Get the Most Out of GSA Connects as a Student Attendee
Hi everyone! My name is Ava Healy, a current graduate student studying geographic information science/technology and geography. I want to share my experience as a returning student to the Geological Society of America (GSA) Connects Conference and how you get value from attending this October 19-22 in San Antonio, Texas.
Last year, I attended GSA Connects as an On To the Future Mentee. This year, I am an On To the Future Mentor. I am excited to share my knowledge with the rising community of geoscientists! I know that my perspective as a graduate student will benefit those wanting to continue their career outside of undergrad.
What is GSA Connects?
Great question! GSA Stands for Geological Society of America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of the geosciences, and Connects is their annual conference. This year, GSA Connects will be held October 19-22 in San Antonio, Texas.
GSA has everything under the sun (literally!). Everyone is enthusiastic about finding career niches. There are a total of 22 Specialty Divisions, so there are tons of things to choose from. I am part of the History, Philosophy, and Geoheritage Division, as it intersects my geography and anthropology degree with paleontology. You’ll find your specialty!
At the NASA booth at GSA 2024, I learned about “Your Name in Landsat”, where you can type in their name, then view and export the graphic of that name spelled out in Earth features found in Landsat! I use this site all the time, it’s so fun.
Why is GSA Connects Important?
Like all conferences, GSA Connects gives professionals the chance to network, see what's up and coming in their field, and to explore career paths. This conference also helps geoscientists find the tools, confidence, and connections they need to navigate the complexity involved in advancing our science and driving their careers to fulfilling new heights.
GSA Connects offers Field Trips, which creates hands-on experiences in the region of the conference. Last year I went to Disneyland to learn about fantasy geology and paleontology.
This year, you can learn all about South-Central Texas Geology! These field trips can broaden your perspective– even if you’ve never been to Texas or have lived there your entire life.
As a student, the conference offers career workshops and mentoring opportunities. I am part of GSA’s On To the Future Program. Last year, I was a mentee. Now, I am returning as a mentor.
As an educator, the conference offers professional development opportunities at all levels! Whether you are a high school teacher or a professor, there are tons of workshops, networking moments, and field trips to support continued growth.
Esri Booth
Last year, I met the friendly face of Rosemary Boone at the Esri booth. That’s when I learned about Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN). A month later, I became a YPN Ambassador for the program.
And, four months later, I was given the amazing opportunity of being an Esri Student Assistant at the Esri Federal GIS Conference (FedGIS) in Washington D.C.!
Going to GSA Connects was a butterfly effect that has greatly impacted my GIS career. I am forever grateful for my conference experience.
Not only does the Esri booth have tons of cool swag. It’s an opportunity to get a demo of the latest ArcGIS technology, learn how GIS is being incorporated into geoscience, and make connections with Esri staff. Be sure to stop by their booth and also learn how you can get involved with Esri YPN!
GSA Connect Exhibit Hall hours:
- Sunday, 19 Oct.: 4:30 – 7 p.m.
- Monday, 20 Oct.: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, 21 Oct.: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, 22 Oct.: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Advice for GSA Connects 25
- Get Your LinkedIn profile ready. Take a couple of hours before the conference to get all the necessary information updated on your page. Did you have a summer internship you haven’t posted about? Or start a new job at the beginning of the school year? Make sure to get those updated prior to the conference.
- Print out a QR Code to your LinkedIn. This allows people to quickly find your page to network. You can find your QR code in the LinkedIn app. Something I do is tape it to the back of my badge, so I can easily flip it around.
- Familiarize yourself with the GSA Connects Website. There are tons of information, tips, and exciting panels on the GSA Connects 2025 website. Make a game plan on what booths you want to go to, panels you want to see, or even where you want to submit abstracts to.
- Attend sessions and socials. Networking doesn’t always have to be formal. Chatting with someone over dinner is always a great way to get connected.
- Go to every booth. This is an opportunity to network with other attendees and also learn about how organizations and universities support the geosciences field. Many exhibitors will give out free swag but be sure to ask them about what they do and learn as much as you can from them.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience attending GSA Connects as a student! Want to chat more? Connect with me on LinkedIn! See you all in San Antonio!