Why to Chose GIS
as a Career
Whether you are a student considering your first career or
someone already in the workplace who is considering a new career, choosing GIS
can be rewarding in many ways.
The growth potential in this sector has remained high. As the
use of GIS and other geospatial technologies expands, it offers opportunities
for people with different work experiences and educational backgrounds.
According to the Geospatial Information & Technology Association (GITA),
because geospatial technology use is so widespread, "the geospatial market
is growing at an annual rate of almost 35 percent."
Although these are compelling reasons to consider a career in
GIS, Joseph Kerski, Esri education manager, poses some questions and offers
some answers that can help you appreciate some other reasons why a career in
GIS might be the right choice.
Do you want a career or just a job?
Do you want to be paid for doing something you love to do or
just collect a paycheck? A career where GIS is a fundamental part of your day
allows you to be immersed in a field where you can continually grow and move
forward in an environment of lifelong learning.
Do you want to do something cool?
GIS is an exciting, rapidly changing, and cool technology that
merges nicely with many other technologies you may be interested in, such as
video, web development, and phone apps.
Do you want to do something important?
GIS is a green technology that is making a difference on our
planet and to its people every day for key decisions about wildlife habitat,
human health, renewable energy, climate change, water quality and availability,
wilderness areas, and much more.
Do you love maps?
For thousands of years, maps have been fascinating and powerful
sources of information. GIS combines the best of visualization and technology. Today's
maps are not just reference sources, they are dynamic, and you can change them
to suit whatever need you have or problem you are trying to solve.
Do you like to get outside?
GIS depends on data collected in the field. Your
"field" could be atop a glacier, in a river, on a city street. There
is no end to what needs to be mapped and analyzed.
Do you want to empower people?
The convergence of the web, GIS, and handheld devices make
citizen science a reality.You can contribute to real scientific studies or
build tools to enable citizens to make these contributions.
Are you curious about your world?
GIS allows you to investigate what-if scenarios, model, ask
questions, and investigate possible outcomes.
Do you care about the well-being of your
local community?
A career in GIS enables you to do something about issues in your
own community: health, zoning, services, greenways, crime, trash, traffic, and
more.
Do you want to make sense of data?
If you think that a mountain of data exists now, just wait until
next year. GIS helps you make sense of all that data and to develop
critical-thinking skills to help you understand what data to use and what not
to use.
Do you want to blaze new trails?
Many, if not most, of the GIS-related jobs in the future have
not even been invented yet, so market yourself! Propose a new position in an
organization that you are interested in. Make your case that you are the one to
staff that position!
For
more information, visit the Esri Career Pathways page.
