Carlos, could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Carlos Jose Rojas Reyes. I am an Informatics Engineering Student. I really love technology, I have been a Microsoft Student Partner (MSP) and Microsoft Influencer since 2010. Also I am part of several global organizations like IEEE and AIESEC.
Please tell us about your experience developing apps for Windows Phone
I started to develop apps for Windows Phone in 2012. I wanted to have a WP7 app for my blog and I did it! Then I published 2 more WP7 Apps (MSP Social Media Team& AIESEC Peru). Now I am getting ready to start with my first WP8 App.
I have also started to develop Windows 8 Apps this year. I have several apps published in the Windows Store, I started by developing the app for my blog, Blog de Karlitoz. I’ve also developed the MSP Social Media Team Windows 8 app.
I learned programming fundamentals at university, but all I know about Windows 8 and Windows Phone Apps is thanks to the Internet (blogs, MSDN, webcasts, etc.) and Microsoft events.
What inspired you to start developing?
I had access to computers since I was a child. I was curious how they work so I learned how to use it very early. Then my father, as a good teacher, he taught me how to set up, install and troubleshoot computers. Some months later, I was curious how to code software and I learned first to use the Windows CMD (coding .bat files) and then coding in Pascal (because my father used to code in Pascal).
Is there anything that you have had to overcome while developing? What have you learned from that?
There are always challenges in software development, especially if you work with emerging technologies. The good thing is that I have many friends from several countries who are experts in some technologies: Microsoft Evangelists, Regional Directors (RD), Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVP), Microsoft Student Partners (MSP) and other Microsoft community members. They help me when I need solve specific development problems. What is more, the Internet is an incredible tool for learning. The Internet is democratizing people's access to knowledge and enabling learning lot of topics.
Do you have any advice for your student peers?
Be aware of new technologies and how they can help you to be more productive, grow up your career and solve social problems. Nowadays we use software and technologies and we like what we do and how we do it, but do not be afraid to learn and try emerging technologies. They are great opportunities to change the way you are working and living.
Do you participate in any other Microsoft programs?
Yes, I do! I use DreamSpark to get access to professional software to learn and develop modern apps. Also, I am part of Innovate for Good, a global community of young people dedicated to collaborating, inspiring and supporting each other while using technology to make a difference in their communities.
I am part of the MSP Social Media Team, an international team comprised of the Top 18 Microsoft Student Partners from all over the world, to report on the Imagine Cup 2013 from a student perspective. Appointed as the leader for the Twitter team and member of the Blog team; taking a year of top-notch trainings from reputable Microsoft professionals and experts on social media.
How can students learn more about your apps and get in touch with you?
Check out my blog or About.me. You can also find me on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook or YouTube.