improve application security
- Designed responsive user interface for improved usability and customer experience
Movie Browser App — iOS Application
SwiftUI, REST APIs, UserDefaults
- Built a movie browsing application with animated UI transitions, category filtering, and favorites management
- Integrated YouTube trailer playback and persistent local storage using UserDefaults
- Implemented dynamic UI animations and smooth navigation to improve overall user experience
Availability
Upon Request
Languages
- English (Fluent)
- French (Fluent)
Leadership And Volunteer Experience
- LINKED Leader, Boys and Girls Club, Ottawa, ON, 2021, Facilitated STEM-based workshops, introducing youth to coding and digital skills., Designed lesson plans aligned with learning objectives and kept youth engaged through interactive activities., Mentored youth in leadership and teamwork development.
- Cadets Canada, 2015 - 2021, Completed leadership and team-building training through progressive ranks., Participated in multiple community fundraisers and service activities.
Timeline
Software Development Student
Department of National Defence (DND)
01.2026 - 04.2026
Residential Support Worker
Walk of Grace
01.2023 - 10.2025
Team Member
Flying Squirrel
01.2022 - 01.2023
Team Member
Swiss Chalet / Harvey’s
01.2021 - 01.2022
Youth Program Leader
Boys and Girls Club
01.2021 - 12.2021
Computer Engineering Technology - Advanced Diploma
La Cité Collégiale
Secondary School Diploma -
École Secondaire Publique Louis-Riel