|
I've been working in the GIS field for 4 years now, but I am from Canada (Ontario), so my perspective might be a little different. I got my BA in Anthropology, with a minor in Applied Geographic Techniques. Then, I went to college for a post graduate diploma in GIS, Applications Specialist. I would definitely recommend doing this if something similar is offered in the US. I learned a lot about database development, programming, and web GIS. I honestly don't think I would be as successful in my job without getting this diploma. It was much different than the GIS courses I had in university, way more hands on and practical. I had a one month placement with my local city government where I had to make some web maps for them. Once that finished up I applied all over Ontario and ended up getting a job at a conservation authority in the environment field. Honestly, I didn't want to do any environment work with GIS and would have rather went into public health GIS but beggars can't be choosers. The thing thats awesome about GIS is that if you have a great skill set you can switch fields a lot and also learn about a lot of different fields. I just accepted a new position at a mining research center, with minimal knowledge about geology but I am really excited to continue learning. This job is in an academic setting too, so I think I will be doing a lot more analysis BUT its not just limited to GIS work and will be more data sciencey stuff with R and machine learning as well as some 3D modelling in other programs. Even at my last job there was room for analysis work, especially with site selections for restoration projects as well as flood plain mapping and analysis. I got the job because I did a lot of work with programming and web GIS development at my last job. This included configuring some field data collection apps. If you want to be sticking with the environment field, I think thats an important skill set to have. I'd look into Survey123 and Collector as well as the Web App builder (all provided by ESRI). Even if you can't code you can do a lot with these programs. They have a free course on web apps that was really helpful. My web GIS knowledge has gotten me an interview with pretty much every place I apply to, and I've recieved offers for every position I've interviewed for. I've also interviewed people for GIS positions, there is a BIG gap between people who have taken a GIS course or two and those who have done a lot more diverse training. The people who go above and beyond map making and basic geoprocessing are the people who get the jobs. Especially if you can mention some automation skills, whether its with python or modelbuilder. I don't really think GIS is a field where you just finish up your schooling and thats it, I am constantly taking courses to update my skill set and branch off into new areas of data analysis. I have seen some GIS people who are content with map making and don't take any continuing education, even though the organizations I've worked for offer generous training and development budgets. I can't see them advancing into higher pay because they don't keep up with changing technology. Right now I am making fairly decent money, not as much as if I was a straight up developer but thats fine with me because I like the GIS work more than the developer work. Honestly, I could talk your head off about GIS so feel free to ask any questions if you want to know more. I know my perspective might be a little different because of the different countries, but I'd be happy to help.
|
#
¿
Jul 9, 2017 17:05
|
|
|
|
| # ¿ May 2, 2024 14:32 |
|