AVAN
SARDAR
FULL-STACK DEVELOPER
React • Node.js • Ruby • Java • AWS
B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE5+ YEARS
of experience
building products,
apps, and features
I'm Looking for a Little Help
Hey, I'm Avan. I'm a full-stack developer with a CS degree, 5+ years of professional experience, and two apps live in the iOS App Store. I've worked on the Avatar franchise at Lightstorm Entertainment, built features at BuySellAds, and taught the next generation of developers at General Assembly.
But right now? I'm working at a convenience store for $14/hour. No sick pay. No vacation. Just getting by.
The tech industry has been rough lately. After years of applying, networking, and building—I'm still searching. Before moving to Austin, I was sleeping in my car in Los Angeles. Things got hard. But I kept coding. I kept learning. I kept going.
I'm not asking for sympathy. I'm asking for a connection. A referral. An introduction. Someone who believes that resilience and real skills still matter.
Real Experience
Not just tutorials—production code shipped to millions of users.
Unique Path
Military linguist. Special needs teacher. Fitness studio owner. Developer.
Community First
I believe in helping each other. Your support means everything.
Watch My Story
TikTok Video Coming Soon
I'll be embedding a video here explaining my story and why I'm reaching out for help. Stay tuned!
MOST RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
BuySellAds
2021 - 2023Full-Stack Developer
Built and shipped product features across the stack using React, Ruby on Rails, PostgreSQL, Docker, and TypeScript.
General Assembly
2023 - 2024Lead Instructor
Led software engineering training for 30+ students with a 95% graduation and employment rate.
Lightstorm Entertainment
2017 - 2018Backend Java Developer
Worked on backend systems for the Avatar platform using Java, REST APIs, and Elasticsearch. 99.9% uptime.
Cooked Nearby (Abuela's)
2018 - 2019Founder / Developer
Built a React Native + Firebase marketplace for home cooks; live in the iOS App Store.
Back Channel
2025 - PresentFounder / Product Lead
Built a TikTok-style video app with AWS services and AI evaluation; live in the iOS App Store.
LIVE IN iOS APP STORE
Cooked Nearby + Back Channel
B.S. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
University of New Mexico
UNIQUE BACKGROUND
military • education • business
CORE STACK
Best fit: full-stack roles at startups, product teams, and mission-driven companies.
Beyond Code
My path to software development wasn't straight—it made me who I am.
Special Needs Education
Worked as a long-term substitute teacher supporting students with special needs.
Military Service
Former U.S. military linguist—service, discipline, and mission-driven focus.
Fitness Studio Owner
Built and operated a fitness studio—entrepreneurship in action.
How You Can Help
The most valuable thing you can offer isn't money—it's a connection. A referral to a hiring manager. An introduction to someone at a company that's hiring. A share of this page to your network.
If your efforts lead to me getting hired for a technical position paying $90k+ annually, I'll pay you $1,000/month for 12 months as a thank you. It's my way of showing that your help genuinely changed my life.
Want to make it official?
I've prepared a simple agreement document you can sign if you'd like to formalize the referral arrangement.
View Referral AgreementReferral Agreement
Simple Referral Arrangement
Parties: Avan Sardar ("Avan") and the Referrer ("You")
Terms:
- If your direct referral, introduction, or advocacy leads to Avan being hired for a technical position with an annual base salary of at least $90,000 USD, Avan agrees to pay you $1,000 USD per month for 12 consecutive months following the start date of employment.
- "Direct referral" means you personally introduced Avan to a hiring manager, recruiter, or decision-maker, or your recommendation was a material factor in Avan receiving the job offer.
- If multiple referrers contribute to the same hire, Avan reserves the right to split the payment proportionally based on contribution, with a minimum of $500/month per contributing referrer.
- Payments will begin within 30 days of Avan's first paycheck and continue monthly for 12 months, provided Avan remains employed or receives severance covering the period.
- This agreement is made in good faith. Both parties agree to communicate openly about any changes in circumstances.
To Participate:
Email … with:
- Your full name
- The company/role you are referring Avan to
- Your relationship to the hiring contact (if any)
Avan will confirm receipt and keep you updated on the progress.