From "Street Economist" to GIS Professional
I am Emmanuel Narteh Aklie, originally from Ghana, and I am currently a graduate student at Texas State University studying GIScience (PhD). I call myself “the street economist” because I have always been passionate about managing resources to analyze and solve socioeconomic challenges in real time. This blog post explores my journey from being a “Street Economist” to stepping into the transformative world of GIS (Geographic Information Systems). It highlights how GIS has amplified my ability to analyze, visualize, and solve socioeconomic challenges in a spatial context, with location-based problem-solving.
How I Found GIS and My Passion for Spatial Problem-Solving
As an undergraduate majoring in Economics and Geography, I initially leaned toward economics as my future career path. My inspiration came from my brother (Elisha Akli), who had achieved great things in finance and economics. However, my journey took an unexpected turn when, after graduating in 2018, I began my compulsory one-year national service at Ghana’s Lands Commission. At the Lands Commission, I was introduced to Property Appraisal software while assisting as a land valuation apprentice and “on-the-side land surveyor” using AutoCAD serving from 2018 to 2021. Later, in 2022, I served as an assistant GIS utility officer at Ghana Water Company, where I was exposed to the powerful ArcGIS tools used to solve spatial problems. This was the turning point—I was overwhelmed by how GIS tools could map solutions to real-world issues, and I felt a deep joy seeing the tangible results of my work.
The COVID-19 pandemic further changed the trajectory of my life. During those uncertain times, I began to question my skillset and my role in the future. I asked myself, “What can I do to survive and support my family should COVID-19 last 5 or 10 years?” This introspection led me to pursue GIS- a skill that allows one to work remotely, solve spatial challenges, and connect other applications with spatial analysis. GIS became my calling, offering me a purpose and a practical path forward.
Ghana Water Company Ltd, Cape Coast field officers
Immersing Myself in GIS Through Conferences and Connections
I have always been a social individual, leveraging events to build connections and gain insights. In my previous roles as a field officer, I enjoyed meeting clients face-to-face and solving their issues in real-time. Since moving to the USA, I have attended several academic conferences, including the SouthEastern Division of the American Association of Geographers (SEDAAG), the American Association of Geographers Annual Meeting (AAG), American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Esri User Conference, NASA Develops day, and Southwest American Association of Geographers (SWAAG) and have traveled to more than 12 states in the space of 2 years. These conferences provided valuable opportunities to expand my GIS knowledge and connect with professionals in the field. However, the experience that truly transformed my perception of GIS was being selected as a Student Assistant for the 2024 Esri User Conference in San Diego. This event opened my eyes to the immense possibilities of GIS. I met incredible professionals who suggested innovative ways to improve my work, and I returned with a renewed mindset.
Some student assistants at Esri user conference 2024 @San Diego
Your hardworking 2024 Esri student assistants
One of the highlights was meeting Jack Dangermond, the visionary behind Esri, and receiving an autograph for his book, - “The Power of Where”. This book constructively lays out the “geographic approach,” a technique for employing maps and Geographic Information Systems to enhance comprehension and inform decisions based on spatial interactions.
The Power of Where book is an excellent starting point for non-geographers and people curious about GIS who want to explore its possibilities. The book includes about 500 maps and applications demonstrating how GIS is used to solve problems ranging from selecting sites for business establishment to identifying crime locations, preserving natural habitats, and building smart cities.
The genius Jack Dangermond
Another defining moment was attending the American Geophysical Union 2024 (AGU Conference) in Washington, DC, where science and geography blended seamlessly. As someone passionate about spatial analysis, I realized that GIS offers endless opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Whether it’s understanding urban development, solving environmental issues, or improving access to resources, there is a niche for everyone in GIS.
I had the pleasure of meeting the Esri team at the AGU 24’ conference
Practical Advice for Students and Young Professionals
One of the things that helped my progress and integration into the field so fast was looking for opportunities to attend conferences and seminars. And attending these valuable conferences and connecting with students, mentors, and industry experts, I have compiled some advice that would help you navigate your own GIS journey:
- Build Your Network: Don’t be shy. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars. Speak to professionals and share your ideas. Opportunities often come through relationships and are frequently the conduit for opportunity.
- Develop Transferable abilities: GIS abilities paired with economics, public health, or environmental science are extremely important. I concentrate on learning technical skills like geographic analysis, mapping, and programming (such as Python for everyone, tricks and tips) through ESRI MOOC, LinkedIn Learning, Bootcamps, and YouTube among others.
- Be adaptable: Careers are not necessarily linear. I began as an economist and discovered my interest in GIS via real-world experience. Be open to new directions.
- Never Stop Learning: Make time to learn tools such as ArcGIS Pro, Remote Sensing, R studio, Python, and other geospatial technologies. Self-learning through books, online courses, and tutorials can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Some good connections at NASA, ESRI, and USGS
My journey has taught me that success is not just about where you start but how you adapt, connect, and keep pushing forward. If you’re looking to blend your passion with technology, GIS is the tool that can make it possible.
NB: If a ‘street economist’ from a place of limited resources (Ghana) could find his niche in GIS, I believe you could too!
Watch out for my journey through graduate school as a GIS major on this platform…
In the meantime, let’s get connected on LinkedIn for more in-depth conversations!