How did you get started in your field? What was your journey to Pragmatics like?
The ANC EISS project has become personal to me. I served in the United States Air Force, and I still wanted to have a sense of responsibility that ties into our nation's armed forces even after enlistment.
In 2019, I joined Pragmatics as a Technical Recruiter and worked with Program Managers to fill up technical positions. A few months later, the Program Manager of the ANC EISS project urgently approached me in need of filling the Business Analyst/ Program Trainer role. He noticed unique qualities about my work ethic and suggested I would be a good fit for the position. The ANC EISS project has become personal to me. I served in the United States Air Force, and I still wanted to have a sense of responsibility that ties into our nation's armed forces even after enlistment. Seeing that this project will make a positive ripple for military veterans makes it very rewarding, so I was thrilled to accept the offer.
Tell us more about the proudest project that you've worked on at Pragmatics.
This April, the Pragmatics ANC team successfully launched the Enterprise Interment Services Solution (EISS) software. It is gratifying to be a part of this achievement. Our team has optimized legacy applications on both desktops and tablets and applied migration from the legacy ANC suite of tools and all existing web services to the EISS Enclave.
User reluctance against new software is common during software development. Business Analysts have to level with the client and think as if they were in their shoes. To ensure a smooth transition, I worked closely with the client to understand their growing pains and gather specific requirements for the team to precisely develop and complete tasks within sprints. I built a high level of confidence from ANC leadership to ANC staff by conducting User Acceptance Testing with the leadership and then providing training to the cemetery representatives to help them get familiar with the new software.
The EISS provides a single virtualized solution that allows all military cemeteries to operate across the nation and the other branches to adapt this software in the future. The client was highly impressed with the overall system and is excited to continue developing new features.
Why is the Arlington National Cemetery (ANC) Enterprise Interment Services Solution (EISS) project important?
The EISS provides peace of mind, up-to-date features, and a quicker turnaround time, enabling families to send off their loved ones with a beautiful Military Funeral Service in a seamless and timely manner.
EISS streamlines the process of a military burial service. Family members of our heroes, who served in the United States Military and gave the ultimate sacrifice, are grieving and want nothing more than a smooth interment. The EISS provides peace of mind, up-to-date features, and a quicker turnaround time, enabling families to send off their loved ones with a beautiful Military Funeral Service in a seamless and timely manner.
What do you like best about your team at Pragmatics?
I like the "all hands on deck" mentality. When my team approached the launch date of a product, it was an entire team effort. Late nights and helping each other complete the task at hand. I appreciate my team members investing equal amounts of time and effort to reach our goal.
What advice do you have for someone who is looking for a career pivot?
Have a motivated mindset. Start doing the job that you want and not the job that you currently have. When you continuously progressively work hard, someone will notice at the right time and nominate you for the position.
Outside of work, how do you describe yourself?
Steven Bui is the head coach of his son's soccer team
I am a big family man. My motivation is my kids, and everything that I do in life is to better their future. Currently, I'm the head coach of my son's soccer team. I love making a positive impact and being a good role model for these kids to look up to.