Industry: Interview with Nick Smart
Advice from a TAMU ’18 Grad and Chevron GIS Developer
Nick Smart, former Aggie and current Chevron GIS Developer, interviewed with the TAMU Datathon team to provide advice to current students. Read his interview below.
In late October 2019, Texas A&M University hosted a “Datathon”. This 24-hour event provided the opportunity for companies, researchers, and hundreds of students to solve real-world challenges, learn about data science, and hear from leaders in the field of mathematics, statistics, and machine learning. During this event, I was able to volunteer as a mentor, assisting hundreds of students interested in data science and machine learning.
Following this event, Allyson King, Vice President of Texas A&M Datathon, asked me to share some advice and experiences from my early career.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from Texas A&M in August 2018 with a B.S. in Geophysics, specialization in Mathematics. After graduation, I earned specializations from IBM and Wharton Business School in Data Science, AI Engineering, and Business Analytics.
What were some of the best classes you took?
1. Undergraduate Research
I was involved in a coastal geomorphology project during my time at A&M that required countless hours of labor-intensive data collection. Fieldwork is challenging, but it builds credibility and provides context to data that is being collected. Hours in the field generated multiple opportunities to work for faculty and learn from graduate students. I was able to travel to Seattle, San Francisco, Destin, South Padre, and New Orleans to present conduct research, present findings, and network with field specialists.
2. Linear Algebra
This class, a requirement for Geophysicists, provided an incredible amount of value in a single semester. Not only did it fulfill the requirements for me to interpret complex geophysical equations, but this class opened my eyes to the field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Little did I know that this course would provide a fundamental background for me to do ML in the future.
3. Near-Surface Geophysical Methods
This class opened the door for me to work on multiple paid research projects, get my feet wet in designing geophysical experiments, and even explore the idea of getting a Masters’s Degree or Ph.D.
How much self-learning did you do?
Self-learning was a huge component of my progression throughout college. I quickly learned that there were limited resources (if any) online for geologists and geophysicists. A combination of office hours, mentoring, and self-teaching was critical to continued success in labs and courses.
How did you look for jobs?
1. LinkedIn, Glassdoor, etc.
Any major app or website focused on recruiting or job-posting is always a great place to start. Keep your resume up to date! I applied to 150+ jobs during my final year. I heard back from 10 and received an offer from 2. Getting your foot-in-the-door is the most difficult part!
2. Build Your Network
Utilizing personal relationships and industry contacts can not be overstated! It is easy to get lost in a sea of applicants through job-application websites. Expanding your professional network opens doors to opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t exist.
That does not mean that jobs will just appear out of thin air: you have to create a setting for an opportunity to present itself.
What are some interview tips you can give?
1. Craft an Elevator Pitch
Whenever you’re interviewing for a position, you’re trying to answer one simple question: why should this company invest time and money in you? Don’t be afraid to challenge statements being made during the interview, be yourself.
2. Salary isn’t Everything
Money is important as that is a primary function of a job. However, a path of growth, an opportunity for travel, and the ability to receive mentorship are high-value, non-monetary factors to consider.
What is your current role?
I’m currently a GIS Developer at Chevron.
What are some projects you’re worked on?
My role mainly focuses on engaging with key business stakeholders to fundamentally understand business problems, provide options for solutions, and deliver geospatial products. Products range anywhere from mobile applications, data layers, and analytic reports.
With my technical background, I’m a big advocate for cutting-edge technology like Smart-Contracts, AR/VR, and Specialized Machine Learning tasks.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I’m able to “tinker” with data and software that enables the business to work smarter, harder and safer. My team is supportive, engaging, and constantly asks intuitive questions. This job is incredibly rewarding.
What technologies do you use most?
- ESRI Product Suite
- Jupyter Notebooks
- Microsoft Product Suite
Thank you so much Nick for taking the time to give advice to current students! The TAMU Datathon team appreciates your help(:
