Nearly 20% of eSmart Systems' employees work in the area of AI and machine learning. One of them is 32-year-old Huyen Thi Phuong Vu, who moved from Vietnam to Norway to study in 2010. She earned her master's and doctorate degrees before joining the eSmart Systems analytics team in 2016. In this interview, she highlights her path to eSmart, what she is working on, and why she’s inspired to be part of a scale-up company.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I am originally from Vietnam. I received a Bachelor of Computer Science Degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. I applied and got a scholarship from the Norwegian government to study for a Master of Computer Science at Østfold University College in Halden. Then I continued with a Ph.D. in Machine learning from the University of Stavanger.

In my free time, I like listening to music, cooking, baking, and learning how to play musical instruments on YouTube.

When did you join eSmart Systems and what’s your role in the company?

I joined eSmart Systems in October 2016. I am a data scientist working in the Analytics team. I am mainly involved in the Grid Vision project where we detect anomalies in powerline inspections by using images, AI, and LiDAR data. With the power of AI, we can provide energy companies with useful software to automate the inspection process as much as possible to reduce labor cost and time efficiency.

What inspires you to come in every day?

eSmart Systems is such a great, rapidly growing start-up company where I can pursue my dream career. It is exciting to be part of such a cool company. At eSmart I have gained knowledge and experience by working on exciting projects for customers from all over the world.  It is a continuous learning process that enriches my career path and personal life.

Choosing a company to work for is very important because it is the place where you spend at least 8 hours a day, and at eSmart, I feel like we are a big family who trust and support each other to grow and achieve success. eSmart Systems provides a good working environment with fun and interesting social activities to bond employees together, so I can find not only good colleagues, but also good friends for life.

How did the recruitment process go for you?

I sent my application on the eSmart Systems website. After reviewing my application, they invited me for an interview. I came here to Halden to be interviewed by several eSmarters.

Why did you choose eSmart Systems?

eSmart Systems is an attractive start-up where I believe I can learn a lot as a fresh graduate. And the job requirements are also a good fit for my competencies and interests.

Do you have any tips you’d like to share with aspiring eSmarters?

If you have an interest in developing software that can have a significant impact in the energy industry and believe that together we can contribute to changing the world to be more sustainable and efficient - eSmart is an exceptionally suitable choice! 

eSmart Systems is always on the lookout for talented people. Click here to see our open positions, or send an open application!