Get Involved, Stay Curious, Share Your Story: A Student Assistant’s Esri UC Experience
After attending the Esri Federal GIS Conference as a student assistant earlier this year, I knew the Esri User Conference (UC) would be a whole new level of energy, opportunity, and inspiration—and I was right. Being selected as a Student Assistant for Esri UC 2025 was an incredible honor and a formative step in my geospatial journey. This weeklong experience in San Diego offered more than I could have imagined: hands-on learning, professional networking, powerful inspiration, and a clear path forward for my future in GIS.
The Heart of the Conference: The Expo Floor
One of the most impactful parts of the Esri UC experience was spending time on the Expo Floor. This massive hub of innovation was where conversations happened, lightbulbs turned on, and future careers quietly began.
Here, I was able to:
🔍Ask detailed, field-specific questions to Esri staff, solution engineers, and GIS experts working on real-world applications in crime analysis, public safety, and transportation.
🧠 Engage in hands-on learning labs, where I could try tools like ArcGIS Pro, Network Analyst, and StoryMaps with guidance from Esri experts. Through this opportunity you can gain certificates of completion as well!
🌍Explore cutting-edge applications of GIS technology in sectors I hadn’t even considered—from counterintelligence to conservation to AI-powered spatial analysis.
The Expo Floor is more than an exhibit space—it’s a living classroom, networking center, and think tank all in one.
Esri YPN: Finding My People and My Path
A central part of my week was connecting with the Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN). From the mentorship hour to the YPN social, this group played a critical role in helping me feel seen, supported, and inspired.
The YPN provides a welcoming space to meet others navigating early careers in GIS, ask candid questions, and gain real advice. It’s a hub for opportunities—mentorships, fellowships, jobs—and just as importantly, a community that helps young professionals grow with confidence.
Whether you’re a student, recent grad, or early-career professional: if you’re not connected with YPN yet, make it your next move.
The Power of Socials and Special Interest Groups
While the tech sessions and plenaries were powerful, some of the best connections happened at socials and Special Interest Groups (SIGs).
At the Law Enforcement SIG, I got to hear from police departments actively using ArcGIS tools to address public safety challenges, and was incredibly inspired by Dr. Chainey’s session on hot spot policing and routing—a topic closely aligned with my research.
Throughout the week, I also connected with professionals in crime analysis, public safety, and national government, all of whom generously shared their insights and career journeys. These sessions helped me identify real-world needs and start envisioning how I can contribute to bridging the gap between GIS and law enforcement in the future.
A Word from Jack Dangermond
One of the most unforgettable moments was hearing Jack Dangermond speak directly to the student assistants. His message was simple but powerful: you are the future of GIS. He emphasized the responsibility we have to use geography and spatial thinking to tackle the world’s biggest problems—and that our work, even as students, matters.
Hearing those words from someone who has done so much to shape the geospatial industry made a deep impact on me and reaffirmed my passion for this field.
Esri UC Student Assistants 2025 with Jack Dangermond
Meeting GIS Legends
One of the most surreal and exciting parts of my Esri UC 2025 experience was meeting some of the most inspiring leaders in the geospatial field: Dr. Dawn Wright, Joseph Kerski, and John Nelson.
Hearing Dr. Wright speak at the Student Assistant Welcome Dinner was nothing short of empowering—her passion for ocean science, justice, and the role of GIS in tackling global challenges reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
And meeting John Nelson—the creative force behind so many stunning cartographic visuals—was such a treat!
Meeting Dawn Wright (Left) and John Nelson (Right)
I was also lucky to reconnect with Joseph Kerski, whose work in GIS education has shaped so many learning experiences. His encouragement and enthusiasm are contagious, and he always takes the time to uplift students and educators alike.
Joseph Kerski with the B-Roll Film Group
These moments reminded me that the GIS community is not just brilliant—it’s generous, welcoming, and deeply passionate about mentoring the next generation.
Gratitude for Those Who Made It Possible
A heartfelt thank you to Xochitl, Joe, and Gary for supporting the student assistant program and creating such a welcoming and enriching experience. Your encouragement, guidance, and energy made this opportunity not just possible—but unforgettable. An additional thanks to all the Esri staff we were able to work with!
Why Sharing Your Experience Matters
Throughout the week, I shared daily reflections on LinkedIn—from working at the Esri Store and assisting with GeoAI sessions, to reconnecting with leaders and GIS experts, and capturing B-roll at the Map Gallery. These posts didn’t just document my experience—they sparked conversations, drew encouragement from peers and mentors, and helped me solidify key takeaways in real time.
🌐Pro tip: If you’re attending a conference like Esri UC, don’t forget to share your journey on LinkedIn. Reflect on what you’re learning, who you’re meeting, and how you’re growing. It helps you process the experience, build your network, and even open doors you didn’t expect.
Final Thoughts: Planting the Seeds for the Future
Whether I was helping distribute wristbands for the UC party at Petco Park, filming content for the Esri Experience, or discussing future crime analysis certification programs, every moment at Esri UC 2025 helped me plant seeds for the kind of career I want to grow.
I walked away from this experience more connected, more confident, and more certain that GIS is the tool I want to use to make a difference.
Esri UC 2025 Student Assistant Cohort
📍If you're a student or young professional in GIS—get involved. Apply for the student assistant program. Join YPN. Ask questions. Share your story. Your future is waiting, and it might just start on the Expo Floor.
If you are interested in applying to be a student assistant, check out Esri Student Programs on this webpage. You can connect with me through LinkedIn and feel free to comment if you have any questions!
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