Jonathan Cosgrove is the Front End Web Developer at Epigeum. He is responsible for creating interactive components for Epigeum’s portfolio of online courses, developing internal web-based systems and projects such as LTI and reporting tools, and providing internal technical support for the Production team. He has a BEng in Electronic Engineering and has previously worked in Media, Advertising, and for a number of not-for-profit organisations.

What brought you to Epigeum?

Having graduated in Electronic Engineering, then spending a decade in advertising doing a mix of buying/selling, and later working as a Technical Manager, I wanted to return to my roots… thus I changed career and moved into development full-time. However, that was not enough and I wanted to ensure I worked on projects that had meaning and gave purpose to my contributions, so I focused largely on projects for not-for-profit and NGO organisations.

I stumbled across an opening at Epigeum and immediately recognised the brand (and of course Oxford University Press, which Epigeum is a part of). After a conversation with the team that I would ultimately join, I realised I could help and apply my various technical skills to something that I care about and do my part in bringing future generations the very best in educational content. This was all whilst knowing that being part of such an established company would also allow me to grow and learn. A win-win!

Which parts of your role do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the technical challenges around the development and delivery of digital content, along with the autonomy that allows me to do so. I push new ideas, help simplify workflows, and build ‘greenfield’ platforms to further help delivery of Epigeum’s course content, which I particularly enjoy. I continue to learn by being part of a very capable team that extends into the broader Oxford University Press.

What does your workspace say about you?

I am a minimalist. My workspace shows that technology is a priority for me and gives a hint or two as to my musical interests. You will also often see a cup of coffee brewed and ready on my desk. The stereotype that developers drink a lot of coffee is very true, it seems.

What do you do in your free time?

Less so during lockdown, but typically anything from travelling (I’ve visited China, Japan, Nigeria, and many more wonderful places), alternative local events (one included dressing up in PJ’s and listening to scary stories!), cycling, growing my own food (I used to have an allotment), and of course engineering. I love to code in my spare time but I also dabble in electronics – the subject I graduated in – and I’ve even built a guitar pedal during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Tell us something we don’t know about you.

I was the lead singer & lead guitarist in a well known rock cover-band in my teens… at least it was well known at that time, in the city I was living… and by the people who knew us!

To find out more about Epigeum’s work with universities and colleges, or to arrange a consultation, please get in touch with us.