The Stack Overflow Podcast
WBIT #4: Using GIS to understand the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to
Feb 19, 2025
Lauren Cook, a software engineer at Forerunner, shares her inspiring transition from customer support to tech, emphasizing how past experiences enhance communication in development. She dives into the challenges of GIS data in flood risk management, highlighting the importance of user understanding. The discussion also touches on building resilient apps for disaster scenarios, addressing low connectivity and data synchronization. Cook shares insights on navigating GraphQL caching issues, showcasing the vital role of data normalization and the continuous journey of learning as a developer.
32:06
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Quick takeaways
- The guest highlights how her non-technical background in customer support has enhanced her software engineering skills through effective communication and problem-solving.
- She emphasizes the role of technology in floodplain management, illustrating how it aids government agencies to better respond to climate-related disasters and community needs.
Deep dives
Transitioning to Tech
The guest discusses her journey from a non-technical background, having studied theater and worked in customer support, to becoming a software engineer. She completed a coding bootcamp that reinforced her belief that the skills gained in previous roles, particularly in customer support, were invaluable for her new career. Emphasizing that communication is key, she highlights how her experience in conveying technical information to non-technical audiences has been beneficial in her development work. This transition illustrates the potential for transferable skills to enhance problem-solving capabilities in software development.
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