It’s Never Too Early: Getting Involved in the GIS Community Before College
How I Got Into GIS
I’ve always been fascinated by maps. When I was younger, I loved playing games like “Guess the Flag and Location.” In high school, after soccer practice, I’d take public transportation home and constantly check Apple or Google Maps to track the bus. This routine sparked my interest in mapping and location.
My Internship Experience
In the summer of 2024, I applied for several internships and was placed as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) intern at the Department of Public Works and Transportation in Prince George's County. Initially, I was surprised and a bit nervous, expecting a help desk role. However, this opportunity turned out to be a pivotal moment in my journey.
During my internship, I worked on various projects using GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Experience Builder. One of my key projects involved editing an ArcGIS Dashboard map for Prince George’s County’s Residential Sweeper Program. I contributed to visualizing street conditions and refined the layout by editing and repositioning sweeper routes, ultimately enhancing operational routing efficiency.
These tools allowed me to enhance my GIS skills, such as map visualization, dashboard customization, and analysis, and exposed me to the vast possibilities within the GIS field. I realized how GIS technology plays a crucial role in urban planning, transportation, and environmental management.
Attending the Esri Federal GIS Conference
One of the highlights of my internship was attending the Esri Federal GIS Conference (FedGIS) in Washington, DC in February 2025. The conference showcased the global impact of GIS and how artificial intelligence is enhancing GIS tasks. It was inspiring to see professionals from various sectors using GIS to solve real-world problems.
I had the opportunity to network with a variety of GIS professionals and learned about their own GIS journey and how to get more connected to the geospatial community. I attended sessions where I learned about ArcGIS Knowledge Studio, a new web app that allows users to explore connected data in ArcGIS.
One of the most valuable highlights from the conference was getting connected with Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) and attending their networking reception and the GeoConnect Career Fair. I had the great opportunity to converse with companies like Mitre, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, Esri Careers, and Dewberry. They gave me valuable resume tips and career pathways advice.
Below is a recap of my experience at the 2025 Esri Federal GIS Conference on my LinkedIn profile.
Participating in the MITES Semester Program
Another significant experience in my own GIS journey was participating in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science STEM program run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This six-month online program offered rigorous online courses, webinars, and mentorship, all aimed at preparing students for STEM careers. Being part of this program allowed me to connect with like-minded peers and gain insights into the challenges and rewards of STEM fields.
Looking Ahead & Advice to Others
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue my GIS journey at the University of Maryland. The Information Science program, combined with a minor in Geographic Information Science, aligns perfectly with my interests. I’m eager to delve deeper into data analysis, spatial thinking, and how technology can be leveraged to address societal issues.
In high school, I took the initiative to take on a GIS internship, attend a large GIS conference, and completed a semester-long STEM program at a university. The moral of the story is it’s never too early to start building community and putting yourself out there in the field you see yourself in the future. For me, it’s in the field of GIS.
To other young professionals exploring their paths, my advice is to stay curious and open to new experiences. Seek out internships, attend conferences, and participate in programs like MITES. These opportunities not only build your skills but also expand your network and expose you to various career possibilities. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation and always ask questions!
