Esri YPN is for Everyone
Have you ever wondered why we’re called the Esri Young Professionals Network? Well, here’s a hint – it’s not about age…
Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN) was created with three goals in mind:
- Provide a space for GIS professionals to learn and supplement their skillsets in GIS
- Connect GIS professionals together to further enhance community and collaboration
- Promote leadership skills and qualities in the GIS community
We need help from all members of the GIS community to achieve these three goals, especially novice and beginning professionals, and here’s why:
Esri YPN defines “young” as early, or beginning in your GIS journey; or, within seven years of starting your GIS career. For example, if you’ve recently discovered the world of GIS in school or decided to make a career change, you are considered a young professional.
What about folks who’ve been in the GIS industry for years? Can they be a part of Esri YPN?
This is a great question – it’s one we get often and I’m happy to answer it. After several years in the GIS world, you may no longer consider yourself a young professional. While this might be true, you’re still a significant member of our community because we consider you a mentor or subject matter expert to our newer members.
Esri YPN would not be around without our more seasoned GIS members. There’s no reason to reinvent the wheel, so we lean on this portion of our community to help us deliver new content; this can include anything from sharing your story and GIS journey, speaking at conferences and webinars, to writing updated blog posts.
We value diversity of thought within our community and this is how new leaders are developed in the GIS industry – from our more senior members’ experiences and stories.
Esri YPN is always on the hunt for new content. If you or someone you know has an interest in helping deliver updated content in the form of blog posts, e-books, videos, and more, please feel free to comment below or email us at ypn@esri.com.