I graduated with a degree in geography/gis in late 2009. I was able to find a job immediately upon graduating working for a land developer as a GIS analyst, and worked there for awhile before the company had financial issues and I was laid off. Currently I am in real estate, but would like to get back into GIS. Any general tips on locating entry level positions, or perhaps networking to find "hidden" jobs?
Brief overview
<1 year professional experience as a GIS analyst
Use of model builder to automate and document map analysis
Access and Excel queries / ArcGIS spatial queries
Fluent in geoprocessing and toolboxes
At the moment, I am working on creating an online portfolio that showcases some projects I have done. I am also learning Arcpy and the python programming language as it seems to be becoming the norm in analyst positions. I am picking it up fairly quickly and should have a working knowledge of it soon.
It has been difficult finding jobs posted at the moment, which is why I am considering messaging people at companies I would like to work for to see if they have any entry level positions and or internships, could throw my website in a link in the message etc. I am utilizing my schools department of GIS/Geography as well, but not much as come from that for finding positions. I would appreciate any tips to help get back into the industry as a intern/GIS analyst/ GIS tech
First. Let a lot of people who you know that you are looking. I actually got my current job because a co-worker of my wife knew I was looking as saw a little 1/2" wide notice in the news paper. Don't limit what you apply for to your years of experience. You have a good reason for having lost your job so HR should not be an issue.
Second: don't be afraid of trying for a position in something you don't know about. When I was in school just about everyone wanted a job in DNR, environment etc... I got a job working in E911 and now I work in electric transmission and distribution. I knew nothing about them when I started.
