FileMaker: What is your educational background?

Pitzen: I majored in political science with an emphasis in international studies.

FileMaker: How did you become interested in becoming a FileMaker developer?

Pitzen: I was unsure what to do out of college so I wound up as administrative assistant for a national sorority, but I was not challenged. I soon became the go-to person for IT because I like technology. At the same time, I tried courses with the Codecademy, learning things like HTML and Python. Then a friend of mine told me about FileMaker. I remember his exact phrase: “FileMaker is the best path for people who didn’t major in computer science to get into the software development world.” His advice hit home.

I learned FileMaker on my own and applied at DB Services. I wasn’t hired as a developer initially, but they saw potential. I am so grateful they were willing to hire me with limited FileMaker experience. I turned out to be good at it and quickly became a Certified Developer.

FileMaker: How long did it take for you to learn FileMaker?

Pitzen: I went into DB Services with basic, self-taught FileMaker skills learned in a month’s time. Within four months of mentoring, I was developing sophisticated custom solutions.

FileMaker: What are your favorite aspects about FileMaker?

Pitzen: FileMaker is so approachable. Any tech-oriented person can get started and then dig deeper. Rapid development and agility are FileMaker’s biggest advantages. I can get something running right away, then get client feedback and iterate. FileMaker is also incredibly robust, yet it is very elegant so people enjoy using the solutions.

FileMaker: What solutions have you developed that you are most proud of?

Pitzen: I just did a huge project for a garage door company that involved integrating FileMaker and QuickBooks for wholesale invoices. It included customers, vendors, purchase orders and the like. Previously, this was a big paper clutter for them, but now they press a button and everything syncs to QuickBooks. We also built in credit card payment processing on desktops or an iPad or iPhone.

FileMaker: Tell us more about yourself.

Pitzen: I am 25. I love to be outside, and I often find myself going to the Indianapolis Museum of Art, where I read in a big garden. I studied Arabic in college, so I like cultural fiction about the Middle East. I also volunteer for a suicide hotline, which is not always easy.

FileMaker: What do you like most about being a young FileMaker developer?

Pitzen: I empathize with many of my colleagues who did not know what to do out of college and are struggling to pay the bills. For those who are tech-oriented and unsure of what to do, FileMaker is a great path to a successful career.

FileMaker: If you had advice for others interested in FileMaker, what would you say?

Pitzen: Download a trial and see what you can do. Have an objective in mind, regardless of whether it’s budget tracking or event planning.