Hello fellow YPNers!
I am going to be honest with you all, I've never been that good at networking. I received my M.S. in GIS then landed a job at a small GIS consulting firm soon after graduating, left the GIS field for a few years, then recently returned after realizing I missed ArcGIS Pro freezing on me after turning on too many layers (I am mostly kidding here, we all have a love/hate relationship with ArcGIS Pro).
I now find myself searching for a full time job as a mid-level GIS professional (Systems Engineer/Solutions Architect) and realizing perhaps I don't shine as bright as I used to compared to all the other highly qualified individuals in the applicant pools. I am so impressed by how folks in GIS go above and beyond their basic work tasks to do things like host GIS Day events, volunteer at conferences, host meetups, obtain certifications, etc.
So, I am putting on my big girl pants, getting my GISP (I just need 1 more point in the Contributions section to submit my portfolio), and putting myself out there to talk with folks and hopefully generate some traction. Feel free to comment with your experience networking or the value of a GISP (hotly debated topic) or if you have any leads on roles/people I should connect with (or just to say hi)!
Cheers,
Helena
