GIS Career Advice for ES Majors and Minors
There are many paths to success! Many of our students find jobs where GIS is just one aspect of their job. Others work in the geospatial industry where GIS is at the core. Either way, the following steps will help you on your way to starting a career in GIS.
Step 1: Pursue the ‘GIS and Spatial Analysis’ Concentration
- ES312: Environmental Applications of GIS (alternate years in fall)
- ES 363: Remote Sensing (alternate years in fall)
- A statistics course
Step 2: Learn a little coding
- Learn Python, the most versatile general-purpose programming language. Take DS 256 Data Science Programming or teach yourself with online resources.
- Consider minoring in Data Science or Computer Science.
Step 3: Hone your GIS skills in a project, internship, or job.
- Most entry level GIS jobs do not require a graduate degree or GIS certification, but they do look for practical experience.
- The ES Opportunities blog and Center for Career Development are good places to look for opportunities.
- REU Summer Programs are a great option. Search for the word “GIS”.
- NASA DEVELOP Internships for students interested in remote sensing and applied sciences.
- In the spring semester, two students work as Peer Learning Associates (PLAs) for ES230 Intro to GIS.
- You may be able to use GIS in a project you are doing for another class.
Step 4: Cultivate soft skills
- GIS skills are great, but employers also value leadership, humility, collaboration, adaptability, and loving to learn.
Additional Resources