Here is a short Q & A with Junior Project Manager, Chelsea Gee. Chelsea joined the GEO Jobe team in September of 2021 and is based out of our office in Gulfport, MS.
Q: What is your job at GEO Jobe, and what does it entail?
A: I’m the Junior Project Manager. My role entails working with both internal teams and our clients on projects from conception to completion. This includes setting up project documentation, managing project resources, monitoring and documenting project progress as well as overseeing project scope and budget. I also help plug in with other efforts such as research and administrative tasks whenever needed.
Q: What has your career path at GEO Jobe looked like and what attracted you to join the team?
A: My career path at GEO Jobe has entailed a lot of learning, specifically about the company and the geospatial industry as a whole. Prior to joining GEO Jobe in September of 2021, I was honestly not too familiar with GIS and had to do some initial research before my interview. However, after learning more about their offered products and services, as well as their unique position within the marketplace, I quickly realized that I had an incredible opportunity to work with a fast-growing company that has some pretty awesome people under their belt and that I needed to be a part of their team. Additionally, I admired the company culture and their genuine support to grow their employees’ skill set.
Q: What jobs and experiences have led you to your present position?
A: Coming from the Advertising/Marketing industry, I’ve always gravitated towards roles where I led a team and was responsible for ensuring that “things got done”. I’ve worked on both the in-house and agency side for companies ranging from nonprofits to the casino gaming industry, but it was ultimately my experience working as an Advertising Coordinator for a local casino that led me to realize I wanted to evolve as a project manager. I worked in a very fast-paced, ever-changing environment where I was overseeing the property’s marketing projects, coordinating those efforts, as well as communicating and reporting results to their stakeholders. After completing large projects, I felt a sense of fulfillment by getting to say, “Wow I was a part of something that was much bigger than myself”, and the gratification from those experiences is ultimately what led me to pursue a career as a project manager.
Q: What skills or talents are essential to be effective in your job?
A: To be an effective project manager, it is absolutely imperative that you have strong communication and interpersonal skills, task and time management skills, are extremely organized, an effective leader and can be adaptable. Additionally, I feel it’s beneficial if you’re able to maintain a project from multiple perspectives – you have a sharp eye for the minute details, but can also take a step back and view things from a holistic approach.
Q: Any advice for recent graduates entering into the job market and aspiring to a similar role?
A: It took me a few years in the workforce to realize that I had a voice and that my voice matters, so I would suggest ensuring that your presence is known within the workplace and never being afraid to ask a question or present an idea – no matter how big the room is. A former CEO that I previously worked under once said, “If you’re invited to the table, but don’t share your thoughts or opinions then why are you at the table in the first place?” and that expression has always stuck with me. Also, stay true to yourself and don’t ever compromise your integrity.
Q: What technologies and strategies do you use in your day-to-day work that are key to success?
A: I mainly work with people and numbers, so I geek out on spreadsheets and reporting features. It’s one thing to read the data, but another to interpret it and be able to strategize decisions to make from the information you have. I operate by what the numbers tell me, no matter the direction that may lead.
Q: What would you like to learn more about or incorporate into your daily work?
A: As a project manager, I think it’s important to learn as much as you can about other people’s roles and the work they do on a daily basis. For example, although I’m not a software developer, I strive to learn as much as I can from our own dev teams, so that I can have a more comprehensive understanding of our projects and can effectively communicate those details to stakeholders.
Q: On a more personal side, do you have a favorite newspaper, magazine, blog, or sources of inspiration?
A: While I’m not an avid reader, I’ve recently started subscribing and listening to various motivational-based podcasts that inspire me and boost productivity for my personal and work life.
Q: What kind of technology do you prefer and why? (Mac or PC, iOS or Android, and other cool tech)
A: I’m pretty versatile when it comes to technology, but if I had to choose a side I’m definitely more of an ‘Apple girl’. I own an iPhone, Apple Watch and Airpods – all of which I use on a daily basis.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of the office?
A: Before Covid, I really enjoyed traveling and exploring new places along the Gulf Coast. I have a pandemic puppy named Ferris Bueller who keeps me on my toes, so my boyfriend and I try to take him on outdoor adventures when we can. I also like to cook and visit with friends and family. Additionally, I’m in the process of redesigning our home, so that’s a new project I’ve taken on that has brought out my creative side.
