It’s rare for a person to make a noticeably positive impact in just three months on the job, but that—in a nutshell—describes what Zemin Dhanani has already achieved as GIS (Geographic Information System) analyst at MarketSource. And if his passion for continuous improvement is any indication, it’s only the beginning.
Hitting the ground running is not new for Zemin. From an early age, he set high standards for himself, and was surrounded by people who helped instill in him a strong sense of dedication and integrity. These qualities, combined with intelligence and talent, ensured he would make valuable contributions wherever he landed.
Zemin was first exposed to GIS technology while earning his master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Clemson University. During that time, he was selected as one of 60 student assistants to participate in the prestigious annual Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute) User Conference, and as a result, became motivated to pursue GIS as a career. After graduation, Zemin began working at Esri and rose through the ranks, ultimately becoming a product engineer. During a stint as a market research analyst with a small business, he realized the broader implications of GIS. So, when MarketSource offered him a role where he could proactively utilize the technology, he jumped at the opportunity.
“You must find joy in what you do,” he explains. “Good work ethic stems from a genuine passion for your role, driving you to continuously improve, which in turn makes you a valuable asset to the organization.”
Now, you may be wondering—what is a GIS analyst? Well, they’re essentially mapmakers for businesses. Using this technology, they gather and interpret physical location data, and present it in various layers and formats, such as maps, dashboards, digital data, spreadsheets, 3D scenes and other various visuals. At MarketSource, Zemin uses the data to determine optimal store coverage strategies for retail client locations. He analyzes and establishes relationships among factors like location proximity and nuanced store attributes to ensure strategic alignment with the client’s business goals. He also leverages the technology to integrate street network data to help our sales reps plan efficient routes as they travel throughout their coverage areas. In addition, he’s able to provide insights into consumer demographic and socioeconomic habits, which helps decision-makers target markets strategically and effectively.
“My inherent curiosity drew me to GIS, and it’s still my favorite aspect of the work,” says Zemin. “Unraveling the ‘why’ behind location data, understanding business decisions and extracting meaningful insights from complex data is what I love. The potential impact GIS brings—and will continue to bring—to the company drives my enthusiasm.”
His outlook on the job plays a big part in Zemin’s impressive work ethic. He says, “I believe in contributing in a meaningful way, rather than just for the sake of it. I approach work not as a job but as a daily responsibility that brings me happiness and satisfaction. Continuous improvement and maintaining high personal standards motivate me, so I strive for excellence in everything I do.”
Zemin emphasizes that exhibiting a strong work ethic is an outcome of being in a role you love. “You must find joy in what you do,” he explains. “Good work ethic stems from a genuine passion for your role, driving you to continuously improve, which in turn makes you a valuable asset to the organization.”
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