Esri Young Professionals Network Blog

This spring, I attended the 2025 Esri Washington, DC Open House—a dynamic event where students, early-career professionals, and GIS experts came together for a full day of networking, innovation, and hands-on learning. Whether you're new to GIS, a grad student knee-deep in research, or carving your own path in the geospatial world, this event offered real-world tools, fresh insights, and connections that matter. Here's a glimpse into the experience and why you should keep this event on your radar.

School’s out for summer! Don't let that stop your GIS journey—add GIS learning to your summer adventures. Esri Academy has great options for you, whether you want a quick watch or some more ArcGIS practice. Read this blog to learn about easy training options for you this summer as a student AND up and coming GIS professional.

Imagine watching the news and seeing the software that you sold being used to relay important information!  This is something that I can personally say that I have experienced, and it gives me so much pride working at Esri on the Inside Sales team.

My name is Lucy Castro, and I am the Sales Manager for the Inside Sales team at Esri and in this post I will highlight what it's like to be an Inside Sales Representative and skills you need to succeed.

Whether you're still in the reserves, recently separated, or shifting directions after years of service, Esri Training offers flexible options to help you transition into a career where your skills continue to make a difference.

Are you a student or an emerging GIS professional looking to make a real-world impact? Want to dive into a field brimming with opportunities and contribute to a more sustainable future?

Then buckle up, because the intersection of GIS (Geographic Information System) and Agriculture is where the action is! Forget abstract concepts – we're diving deep into the practical workflows and applications that are revolutionizing how we grow our food

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What starts as a high school elective sometimes turns into a lifelong passion. For Becky Schneider, one early introduction to GIS sparked an unexpected journey into the world of lidar, remote sensing, and federal geospatial programs. Now leading federal aerial initiatives, Becky reflects on how a love for geography - and a few bold career moves - led to meaningful work at the intersection of data, technology, and people.

Curious about where a career in geospatial science can take you? Whether you're just starting out, exploring lidar and photogrammetry, or considering a leap into the public or private sector, Becky's story offers inspiration, insight, and advice for finding your place in this fast-evolving field.

Ever wonder what kinds of community events Geospatial Scientists want to see? Well, look no further than your imagination! Events are key components in networking and a break in a busy day. Here is how I, a graduate student, fostering community with my University and the greater GIS Community.

Sarah Zimmer shares her journey as a GIS professional, specifically as a Solution Engineer at Esri, focusing on the AEC industry. She discusses her passion for environmental science, education, internships, and the skills necessary for success in the field. 

Your first GIS job isn’t what school prepared you for. It’s where you learn how to work with broken data, undocumented workflows, and real deadlines. Here’s what I wish I knew before stepping into the field.

From community college to coding and GIS, this is my story of resilience, growth, and how the 2025 FedGIS Conference helped me connect the dots between computer science and meaningful real-world impact.