Our employee spotlight shines a light on one employee at a time. We value diversity and inclusion and welcome diverse thinking. It takes a village — through collaboration, living safely and driving innovation we realize our goals and help our clients achieve mission success. Our mantra is people first, mission always. In May, we’ll focus on Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. Today’s Q&A is with Tien Pham, Deputy Manager.
How did you come to join Amentum?
While I was working on a shipyard construction project, I received a call from a friend at the Vietnam Coast Guard. He referred me to the company for a job he thought I would like. He was right.
What is your professional and personal background?
My background is working for investment cooperation projects between foreign enterprises and Vietnamese legal entities, which I have done since graduating in 1996. The difference is that I was a military officer during those days.
Describe the work you do and how you think it makes a positive impact.
If I had to use one word to describe my job, it would be facilitator. You will help the car go faster if you are good at paving brick. Project participants will also understand each other better if you do a good job of connecting the parties.
What are some of your accomplishments and/or what has been your proudest career moment?
I’m just ordinary person, doing an ordinary job. I don’t seem to have any brilliant achievements. However, I am always very happy when I complete any task. Whether it is a schedule to build a shipyard or arrange a meeting between the project stakeholders.
What do you enjoy about working for Amentum?
Good collaboration between colleagues!
What are you passionate about?
I love planting flowers, such as cattleya, dendrobium, hippeastrum, and more.
What’s your career advice?
My brother told me years ago, if you can’t turn passion into work, turn work into passion.
What does safety mean to you or do you have a favorite safety tip?
I have just one word: Cautious!
What’s the best invention in the world and why?
That’s the wheel. There are three great points to highlight:
- Technically: It turns rotation into translational motion.
- Communicatively: It makes the connection between people and people easier.
- Commercially: It helps trade to grow. From there, it led to the development of production and living conditions of people.
Anything else you would like to share from a personal or professional perspective?
Love your family, your wife, and children. Family is the last support for you before all the occurrences of life.
What does Asian Pacific American Heritage Month mean to you?
This is the first time I learned about Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. It’s fun to share and learn.
