Esri Young Professionals Network Blog

What skills should you learn and grow as a young professional? Many will gravitate towards developing technical "hard skills," prioritizing software/programming experience, but are are these skills really the best way to develop as a professional?

This article explores a new take on developing as a professional by focusing on "essential skills."

My name is Mathew Chidera Ugwuanyi, a dedicated GIS Technician, and a geospatial enthusiast working for Highlands County, Florida. My background is in geography from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 

This article shares my journey as a young geospatial professional, driven by my passion for geography and mapping, which has guided me through years of study, hands-on projects, and impactful research, culminating in a unique opportunity to help shape the future of GIS as a member of the 2025-2027 URISA Vanguard Cabinet.

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of Earth and space scientists with over 25,000 attendees, both international and domestic. The purpose of gathering at AGU is to share the latest in research and connect with friends and colleagues. Take this opportunity to meet with people who are passionate about the same causes and research as you are!

My name is Lisa Tanh, National Government Health & Sciences Solution Engineer at Esri, and this blog introduces tips and tricks to navigate your way through AGU to get the most out of the event.

When I began my internship at the United States Geological Survey St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, I was filled with excitement and determination. My goal was simple: to expand my skills as a scientist and make the most of this unique opportunity. Little did I know that this journey, driven by curiosity, would redirect my academic and professional goals within the geosciences field.

My name is Kate and this is my journey on embracing roadblocks in my journey as a novice seafloor mapper using multibeam sonar.

I never planned to be a geographer. I was fortunate to discover geography as an undergraduate. I meet many people who love exploring the world and maps and are naturally inclined to be geographers, regardless of what they study or their profession.

The book "The Power of Where" lays out the "geographic approach", a method for using maps and GIS to develop understanding and make decisions based on locations and relationships. For anyone who wants to learn more about geography and GIS and where they're going without pursuing a full-on degree, the book is a great starting point.

My name is Ria Rathod, and I am a GIS Intern with the National Park Service and am also a certificate candidate for Geospatial Programming and Web Map Development from Penn State University, World Campus. Read this post to learn how I stumbled into the world of GIS and my advice to early-career geospatial professionals. 

Keeping up-to-date on trending topics and technologies is important as you begin your GIS career. As a student and emerging GIS professional, it is important that you know about these topics and technologies to stand out from your peers and provide value to your organization and projects. Read about Esri Academy’s Learning Plans to have a structured way to learn about these topics and tools. 

Recent graduate Maggie Carmody shares her experience interning with Esri as a Solution Engineer. Her work with the National Government team involved a variety of mapping projects, including the development of a deep learning model for ecosystem classification in the Maldives. Read more for a deeper dive into the early stages of GIS professional development.

According to the GIS Certification Institute, active participation in a professional organization, such as the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN), can enhance a GISP candidate's portfolio and earn you GISP points.

Here are some of the ways you can get GISP contribution points through becoming a YPN Ambassador.