In this series, we are featuring Team8s who worked at 8x8, left to pursue other interests, and then returned to our team. We’re so excited to welcome back Jeremiah Soh, IT Senior Engineer.

8x8: Jeremiah, first off, welcome back! Just to get us started, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Jeremiah Soh (JS): I am a person who enjoys learning things, so I spend a lot of my time reading books and articles, listening to podcasts and watching videos on just about anything and everything. I also go for runs two or three times a week, as it gives me time to focus on my podcasts. Oh, and I’m a massive football (soccer) fan.

8x8: What about work, what do you do at 8x8?

JS: I rejoined 8x8 as an IT Senior Engineer based in Singapore, where I am part of the Global IT Team and CPaaS Team.

8x8: Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in this field?

JS: Not at all! I started off in the shipping industry as a broker, but after a short stint as an intern, I quickly realized that it wasn't for me. A chance came along to work part-time for an IT consultancy firm. I found the nature of the work very interesting since I've always enjoyed problem solving. And I did end up at a shipping firm doing IT a while later—funny how things come full circle.

8x8: What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

JS: Soft skills hold as much importance as hard skills. Even in an IT support role, which is traditionally thought of as a technical role, having effective communication and stakeholder management skills is crucial for success.

8x8: And what encouraged you to return to 8x8?

JS: I think 8x8 is undergoing transformation, and I am excited to be part of it.

8x8: What about working here? What did you miss most about 8x8?

JS: I had moved on to a standalone role, so what I missed most was my team, for sure! We have a very capable team here, and I sorely missed the ability to be able to tap into everyone's expertise.

8x8: What about outside of work, is there something that you’ve always wanted to try or learn?

JS: Oh yes, I’ve quite a list! American Sign Language, archery, ax throwing, horse riding, outdoor camping—basically every skill useful in case there’s ever a zombie apocalypse. :)

8x8: What’s something surprising that not many people know about you?

JS: One day after school, when I was about ten-years-old, I really wanted a Coca-Cola, so I went over to a vending machine. As I was putting in my coins, I found myself about ten cents short. It felt like the end of the world for a kid who wanted a soda, but luckily for me, I checked the coin return slot and found the extra change I needed. Ever since that moment, I've been leaving change in the coin slots of soda machines to pay things forward.

8x8: One final question: looking back, what is the most enjoyable or most interesting thing that has happened to you this year?

JS: There are several things that I am excited about, actually. After the pandemic, restrictions eased up, and I decided to try some things that I otherwise would not have done. I have since bungee jumped, got a couple of tattoos, learned how to rollerblade, learned how to bake bread, and learned how to play a new instrument.

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Read more stories from the 8x8’s Welcome Back Team8s series: