Q&A with Tai Pham, Junior Application Developer

GEO Jobe has been serving our clients and partners since 1999, and the key to our success is the people behind our growing company. Here is a brief Q&A with Junior Application Developer Tai Pham, who joined GEO Jobe in 2023.

Q: What is your job at GEO Jobe, and what does it entail?
A: I am a Junior Application Developer. My role is to work on development projects, absorb the world of geospatial technologies, take on new challenges, and continuously improve and build upon my programming skills. 

Q: What has your career path at GEO Jobe looked like and what attracted you to join the team?
A:  I was offered a chance to apply to GEO Jobe and decided to take it. Everyone at GEO Jobe is extremely helpful and nice to be around. I chose GEO Jobe because I had worked with someone from GEO Jobe before joining. This person really stood out among everyone I’ve worked with. As well as the opportunity to learn something new, like GIS.

Q: What jobs and experiences have led you to your current position?
A: Before joining GEO Jobe, I worked at IP Casino before deciding to go to community college, eventually finishing my studies in Computer Science at The University of Southern Mississippi.

My family and I at my college graduation

Q: What particular skills or talents are most essential to be effective in your job?
A: I think the personal trait crucial to my success is curiosity. Once I find a problem or something that interests me, I will sit for hours researching and learning more about it. As a kid, the idea of writing code and creating cool games started my journey in programming.

Q: Any advice for recent graduates entering into the job market and aspiring to a similar role?
A: Network and talk to people in the field you’re looking to join. While you’re still in school, ask around if there are any resources available to help you find your dream job. It’s also essential to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in your field, as this can give you an edge in the job market.

Q: What technologies and strategies do you use in your day-to-day work that are key to success?
A: In my role at GEO Jobe, alongside utilizing programming languages, I find that effective project management and collaboration tools, such as JIRA and Slack, are essential for keeping projects on track and ensuring clear communication within the team. Also, I place a strong emphasis on personal organization and task management. I regularly take notes and maintain to-do lists, which I review and check off systematically. This practice helps me keep track of my progress and prioritize tasks effectively.

In the air somewhere

Q: What would you like to learn more about or incorporate into your daily work?
A: I am interested in deepening my knowledge of ArcGIS and other GIS technologies, and exploring the vast capabilities of ArcGIS. I’m excited about this learning journey in GIS, as it constantly evolves with new features and possibilities.

Q: On a more personal side, do you have a favorite newspaper, magazine, blog, or sources of inspiration?
A: TechCrunch keeps me informed about the broader tech industry, from startups to major tech giants, and the latest technological innovations. Hacker News, especially through thehackernews.com, provides a dive into cybersecurity, a crucial aspect in today’s digital world. These sources keep me informed about current trends and advancements.

Taken on the roof of the POST Houston

Q: What kind of technology do you prefer and why?
A: I have always been more geared towards PCs because I am able to pick parts I want to put together and update or replace them whenever I want. I also prefer Android over iOS because of its open-source nature, which allows for greater customization and flexibility.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
A: Outside of work, my hobbies include putting on some headphones and diving into a good book, which is a great way to unwind and escape into different worlds. I’m also a gamer, enjoying PC games, which helps me relax and stay connected with friends.

Learn more about Tai by connecting with him on LinkedIn. Interested in joining the GEO Jobe team? Keep an eye on our Careers page for future opportunities!

To learn about our variety of GIS products and services and how we could benefit your organization, email GEO Jobe at connect@geo-jobe.com.

Want more from GEO Jobe? Check out these other articles from our MapThis! blog:

Avatar photo

From our GEOPowered Cloud to custom solutions, GEO Jobe is committed to showing clients how geospatial thinking can guide them to save time, money, and make better business decisions. The power of GIS, Simplified!