Alexandra Hockett

I came to web development on purpose. After years managing teams and businesses across Portugal and the UK, I made a deliberate decision to transition into tech - not because I had to, but because I wanted a career I could grow in for the long term, while being present for my family. What I've found is that my background makes me a better developer.

I understand why a project matters to a business, not just what the brief says. I've managed budgets, led people, handled frustrated clients, and kept things running under pressure - which means I communicate differently than most developers and I rarely lose sight of what needs to ship. Since making the transition in late 2023, I've built commercial platforms for real clients and launched my own production SaaS integrating a wide range of AI models.

I work mostly in Next.js 15 and TypeScript, with a focus on clean architecture and real-world results. I use AI-assisted development tools, like Claude Code, every day to build faster without cutting corners.

Next.js Full Stack Developer & Freelancer at AHockett (2024-11 – Present)

Building commercial web applications for clients in Portugal and the UK, alongside my own SaaS products. Projects range from full e-commerce builds to AI-integrated platforms.

Curricular Internship - Educational Technology Programmer at Happy Code Portugal (2024-09 – 2024-11)

Developed a complete pedagogical guide for a React.js bootcamp aimed at teachers without a technical background - including lesson scripts, CodeSandbox exercises, graduated challenges, and step-by-step solutions.

Supervisor / Manager at Pastelaria Dom Sabor (2017-10 – 2023-05)

Ran the day-to-day operations of the business - team management, payroll, stock control, and customer service. Redesigned internal workflows that led to a 25% improvement in both productivity and customer retention.

Manager in Training at Domino's (2017-02 – 2017-05)

Team Leader / Supervisor at The Cells / The Courts (Pacheco Ltd) (2015-12 – 2016-12)

Waitress at Frankie & Benny's (2015-09 – 2015-12)

Buddy Trainer at Nando's (2014-06 – 2015-08)

Waitress at Irish & Co

Level 4 Certification in Computer Programming in Computer Programming – Instituto de Emprego e Formação Profissional (IEFP) (2023-09 – 2024-09)

Level 3 Certification in Restaurant/Bar Technician in Restaurant/Bar Technician – Escola de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril (EHTE) (2004-09 – 2007-08)