GIS Analyst Working on Getting My GISP

Question

Hello Everyone,

My Name is Hailey Timmons and I am currently working as a GIS Analyst. I've been in this field now for a almost 4 years. I'm excited to be joining Esri's Young Professionals Network. I think this will be a great place for me to meet others who share my interest and learn new things.

I am currently working on completing my requirements for my GISP and am working on becoming a community ambassador for YPN. I am excited to learn more about what I can do in this field. Any feedback on completing my contribution requirements for my GISP is welcomed.

HaileyTimmons · Answer

Hi Joseph,

Thank you for the information! Since I handle restricted information, many external volunteer roles require a formal conflict-of-interest review. Beyond the approval process, the bigger hurdle is that my organization often wants to sponsor these events if I’m involved. Since employer-sponsored activities typically don't count toward GISP contribution points, it makes finding 'independent' opportunities quite difficult.

To work around these constraints, I’ve been focusing on the online GIS community and working toward my YPN Community Ambassador badge. I also hosted a GIS Day event this past year, which helped build up points since my campus opportunities were limited by COVID.

I am also currently planning a project to create a mapping video using ArcGIS Pro animation software to track the history and global growth of Taekwondo. I intend to share this with the Taekwondo association, but I’m not sure if a video format counts toward 'publications' or 'contributions.' I didn't see video listed specifically as an option in the manual, but I'm hoping the technical complexity and the fact that it's being shared by a professional association will carry some weight!

josephkerski2 · Answer

Hi Haley!

Sounds like you are well on your way in networking with YPN.  I would say the following things that are, I hope, helpful additions to think about:  (1) Volunteer with an organization - Youth Mappers, the SCGIS.ORG, the local meet ups for YPN in your community - for a task related to a gathering (publicize, organize venue, etc) or for a project (gather info about damaged buildings, invasive plant and animal species, etc).   (2)  Present at a conference about the work you are doing - sometimes best to start with a regional GIS conference such as SCAUG or a regional AAG or SCGIS chapter; (3)  list the project related work you may have done in your college or university, both inside and outside GIS (it could be working with the sustainability office, say, on their Earth Day event); that is, it does not ALL have to be directly GIS related.

(4)  On a related career building note, you might look at this advice of mine of creating a story map of your resume:  https://community.esri.com/t5/education-blog/create-a-story-map-of-your-cv-or-resume/ba-p/884496

I hope this is helpful!

--Joseph Kerski

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josephkerski2 · Answer

I am replying above.  Thanks Rosemary!

Joseph Kerski