Powering Connections: My Unforgettable Week as a Student Assistant at the Esri Energy Resources GIS Conference
From troubleshooting ArcGIS products in Jordan to collecting dike samples in the desert, and now geeking out over GIS in Houston, my journey has been anything but boring.
My name is Leena Abdulqader, and as a geoscience graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin, I continually seek opportunities to learn, connect, and contribute to the field of geoscience. So, when I saw the chance to be a Student Assistant at the Esri Energy Resources GIS Conference, I jumped at it as if it were free swag!
Table of Contents
How I Got into GIS (Spoiler Alert: Not Through School)
My GIS journey started before grad school when I worked for a few years as a Technical Support Analyst at Esri's Middle East and Africa Support Center in Jordan. That's where I learned the ins and outs of ArcGIS, helped customers solve real-world problems, and realized the massive potential of geospatial thinking. Eventually, I decided to pursue graduate school, and here I am!
Why I Applied to Be a Student Assistant
When I saw the opportunity to volunteer at the Esri Energy Resources GIS Conference, I immediately felt drawn to it. A chance to attend high-level sessions, meet professionals, get behind-the-scenes conference access, and help run a major event? Count me in! Plus, I was excited to represent international students and Hijabi Muslim women in a global geospatial space. Not only did it align perfectly with my academic focus, but I also knew it would be a great place to meet people working on the cutting edge of GIS in the energy sector. The idea of contributing to the conference while soaking in new ideas and connecting with industry professionals sounded like a win-win.
What We Actually Did
The conference took place from May 18 to 20, 2025, in Houston, Texas. We arrived a day early to
As a student assistant, we assisted at the registration desk, where we handed out badges, distributed T-shirts, and answered questions from attendees. This role allowed me to experience both sides of the conference: helping it run and participating in sessions as an attendee. Again, Win-win!
Throughout the three-day conference, the student assistants contributed approximately four hours of work each day, which they referred to as a half-day shift, with the flexibility to choose between morning and afternoon shifts.
One of the best parts was how supportive and encouraging the Esri team was; they genuinely wanted us to make the most of the experience. If there was a session that interested us during our shift, they encouraged us to step away and attend it. Thanks to that flexibility, I was able to spend nearly 12 hours in total attending sessions, workshops, and networking events. It made balancing our responsibilities, learning, and connection easy and rewarding.
This experience was the perfect blend of contributing to the event and growing as young professionals in the GIS world. Juggling both roles provided me with valuable hands-on experience in time management, multitasking, and professional communication skills essential in any fast-paced, collaborative environment, especially in the geospatial field, where adaptability, curiosity, and people skills are just as important as technical expertise.
The Plenary Session: Big Ideas and Even Bigger Feelings
The plenary wasn't just a highlight; it was the heart of the conference and a powerful kickoff. It
Every speaker brought something valuable. However, one moment really stood out: the deeply moving keynote by Yvette Oldacre, which resonated with me and many others in the room. She spoke about the broader mission of using GIS, representation, identity, and community in a way that gave me chills and hope. It reminded me that we're not just mapmakers. We're storytellers, bridge-builders, and advocates for a better, more inclusive world. As someone navigating science and identity far from home, her words hit home. Her message: GIS isn't just a tool, it's a force for good. "We're not just analyzing data; we're creating hope. We're shaping sustainable futures.
Tech Dives and Digital Magic: Exploring All Things ArcGIS
Between my student assistant shifts, I made the most of the conference by attending a mix of technical workshops, user presentations, and live demos, and wow, was it worth it. Highlights included:
Deep dives into ArcGIS Dashboards, Pro, Online, Enterprise, Field Maps, and Arcade (Esri's secret sauce for smart, dynamic expressions). Very cool.
There was a whole buzz around AI in ArcGIS. Throughout the sessions, speakers emphasized that AI in ArcGIS isn't replacing human expertise, but rather amplifying it. The goal? Speed up workflows, improve accuracy, and free us to focus on the bigger picture. I got a sneak peek at how Survey123 is incorporating an AI-powered assistant to help build smarter surveys (yes, you heard that right - an AI co-pilot for survey design!).
The Hands-On Learning Lab: a quiet space with laptops, software, and 1-hour self-paced lessons. Coffee-fueled learning at its best.
PUG + YPN = So Much Energy (Pun Fully Intended)
The Petroleum User Group (PUG) and Young Professionals Network (YPN) sessions were incredible. I even had the chance to discuss some of the challenges students face when trying to break into the GIS industry, such as limited internship access, especially for international students like myself, and job postings that require years of experience in advanced tools that students haven’t fully worked with yet. I also shared how intimidating networking can feel when you're just starting out. What meant a lot was how the professionals in the room genuinely listened, offered advice, and even shared their own early-career stories. It made me feel seen and reminded me that we all start somewhere.
Being surrounded by professionals who cared about the next generation gave me confidence and a sense of belonging I didn't know I needed.
Food, Fun, and Friendships: The Full Esri Experience
Let's be real, we were very fortunate as student assistants to have so many resources available to us.
The conference wasn't just about maps and models (there were plenty of those). It was also about making connections, staying energized, and having a blast!
Here were some perks of being a student assistant:
Breakfast and lunch were provided daily.
Coffee and snacks flowed nonstop (GIS runs on spatial data and caffeine, obviously.)
- The accommodations were great, comfortable, and conveniently located, making it easy to rest, reset, and be ready to roll each day.
Some swag I got (Yay!)
- Social events like The Rustic Evening, Maxar Mixer, and the Expo Social provided exceptional opportunities to connect; I had the chance to interact with professionals, students, and Esri staff in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
We had unique badges (a nice touch!) that made us feel special and recognized.
Snagged some swag from Esri and different booths at the Expo (hello globe and laptop stickers!) and bought a cup and socks that proudly say "Esri." From the Esri Pop-up Store #nerdlife
Me doing the lunch chime
Unexpected highlight? I got to end one of the lunch periods by playing the official lunch chime on a quirky little instrument the Esri team brought. It might sound small, but standing there and sending everyone back to sessions with a musical note was surprisingly thrilling and hilarious. A core memory!
The Esri event app made it easier, as it included the agenda, a map of the venue, and essential information such as first aid, a mother's room, a lost and found area, and a prayer room (which I was very thankful for).
Beyond the Conference
I had the opportunity to make new friends throughout the conference, with whom I look forward to seeing again one day. Once the conference was over, and on my own, I toured Houston’s museums, visited NASA’s Johnson Space Center (a dream come true!) I mean, I had to do it since I'm already in Houston, and, most importantly, I left feeling re-energized (again, pun intended) about the future of GIS, my research, and being part of something bigger than myself.
Exploring Houston while wearing the conference T-Shirt with pride, Me with Houston skyscrapers, the gorgeous Amethyst Geode at the Houston Museum of Natural Science (can you tell I am a geologist?), and finally at the NASA Johnson Space Center.
Looking Ahead
Being a student assistant was a milestone that brought together my past at Esri, my current geoscience studies, and my future aspirations. I didn't want it to end, and I wish it were longer than three days. As an international student, I'm especially grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant and supportive community. (Wish me luck) If you're passionate about geospatial technology and eager to learn, don't hesitate to apply. This blog post expands on the four Esri conferences for which you can apply to be a student assistant. This experience will shape your future more than you know.
Advice for Future Student Assistants
If you're considering applying to be a student assistant at an Esri conference, do it. Just apply. It's more than a volunteer gig; it's a chance to learn, network, and grow. Even if the Energy Resources GIS Conference isn't your direct career fit, you can explore options like the Developer Summit, Esri Federal GIS Conference, or the Esri User Conference. This program is about more than any one field; it's about passion, curiosity, and connection. Don’t forget to join the YPN and PUG communities; I cannot express how important that is. Pro tips for the conference: wear comfy shoes, bring a water bottle, and leave room for swag! Don't forget to connect and have a great time.
Final Thanks
To the amazing Esri University Programs team, organizers, and everyone who made this event possible: thank you for making me feel seen, included, and valued. Your support meant more than you know.
Thank you to all my fellow student assistants. You were so energetic and fun to be around. Your enthusiasm was contagious. Keep being Awesome!!. Can't wait to see the greatness you will all contribute to the GIS world.
And to all fellow students: map your future with courage. You never know which conference badge might change your life.
Thank you for reading all the way through and reaching the end of this blog! I hope my experience gave you a glimpse into what it’s like to be a Student Assistant at an Esri conference. Feel free to drop your questions and thoughts in the comments below and connect with me on LinkedIn (Leena Abdulqader 🤠); I'd love to hear from you! 🌻
Helpful Links & Resources
Programs & Opportunities
Petroleum User Group (PUG)
Learn GIS & Expand Your Skills
- Esri Training Catalog: Free and paid courses on ArcGIS Pro, Python, Field Maps, and more.
- Learn ArcGIS: Step-by-step tutorials and lessons for beginners and advanced users.
