Growing as a GIS Professional: My Journey from Student to Early-Career GIS Professional
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by maps. My childhood bedroom had a giant world map on the wall, and I’d collect all the maps I could find—from shoeboxes of National Geographic issues to stacks of atlases. Maps became a gateway for me to learn about the world. Little did I know that this curiosity would turn into a career.
But growing up, I figured my love for maps was just that—a hobby. I thought my future lay in something more “practical,” like biology or the natural sciences. That’s why I ended up pursuing a B.S. in Environmental Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. I had no idea what GIS or geospatial science even were. In fact, I started college thinking I would one day become an ecologist.
Everything changed the summer before my junior year when I landed an internship at NOAA. While I spent most of my time building databases and writing literature reviews, in my last two weeks, I stumbled upon ArcGIS StoryMaps and that was my introduction to GIS. Though I didn’t get hands-on experience right away, it sparked my interest enough and led everything that would come after.
Returning to university that fall, I enrolled in GIS courses, where I learned to create static digital maps and apply analysis tools. I was struck by the power of maps to convey meaningful information and tell stories through all types of data. Additionally, I enjoyed creating aesthetically pleasing cartographic products, discovering that GIS is a beautiful blend of science, technology, and art.
In my senior year, I took a capstone course on Air Quality and Remote Sensing. My team and I used ozone monitors attached to drones to map surface ozone data over the James River and created a bivariate map of adult asthma rates and PM2.5 across Virginia. I even got the opportunity to present this research with my team at the university’s research symposium and at a conference for Virginia Mapping professionals! These projects solidified my passion for GIS as a tool for visualizing data and addressing real-world issues.
Me and my capstone team with our research at the VCU Undergraduate Research Symposium.
My Experience as an Early-Career GIS Professional and Part-Time Student
After graduation, I landed my first job as a (remote) GIS Intern with the National Park Service Southeast Region. This role has given me hands-on experience with a range of Esri products within an ArcGIS Enterprise environment. My projects have been diverse and rewarding, from creating river maps for aquatic ecologists to developing an interactive web map for energy-related data using ArcGIS Experience Builder.
One of the most exciting projects I’m currently working on is a marine debris data collection initiative. We’re in the early stages, but the goal is to build a dashboard that coastal parks can use to assess damage from hurricanes and tropical storms. So far, I’ve designed a conceptual data model and am working on an ArcGIS Survey123 form so park employees can begin recording marine debris data in the field. The goal is to eventually have a dashboard where the survey data can be viewed.
What I love most about this job is how varied it is—I’m constantly working on new, interesting projects that involve collaborating with specialists and scientists from different fields. Every day is a learning experience, and no one map product is the same!
Me and my NPS coworkers at a division retreat taking part in a Rivercane planting service project.
I am also simultaneously pursuing a certificate in Geospatial Programming and Web Map Development from Penn State University’s World Campus. This program has been a game-changer, helping me build technical skills like Python and JavaScript, spatial database management, and understanding user needs for geovisualization tools. For example, I’ve written Python scripts to concatenate fields in ArcGIS Pro, used the ArcGIS Maps SDK for JavaScript to create an interactive web map, and used PostgreSQL for a site selection project. This program has been a great supplement to my day-to-day work and has helped me stay competitive in an increasingly technical GIS job market.
Things I Wish I Knew
When I began my internship and certificate program, I thought I knew what GIS was all about. But after just a few months, I realized how much more there is to this field. GIS isn’t just about making maps—it involves IT knowledge, database management, and scripting. Working at an enterprise level has shown me just how technical GIS can be, and I’ve had to learn things like federated vs. hosted services and data management & creation that weren’t on my radar before.
For anyone starting out, especially those who don’t have a technical background, it can feel overwhelming. I’ve had my moments of imposter syndrome, especially when trying to apply more technical skills in real-world situations. But here’s what I’ve learned: dedicate time to teaching yourself these technical skills through either enrolling in a course or through personal projects. The more technical expertise you build, the more valuable you’ll be as a GIS professional in the workplace.
GIS is a fast-growing field, and the technology evolves quickly. That’s why it’s important to always keep learning and stay up to date with new tools and techniques. I also recommend staying active on LinkedIn and joining professional groups like Esri Young Professionals Network (YPN). These platforms allow you to connect with others in the field, stay current on the latest trends, and build relationships that can open doors in your career.
Through my internship, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Esri User Conference (UC), where I connected with peers and professionals who shared many of the same questions and uncertainties I’ve had throughout my journey. What I took away from those sessions is how essential it is to build your own GIS community. Surrounding yourself with like-minded peers and mentors not only provides support but also offers new perspectives, ideas, and growth opportunities. Networking helps you stay informed, keep learning, and foster meaningful relationships that can lead to future collaborations. During the conference, I also picked up valuable tips on resume building and making lasting professional connections—key steps in carving out a successful career in GIS. It reminded me that no matter where you are in your journey, investing in your network and in yourself will always pay off.
Me with the wonderful people I connected with at the 2024 Esri UC!
Me at the 2024 Esri UC outside the convention center.
Looking back at my journey, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that growth comes from curiosity, persistence, and embracing the unknown. Whether you’re new to GIS or have been in the field for a while, there’s always room to explore more, learn new skills, and make valuable connections. GIS is more than just technology—it's about using data to solve real-world problems and create meaningful impact. My advice? Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others. The GIS community is incredibly supportive, always willing to share resources and knowledge, as I’ve experienced firsthand. It’s up to you to take the initiative—reach out, engage, learn, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.