Early entrance on ArcGis

Question

Hello 🙂

I do have a question that I guess it is not completely related to the tech part. It more about career and opportunities.

I am an intern and I work on ArcGis daily in my company. I have been presented to the software about a year ago, and I have developed quite successfully since then, I do love ArcGis.

My question is: how do I convert my ascending knowledge and will to learn into assets? I've searched for ESRI certificates, but I do have to confess that I am quite lost on which one is appropriate for me right now, and over the fact that I am an early-career intern.

I want to grow on ArcGis tech, and learn through certifiable workshops, contests, courses etc. Any tips?

P.S.: I do not live on the US, and I do not have locally resources on ArcGis or GIS in general, such as meeting groups.

haltendorf · Answer

Hi @HelenaRicardoRosa! Here are a few more options that can help you as you grow in your GIS Journey:

* ArcGIS Labs on Esri Academy are a great way to learn specific workflows in specific scenarios. You can easily add them to your portfolio after you complete them. View labs here.
* We have 3 free massive open online courses that will be opening this fall! Each course lasts 6 weeks, and you get free access to software for the duration of the course. Explore the fall MOOCs and save your spot today (you will receive a certificate of completion for each MOOC). 
* The GIS Fundamentals Foundation or ArcGIS Pro Foundation certification exams could be great options to validate your skills with a technical certification.
* Explore the Esri Academy catalog - there are web courses, training seminars, ArcGIS Labs, and more on a variety of workflows and ArcGIS technologies. New courses are added to the catalog every Tuesday, and courses are being updated for the latest versions of ArcGIS software.

RosemaryBoone · Answer

Hi @HelenaRicardoRosa , excellent question. There are a few things you can do to add to your GIS skillset - in particular, certifications from Esri.

Here are some suggestions that are more focused:

* Register for an upcoming MOOC. Upcoming completing it after 6 weeks, you will receive a certificate of competition that you can add to your resume, cover letter, and/or GIS portfolio (if you have one).
* Consider Esri's Technical Certification program - in particular the GIS Fundamentals Foundation
* Become a YPN Ambassador - upon completion, you will receive a certificate and badge you can place on your resume/cv and GIS portfolio
* When you graduate - apply for your GISP-E certificate

I also advise you to attend in-person networking events centered around GIS such as conferences, seminars, GIS meetups, etc. If you are near a YPN Chapter, you can join a chapter here where they host 2 in-person meetups a year at the local Esri regional office. It's at these in-person events where you can grow your network and uncover hidden opportunities that you may not come across in an academic/school environment.