Student Spotlight: Tony Pham

Tony Pham, a Business Analyst coop student at RST Transport, is creating a career in computer science from a passion. Learning to adapt, ask questions and build confidence has been key to his journey along the way. 

The second-year computer science student at the University of New Brunswick began this journey in 2022 when a challenging move from Vietnam to Sydney, N.S. tested these skills, but Tony was resilient and quickly found comfort in a new home. 

“At first, everything felt overwhelming,” Tony said. “It took me months before I had the courage to start asking questions and talking to people. That is when I realized the opportunities were always there. I just had not reached for them yet.” 

Once he did, everything changed. Tony began volunteering at school and in the community and even started an environmental awareness club at his high school. Slowly, confidence followed. 

Upon graduating from high school, Tony was ready to face the challenges and joys of moving to a new place again. This brought him to the University of New Brunswick. Many of the challenges he faced when he moved to Sydney were the same when he moved to Fredericton, N.B., but this time Tony was prepared.  

“Although the transition was rough at first, I adapted much faster by applying the lessons I had learned during my time in Nova Scotia,” he said. 

Since he has been at the University of New Brunswick, Tony has once again become involved in his community. He took charge as a summer camp counsellor and teaching assistant within his faculty, supported students living on campus as a resident assistant and became a peer mentor helping first-year students transition to university life. Through these roles, Tony has been able to strengthen his communication and leadership skills while creating a positive impact on the people around him. 

For many students, choosing a major can be challenging. But for Tony the decision was clear.  

“I go to the gym a lot and track everything. Sets, reps, weights, progress. I realized data helps me improve my life, and I wanted to carry that into my career, so the Bachelor of Computer Science was an obvious choice,” he said. 

Through the coop program at his school, Tony was connected to the JDI coop program, leading to his current role as a Business Analyst at RST Transport. 

Tony is eligible for up to four coop terms. He hopes to spend them learning as much as possible and contributing wherever he can.  

For students who are looking for a coop position, Tony gives one piece of advice: “Opportunities are everywhere. It is like a buffet. The first step is to ask questions. Talk to people. One conversation can take you somewhere you never expected.”