Here is a short Q & A with Solution Engineer, Randee Miller. Randee joined the GEO Jobe team in April of 2021 and works remotely out of Alabama.
Q: What is your job at GEO Jobe and what does it entail?
A: I am a Solution Engineer at GEO Jobe, I support our GEO Powered Cloud clients and work on new solutions to meet their business needs. My first project here was creating a survey to be able to scan QR codes and populate information about the asset for inspection/inventory purposes. Another project I am working on is navigating through a python script to change the code that was developed to work with ArcMap to work with ArcGIS Pro.
Q: What has your career path at GEO Jobe looked like and what attracted you to joining the team?
A: I have only been on the GEO Jobe team for a few weeks now, but I am learning a lot so far. I was attracted to GEO Jobe because they seemed very family oriented. I liked how everyone I came in contact with was so nice and down to earth.
Q: What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
A: I got a Bachelor’s in Geography at Jacksonville State University and then pursued my Master’s in Geospatial Science at University of North Alabama. While attending UNA I interned my last semester at Florence Electricity in their GIS department. Once I graduated I got a job at Magnolia River as a Sr. GIS Technician. I worked there for a few months and then went to work as a GIS Analyst at the Huntsville International Airport, where I first worked with GEO Jobe. After almost three years at the airport I applied for the Solution Engineer position. I was so excited to be given the opportunity to join the GEO Jobe team!
Q: How do you feel about GEO Jobe’s future?
A: I am very excited about GEO Jobe’s future! They are a very progressive company with lots of ambition. I have only been with the company for a short time and can see how they are always pushing to be better. Everyone is positive and encouraging, which helps the company shine.
Q: What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job?
A: It is important to be able to go with the flow and problem solve when needed. Having a good understanding of GIS is essential, but having great communication skills is important too.
Q: Any advice for recent graduates entering into the job market and aspiring to a similar role?
A: Stay positive and always keep learning. Even though you just graduated there is so much to learn still. Being willing to step out of your comfort zone to grow is a major part of advancing. Also, being able to problem solve is a great characteristic to have! I know you have heard this a million times too, but networking is very important!
Q: What technologies and strategies do you use in your day-to-day work that are key to success?
A: I like to make a list of the tasks I need to get done for the day. That way I can stay on track and click along. When I run into an issue, I will try googling it. If I can’t find anything to help I usually contact a team member to brainstorm or call Esri technical support. Usually someone has had the same issue or can help.
Q: What would you like to learn more about or incorporate into your daily work?
A: Currently, I am learning a lot since I have been with GEO Jobe for only a few weeks. So incorporating new things in to my daily tasks happens everyday! I have enjoyed the few projects I have had the privilege of working on so far though and talking to clients.
Q: On a more personal side, do you have a favorite newspaper, magazine, blog, or sources of inspiration?
A: I listen to podcasts and one of my favorites is Elevation with Steven Furtick. He gives a great message with each episode. If I feel stressed or overwhelmed one sermon can pull me out of my funk. The other one I like is #Momtruths with Cat & Nat. They give great advice, make you laugh, and feel normal. As a mom of soon to be two, I enjoy their stories because I can relate to most of them.
Q: What kind of technology do you prefer and why? (Mac or PC, iOS or Android, and other cool tech)
A: I am an Apple person all the way. I believe a MacBook I had was the best laptop I ever owned. It was so reliable and never gave me issues like others. The convenience of my MacBook, iPhone, and iPad all syncing together was so nice. I personally just think Apple products are easy to use and of greater quality.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
A: I love crafting, spending time with family, and doing anything outside. During the summer I can live on the water whether it’s a lake, pool, or beach. I love water and so does my daughter. As a family we are very adventurous and enjoy doing pretty much anything together.
