June 13, 2017 • Smart Resources

Getting Smarter with Amy Smith

At Smart Resources, we aren’t just a big group of IT consultants or tech minds. We’re a family. Our team is not only one of the most skilled in the country, but also one of the most interesting. Each month, we feature a conversation with one of our great consultants so that you can get to know us better. This month, say hello to Project Manager/Business Analyst Amy Smith!
Name: Amy Smith

Position: Project Manager/Business Analyst

Years with Smart Resources: 8

Professional Background in one sentence:

18 years of experience as a Project Manager, Business/Systems Analyst, Quality Assurance Manager, System Tester, Technical Writer, and Operational Planner.

Describe your typical day.

I check-in on emails around 7am to determine if there are any urgent items that need to be taken care of immediately. Once at my laptop, I begin working through my “to do” list that I made at the end of the previous day which may include opening production deployment tickets, updating status reports, audit compliance, and complete maintenance set-up items for various business users. I conduct and attend meetings and support the development team members in various requests submitted throughout the day.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

The feeling of achievement when the Data Warehouse team (made up of a great group of FTE’s and Smart Resources personnel) completes a project that is full of technical and timeline challenges.

Tell us about the most memorable moment of your career.

Memorable moments don’t stand out as much as the memorable and influential people I’ve worked with throughout my career. In every job, I took the opportunity to learn as much as I could from those I worked with…whether they were actual technical skills, management skills or people skills.

What career advice do you have for someone just starting out in IT?

Your first, second and third jobs may not be your ideal jobs, but learn as many skills as you can from those jobs as you never know when that knowledge will be helpful. Never burn bridges…networking is key as the tech industry can be a surprisingly small world.

What will be the biggest tech trend of the next 5 years?

Researching and implementing ways to avoid cybersecurity and malware attacks as they are becoming more prevalent and the hackers are getting smarter and bolder.

Do you have a favorite software program?

Google…it knows everything!!

What’s your favorite thing to do in the Richmond area?

The food scene…there are so many great restaurants.

Describe your favorite meal.

The seafood cannelloni and garlic bread at Tarrant’s Cafe.

What’s your favorite song?

I love beach music, country, 90’s/early 2000’s hip hop…there is no way to pick a favorite song!

Do you have a hidden talent?

I can twirl a baton.

What’s your favorite thing to drink in the morning?

Vanilla almond milk with my oatmeal.