Thanks for this video! I feel like most people who have studied geography at the post-secondary level wouldn't be looking to go into the field with the imperative of maximising income or slaving away for corporate overlords but are rather in it to make a positive difference for humanity and the Earth.
I liked the “bonus” tip. My concern with some of the GIS community is that we have become complacent. We have accepted that we are just GIS’ers. We should embrace our spatial skills. We can do things other cannot. It is our job to show others. Many still do not know what you can do. This means that you may have to take on additional work to reveal your value. People will not ask you to do purposeful things if they are unsure of your capabilities. In other words - don’t wait on the cavalry to save you - you are the cavalry.
Well said. You are the one that will save the day. Don't hold back! I think that is why we need to support each other. It can be hard to keep moving forward when you meet resistance. It isn't easy to be a GIS analyst but it is very rewarding when you breakthrough.
Absolutely Tim! We need to promote all of the amazing things that we can do for our organizations. While GIS has been a cornerstone of government operations for decades, this is a big reason why we are also "stuck" I can't tell you how many times someone will ask for a map (that big plot on paper they hang on the wall). As soon as we demonstrate to them how much more GIS can be, interactive, analytical and an amazing story-telling tool too! Of course there is a risk there as well, once they realize all we can offer, the requests for more come in droves (not the worst problem to have!)
D - vet going back to College for Geographic Information Technology, with Drone certification. Sir where would a novice go to find out more information to get that Calvary stirred up within to show to world something else that we can do. My classes start in May 2021. Also great response you gave the only level head response that pointed the finger back at self rather than others. Thanks have a blessed one
Just found this video...lol. Its great! I'm a GIS analyst in the "traditional sense". The bonus tip, is spot on! I've stayed in the public sector for 10 years because I want to make a difference in my community and feel that I'm positioned to do just that. Thanks for your videos Katie!
@@drehardin It’s a mapping software that is used to produce or analyze maps. I use it for my GIS course at my University, not sure if it’s the same in the real world
GIS professionals (or students) don't accept low pay jobs in GIS. I see companies offering less than $20 bucks an hour for GIS position - come on, one can make more than $20 waiting on tables.
It's a terrible career. I can't find a job. I've been doing this work for four years. All I've ever found is contracts that pay minimum wage or barely more than that. It's extremely competitive, hundreds of people apply to the positions i apply for. Each posting is different requiring different and very specific skillsets, which further reduce your options when applying. There aren't even jobs to apply for. DO NOT GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK NO MATTER HOW PASSIONATE YOU ARE ABOUT IT! I've been looking for work for over a year, I've had two interviews in that time. In two months I'll be homeless. I've wasted so much time and thousands upon thousands of dollars keeping this raft of a career afloat. My education was a huge waste of time and money and is nothing but a pit of debt I can never pull myself out of. Don't let the college and university recruiters lie to you.
I've been working in gis for over 17 years and what you are saying is very true. Job stability is valuable, however growth is often up to the individual which means that some people are not suited for this job. It's an important job but in my experience it is very undervalued in the majority of positions.
Why is being a GIS Analyst automatically has been assumed as a public services post in the video? GIS Analysts usually are working in start-ups, corporates (small, large) and consultancies, not in the Govt.
I don't think anybody who cares about number 1 would consider the government to begin with. I went with the government because I care about stability. I'm not concerned about top dollar.
Studying geospacial science here at Cal Poly Humboldt. lots of opportunity and a very high turnover rate for students that graduate here end up getting a job offer out of college from leading firms. I am deciding whether to specialize in remote sensing or something of the like.
I briefly worked for a government contractor (so not directly public sector, but working on a contract for a Federal government agency). One thing I noticed compared to my GIS experience for a completely private company is how much SLOWER things move in the public sector/government contracting. Everything was slowed down by red tape (it seemed like I couldn't even do the simplest thing without needing to have it be approved by the client), which I found personally very frustrating because I thrive better in a fast paced environment. So, that might not be a big deal to other people, but I learned that it just wasn't the right fit for me and I moved back to working for a private company where things seem to move a mile-a-minute at times (which I love) and I have much more creative freedom. Do you think this aspect is a more widespread trend of government contracting work in general? Or is it more specific to my experience and maybe I just had some bad luck working on that particular contract?
You are correct. In government things move slower. Especially change. I think some of this is complacencies by long term employees and the lack of “customers” to answer to. When you are not driving decisions to sell fora profit and you don’t have the turn over to bring in new ideas and perspectives, it changes how work is done. I have seen this evolve over the last decade but it is still slow. You need to have patience.
I've been a GIS Analyst in the private sector for 26 years and have received maybe 3-4 year-end bonuses over that entire time, despite a high level of performance, reliability, responsiveness, productivity, and consistent glowing performance evaluations and peer feedback. Bonuses in the private sector mostly go to management and executive types. But you're more likely to get one working for a company that is not publicly traded. And there isn't much room for advancement; you're either a GIS Analyst or a GIS Manager. I also have not witnessed much willingness on the part of employers to invest in employees in terms of training, professional development, etc. You're practically on your own in that regard. Again -- because it cuts into the almighty "shareholder value". Maybe I'm just in the wrong industry: environmental consulting for the last 16 of those years.
I did an Msc in GIS. The lectures / and workshops were relatively heads-down and focussed, but I think the social aspect of uni really comes out of what you can make of it, especially outside of study hours.
No matter where you go you will find and work with others different than you. I encourage you to grow and become stronger socially. Maybe later you can enjoy some interaction with people and take time for yourself when you need to
Hi Katie. Thank you for the wonderful information in this video. I have been considering a career as a GIS Analyst in the military and any insights/advice wouldbe greatlyappreciated. Thank you 😊
Thanks Katie! One question I don't think you covered was job availability. Compared to the private sector or startups, are there more job oppertunities in the Public sector? Thank you!
Great question! I think it depends on your location. If you are in a metro area that has thriving tech industries you will find a lot of private positions over public. If you live in a rural are like myself, public positions are more plentiful than private and easier to qualify for.
I have so many problems with this post. Well, I think some of her points are valid about local government, I don’t think it paints a full picture for GIS as a person who worked in the private sector, and started as a GIS technician and advanced all the way to vice president of a company, I think there are clearly avenues of advancement. But when you can’t expect is to be in some kind of bonus pool when you’re not creating the value within your company that others who are in the bonus pool create. This requires you to look inward at what you’re really doing and what your real value is. This also requires you to realize that GIS is just one of many technology and data jobs. Within a company you need to be versatile in order to create more value. Meaning you have to know more than GIS to really advance in my opinion maybe that’s business, maybe that’s technology or development, maybe that is leadership . No matter what it is. It Hass to be something that differentiates you and get you recognized for advancement people that do their job don’t get rewarded above and beyond because that is what is expected of them. That is what you get paid for people who go above, and beyond are the ones who advance and get those bonuses. If you’re interested in a growing career in GIS, you should check out an architecture, engineering or construction firm. They are hiring, but be warned you will do a lot more work than you do when you’re in a government job.
Yes! It absolutely will. GIS is still an infant in regards to job paths. The proper education (ie, degree, not necessarily Geography, but just a degree) coupled with drive and passion for the work will get you in the door.
Hello, Katie. I have a question for you.. I'm Active Duty and retiring in about three years. I have an undergrad in geography and took some classes in remote sensing. During my AD career, I've had a lot of experience w/ remote sensing and space based technology in general. I realize that this doesn't translate 1:1 with GIS, but it's something. Anyway, I'm mulling over whether or not to tackle a masters in GIS with the intent of being able to work from home in retirement. I may still rely on military experience to land a job in the first few years after I get out, but the end game is to get out of the military/contracting business Is working from home something that is doable/normal in the field. I have no frame of reference besides looking at the local GIS job listings (they're mostly for utility companies) TL;DR Is GIS as a career something you recommend for someone wanting to work from home/abroad?
Hey im a international student who is wanting to get admission in US for masters in GIS...can you plz guide me if phd is necessary for getting a good job or career in gis in usa??
Well, out of the multiple questions I have asked in the GIS videos I have watched, the only reply back was a thumbs up. I think this is a great indication that GIS really isn't that relative for an organization to operate. We have many people at work who question the relativity of having GIS, including myself. I am very frustrated and confused with grasping the concept. In reality it costs us an enormous amount of money to keep data that no one uses in a system that 2 people understand. At what point does an organization say.....we're done with it?
As with any program or process there needs to be a business need and management to make it successful. GIS is not a solution for everything or for every business but when it fulfills a need it is very valuable. I would suggest bringing your concerns to management so you can better understand the purpose of GIS in your company.
@@RealisticRick27 GIS is likely necessary for an organization that deals with locations and data. Suppose wal-mart wants to open a new store. They could overlay locations of competitor stores, household incomes, population density, etc. in GIS to determine where to open a new store.
@@jewelfewel unfortunately your example is completely irrelevant in what I am tasked to do at work and I have a feeling I am making the correct assumption in saying GIS is useless where I work and I fear for my job. So far I have sat at a desk for 10 months and looked at countless, endless, tables of data. Changed a few dates, changed a few locations. 10 months, no one has asked me to produce anything. I have literally not been asked anything about the organizations data. It coats them over $300,000 a year to operate the GIS system which includes 2 staff. We have done absolutely nothing in 10 months and I struggle every day to see the value in having data that no one cares about, no one knows we have and no one wants to use.
@@KatieScheurer the managers I have don't understand gis. They are 25 years late to the party. They don't know what we do and they don't ask us anything. We can literally sit there and talk all day and no one would know the difference. It's horrible.
Hi guys, I’m currently a soon to be graduate with a meteorology degree and a bit of experience with GIS software. Where should I be looking for jobs? I’m not a traditional meteorology student (ie someone who wants to go into forecasting/on tv), and I’m trying to get a job in a GIS driven field but I’m unsure of where to look exactly.. any help would be appreciated! Thank you guys!
Do I necessarily need a Bachelor's degree in GIS if I have an existing Bachelor's degree in another major? Would a certificate or Associate's degree suffice for me to break into this field?
@@KatieScheurer Awesome! That was a really quick response, thank you! My BS is in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. I know that GIS has applications in the Emergency Management field, which really enticed me besides seeing how cool it is! Law enforcement uses GIS to map crimes in jurisdictions which interests me too! Thanks for all your videos and knowledge:)
@@benkoch371 Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. Unfortunately the degree program has changed into a surveying program due to a lack of demand. I’m sure there are other associate programs out there.
3 года назад
Is this Home office job the same as the Map Analyst job at Lionbrige or Telus International? can i work from home?
The corporate ladder is in reference to advancing through multiple positions moving up higher into the companies management structure as you do. In large companies, there can be many levels of management each with their own teams. This structure doesn't exist in the same way in most public sector organizations. Typically because there are less employees. Great question! Thanks for asking!
I want to go to school for Geomatics Engineering and work for the military in using GIS systems. Beginning salary is $67k. I live in Canada, so things might be different than what you say in this video. Is it worth it?
Definitely! I am in Canada and earned my GIS post-graduate degree from one of the good GIS-named colleges. If you want to be a GIS analyst, get a diploma. That is the first step to get into the world. If you cannot handle major product such as ArcGIS, you would not have a chance to discuss. If you can handle more, learn Bentley's MicroStation, Auto CAD for drawing (and Autodesk's GIS, such as BIM), and Avanza's products. Whatever analysis, you should have your strong background. For example, you learned human geography, you may not want to analyze flood simulation. If you are an Urban Planner, you don't want to dig up soil maps.
Hey Katie are your views in this video strictly tied to how things work in the USA? My housemate does GIS for our city council (UK) whereas I do GIS in the private sector. I disagree with your points regarding pay, and advancement (from my UK experience) - Public sector GIS pays very competitively until you start reaching 5 years+ experience, although my assumption is that the US pays pretty well for GIS roles? With advancement, I agree you can climb much more easily in private, but it's not too difficult to jump GIS roles here in the UK if you have the skills and confidence. I completely agree with your "Cutting edge" and "data Driven Culture" points however!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I do have a us perspective because that is where I live and have knowledge about. Every country is going to be different in standards and norms of the workplace. Even in the US the government sector is very different for cities on the coasts than smaller rural areas.
Hey I'm Anil Garje from india ...You are information is very useful for us .Also I'm doing a special course releted to Gis. Then how I can get the project on gis
Hai mam! Just now got to see your video! I am doing my bachelor's degree in Geo Informatics! I want to know about the employment opportunities in GIS domain mam!..
Hello Katie, Thanks alot for wonderful information. I have one question, I am going to start my studies in BACHELOR in GIS. I already did my Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and Masters in Industrial Engineering. I wants to know , is it possible for me to join industry of Mechanical and industrial field including GIS. Please suggest me few names of industries if possible because i need internship also in my course. Thats would be very helpful.
There is a certain way she never touched. If you become a researcher, you would be able to do any kind of work ways and handle different datasets, combine technologies, and scientific models. No one would complain about why you are downloading USGS datasets and studying models of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, running FEMA's HAZUS for hurricane damages. For that, you should have a higher degree, such as Ph.D., at least a Master's degree. If you only have an undergraduate degree with a GIS or GIS diploma/certificate, there a limitation you can approach to that world. In that case, You have to pursue yourself that your gob gives you a fancy job title and money, especially huge daily life safety condition if you work for the government agency. Satisfy your present. Otherwise, get a Ph.D. and get a job in a university. Once you are in a good position in University, try to get research funds as much as you can and hire a GIS analyst who would work for you. Then, collect the results of GIS analysis and write academic papers and give a presentation at an international conference. It will bring you a good reputation. Simple and fair!
Do I need bachelor or do you think it is better to work with GIS in the military?, learn the same basically, get salary and get work experience. Which path should I take?
You don't need a bachelor degree. I have a degree in Geography and work as a GIS Analyst now. It WAS helpful, but someone who works with me went to school for History and had no prior knowledge of GIS and is now a GA3. Knowing the basics of GIS will be helpful and ESRI offers free courses online through their website. I hope this was helpful!
Check out the video on if you need a degree for a full answer. It depends if you need it for your future career or not. If it isn’t required for you chosen profession I would start working and build experience.
This video is SO American-centric and isn't the the way it is in Canada, specifically Western Canada. We have a thriving public sector at all levels of government that GIS staff are able to get the promotions and climb the ladder. The software will be ESRI but it's usually the most current version or one version behind. As well, the compensation for senior analysts are well into the 6 figures.
Good to know! As a soon to be graduating Geographer with experience in GIS I was thinking in migrating to Canada in a couple of years, my country (Chile) does pay well as a GIS analyst but I want to expand my scope and Canada is an alternative for me
I’m thinking of bailing. It’s not really a career compared to other IT jobs. It’s kinda looked down upon. Plus it seems any bum can come off the street and learn ESRI stuff.
Thanks for this video! I feel like most people who have studied geography at the post-secondary level wouldn't be looking to go into the field with the imperative of maximising income or slaving away for corporate overlords but are rather in it to make a positive difference for humanity and the Earth.
This!!! I just don't watch her videos after I see a negative title.
I liked the “bonus” tip.
My concern with some of the GIS community is that we have become complacent. We have accepted that we are just GIS’ers. We should embrace our spatial skills. We can do things other cannot. It is our job to show others. Many still do not know what you can do. This means that you may have to take on additional work to reveal your value. People will not ask you to do purposeful things if they are unsure of your capabilities.
In other words - don’t wait on the cavalry to save you - you are the cavalry.
Well said. You are the one that will save the day. Don't hold back! I think that is why we need to support each other. It can be hard to keep moving forward when you meet resistance. It isn't easy to be a GIS analyst but it is very rewarding when you breakthrough.
Absolutely Tim! We need to promote all of the amazing things that we can do for our organizations. While GIS has been a cornerstone of government operations for decades, this is a big reason why we are also "stuck" I can't tell you how many times someone will ask for a map (that big plot on paper they hang on the wall). As soon as we demonstrate to them how much more GIS can be, interactive, analytical and an amazing story-telling tool too! Of course there is a risk there as well, once they realize all we can offer, the requests for more come in droves (not the worst problem to have!)
D - vet going back to College for Geographic Information Technology, with Drone certification.
Sir where would a novice go to find out more information to get that Calvary stirred up within to show to world something else that we can do.
My classes start in May 2021. Also great response you gave the only level head response that pointed the finger back at self rather than others.
Thanks have a blessed one
Just found this video...lol. Its great! I'm a GIS analyst in the "traditional sense". The bonus tip, is spot on! I've stayed in the public sector for 10 years because I want to make a difference in my community and feel that I'm positioned to do just that. Thanks for your videos Katie!
What exactly are the differences you've made in your community?
I’m currently a college student studying GIS and one reason I can think of is the pain of dealing with ArcGIS
Trust me, no amount of time and experience in the field will make you love or feel good with ArcGIS lol.
@@calinventures521 I believe you lol
@@calinventures521 is ArcGIS not a good tool or something?
What is ARCGIS?
Signed,
-A Newbie
@@drehardin It’s a mapping software that is used to produce or analyze maps. I use it for my GIS course at my University, not sure if it’s the same in the real world
GIS professionals (or students) don't accept low pay jobs in GIS. I see companies offering less than $20 bucks an hour for GIS position - come on, one can make more than $20 waiting on tables.
For a retired person its a perfect profession. No more standing around in walmart or custodial jobs. Make sure you get a masters degree.
As someone who has worked for the public sector as a GIS Tech to Analyst to now Manager, you have some very valid points.
To be honest I used it as a start and put myself into a position to advance by learning a company. Also learn CAD
It's a terrible career. I can't find a job. I've been doing this work for four years. All I've ever found is contracts that pay minimum wage or barely more than that. It's extremely competitive, hundreds of people apply to the positions i apply for. Each posting is different requiring different and very specific skillsets, which further reduce your options when applying. There aren't even jobs to apply for. DO NOT GET INTO THIS LINE OF WORK NO MATTER HOW PASSIONATE YOU ARE ABOUT IT! I've been looking for work for over a year, I've had two interviews in that time. In two months I'll be homeless. I've wasted so much time and thousands upon thousands of dollars keeping this raft of a career afloat. My education was a huge waste of time and money and is nothing but a pit of debt I can never pull myself out of. Don't let the college and university recruiters lie to you.
I've been working in gis for over 17 years and what you are saying is very true. Job stability is valuable, however growth is often up to the individual which means that some people are not suited for this job. It's an important job but in my experience it is very undervalued in the majority of positions.
What ur salary nd where are you from?
Why is being a GIS Analyst automatically has been assumed as a public services post in the video? GIS Analysts usually are working in start-ups, corporates (small, large) and consultancies, not in the Govt.
I don't think anybody who cares about number 1 would consider the government to begin with. I went with the government because I care about stability. I'm not concerned about top dollar.
Nice pfp
Misleading video title
Starting is 75k for public sector here. Not bad at all
What state?
@@danman828ify NV
Studying geospacial science here at Cal Poly Humboldt. lots of opportunity and a very high turnover rate for students that graduate here end up getting a job offer out of college from leading firms. I am deciding whether to specialize in remote sensing or something of the like.
I briefly worked for a government contractor (so not directly public sector, but working on a contract for a Federal government agency). One thing I noticed compared to my GIS experience for a completely private company is how much SLOWER things move in the public sector/government contracting. Everything was slowed down by red tape (it seemed like I couldn't even do the simplest thing without needing to have it be approved by the client), which I found personally very frustrating because I thrive better in a fast paced environment. So, that might not be a big deal to other people, but I learned that it just wasn't the right fit for me and I moved back to working for a private company where things seem to move a mile-a-minute at times (which I love) and I have much more creative freedom.
Do you think this aspect is a more widespread trend of government contracting work in general? Or is it more specific to my experience and maybe I just had some bad luck working on that particular contract?
You are correct. In government things move slower. Especially change. I think some of this is complacencies by long term employees and the lack of “customers” to answer to. When you are not driving decisions to sell fora profit and you don’t have the turn over to bring in new ideas and perspectives, it changes how work is done. I have seen this evolve over the last decade but it is still slow. You need to have patience.
I've been a GIS Analyst in the private sector for 26 years and have received maybe 3-4 year-end bonuses over that entire time, despite a high level of performance, reliability, responsiveness, productivity, and consistent glowing performance evaluations and peer feedback. Bonuses in the private sector mostly go to management and executive types. But you're more likely to get one working for a company that is not publicly traded. And there isn't much room for advancement; you're either a GIS Analyst or a GIS Manager. I also have not witnessed much willingness on the part of employers to invest in employees in terms of training, professional development, etc. You're practically on your own in that regard. Again -- because it cuts into the almighty "shareholder value". Maybe I'm just in the wrong industry: environmental consulting for the last 16 of those years.
I'm thinking of studying GIS in uni, but I'm quite shy. Will there be alot of interactions, or will I be mostly confined to the computer?
I did an Msc in GIS. The lectures / and workshops were relatively heads-down and focussed, but I think the social aspect of uni really comes out of what you can make of it, especially outside of study hours.
No matter where you go you will find and work with others different than you. I encourage you to grow and become stronger socially. Maybe later you can enjoy some interaction with people and take time for yourself when you need to
Hi Katie. Thank you for the wonderful information in this video. I have been considering a career as a GIS Analyst in the military and any insights/advice wouldbe greatlyappreciated. Thank you 😊
Thanks Katie! One question I don't think you covered was job availability. Compared to the private sector or startups, are there more job oppertunities in the Public sector? Thank you!
Great question! I think it depends on your location. If you are in a metro area that has thriving tech industries you will find a lot of private positions over public. If you live in a rural are like myself, public positions are more plentiful than private and easier to qualify for.
Is phd necessary to land a good job position in GIS in USA??
So is studying GIS straight up better, or should I study data science and try and find positions in GIS
I have so many problems with this post. Well, I think some of her points are valid about local government, I don’t think it paints a full picture for GIS as a person who worked in the private sector, and started as a GIS technician and advanced all the way to vice president of a company, I think there are clearly avenues of advancement. But when you can’t expect is to be in some kind of bonus pool when you’re not creating the value within your company that others who are in the bonus pool create. This requires you to look inward at what you’re really doing and what your real value is. This also requires you to realize that GIS is just one of many technology and data jobs. Within a company you need to be versatile in order to create more value. Meaning you have to know more than GIS to really advance in my opinion maybe that’s business, maybe that’s technology or development, maybe that is leadership . No matter what it is. It Hass to be something that differentiates you and get you recognized for advancement people that do their job don’t get rewarded above and beyond because that is what is expected of them. That is what you get paid for people who go above, and beyond are the ones who advance and get those bonuses. If you’re interested in a growing career in GIS, you should check out an architecture, engineering or construction firm. They are hiring, but be warned you will do a lot more work than you do when you’re in a government job.
Would a minor in GIS make a difference in climbing the ladder?
Yes! It absolutely will. GIS is still an infant in regards to job paths. The proper education (ie, degree, not necessarily Geography, but just a degree) coupled with drive and passion for the work will get you in the door.
I want to do gis course after bachelors degree plz suggest me madam
Hello, Katie. I have a question for you..
I'm Active Duty and retiring in about three years. I have an undergrad in geography and took some classes in remote sensing. During my AD career, I've had a lot of experience w/ remote sensing and space based technology in general. I realize that this doesn't translate 1:1 with GIS, but it's something. Anyway, I'm mulling over whether or not to tackle a masters in GIS with the intent of being able to work from home in retirement. I may still rely on military experience to land a job in the first few years after I get out, but the end game is to get out of the military/contracting business
Is working from home something that is doable/normal in the field. I have no frame of reference besides looking at the local GIS job listings (they're mostly for utility companies)
TL;DR Is GIS as a career something you recommend for someone wanting to work from home/abroad?
Hey im a international student who is wanting to get admission in US for masters in GIS...can you plz guide me if phd is necessary for getting a good job or career in gis in usa??
I have studied Bbi(banking and insurance) can I get the job of Spatial data analyst.
I am a Computer science Engineering student and It is possible to take GIS online course and grow up my carrier as GIS analyst
i will be doing GIS from College of north atlantic , is finding jobs after GIS difficult and please make vedio on carrer opportunities
Can anyone supply a detailed scenario where gis is absolutely necessary for an organization ?
Well, out of the multiple questions I have asked in the GIS videos I have watched, the only reply back was a thumbs up. I think this is a great indication that GIS really isn't that relative for an organization to operate. We have many people at work who question the relativity of having GIS, including myself. I am very frustrated and confused with grasping the concept. In reality it costs us an enormous amount of money to keep data that no one uses in a system that 2 people understand. At what point does an organization say.....we're done with it?
As with any program or process there needs to be a business need and management to make it successful. GIS is not a solution for everything or for every business but when it fulfills a need it is very valuable. I would suggest bringing your concerns to management so you can better understand the purpose of GIS in your company.
@@RealisticRick27 GIS is likely necessary for an organization that deals with locations and data. Suppose wal-mart wants to open a new store. They could overlay locations of competitor stores, household incomes, population density, etc. in GIS to determine where to open a new store.
@@jewelfewel unfortunately your example is completely irrelevant in what I am tasked to do at work and I have a feeling I am making the correct assumption in saying GIS is useless where I work and I fear for my job. So far I have sat at a desk for 10 months and looked at countless, endless, tables of data. Changed a few dates, changed a few locations. 10 months, no one has asked me to produce anything. I have literally not been asked anything about the organizations data. It coats them over $300,000 a year to operate the GIS system which includes 2 staff. We have done absolutely nothing in 10 months and I struggle every day to see the value in having data that no one cares about, no one knows we have and no one wants to use.
@@KatieScheurer the managers I have don't understand gis. They are 25 years late to the party. They don't know what we do and they don't ask us anything. We can literally sit there and talk all day and no one would know the difference. It's horrible.
Hi guys, I’m currently a soon to be graduate with a meteorology degree and a bit of experience with GIS software. Where should I be looking for jobs? I’m not a traditional meteorology student (ie someone who wants to go into forecasting/on tv), and I’m trying to get a job in a GIS driven field but I’m unsure of where to look exactly.. any help would be appreciated! Thank you guys!
Do I necessarily need a Bachelor's degree in GIS if I have an existing Bachelor's degree in another major? Would a certificate or Associate's degree suffice for me to break into this field?
No. If you have a bachelors in something similar that will help as well as the certification. Once you get some experience that will be the key.
@@KatieScheurer Awesome! That was a really quick response, thank you! My BS is in Emergency Management and Homeland Security. I know that GIS has applications in the Emergency Management field, which really enticed me besides seeing how cool it is! Law enforcement uses GIS to map crimes in jurisdictions which interests me too! Thanks for all your videos and knowledge:)
I have an associate's in geospatial technology and have a good analyst career in small government.
@@mikedickson7567 Hey Mike, Mind if I ask where you got your Associate Degree?
@@benkoch371 Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. Unfortunately the degree program has changed into a surveying program due to a lack of demand. I’m sure there are other associate programs out there.
Is this Home office job the same as the Map Analyst job at Lionbrige or Telus International?
can i work from home?
Thanks for the info. But what did you mean by climbing the corporate ladder? I didn't get that part.
The corporate ladder is in reference to advancing through multiple positions moving up higher into the companies management structure as you do. In large companies, there can be many levels of management each with their own teams. This structure doesn't exist in the same way in most public sector organizations. Typically because there are less employees. Great question! Thanks for asking!
Is it good to work in corporate sector??
I want to go to school for Geomatics Engineering and work for the military in using GIS systems. Beginning salary is $67k. I live in Canada, so things might be different than what you say in this video. Is it worth it?
Definitely! I am in Canada and earned my GIS post-graduate degree from one of the good GIS-named colleges.
If you want to be a GIS analyst, get a diploma. That is the first step to get into the world. If you cannot handle major product such as ArcGIS, you would not have a chance to discuss. If you can handle more, learn Bentley's MicroStation, Auto CAD for drawing (and Autodesk's GIS, such as BIM), and Avanza's products.
Whatever analysis, you should have your strong background. For example, you learned human geography, you may not want to analyze flood simulation. If you are an Urban Planner, you don't want to dig up soil maps.
Union positions ensure higher pay and regular bonuses.
Hey Katie are your views in this video strictly tied to how things work in the USA? My housemate does GIS for our city council (UK) whereas I do GIS in the private sector. I disagree with your points regarding pay, and advancement (from my UK experience) - Public sector GIS pays very competitively until you start reaching 5 years+ experience, although my assumption is that the US pays pretty well for GIS roles? With advancement, I agree you can climb much more easily in private, but it's not too difficult to jump GIS roles here in the UK if you have the skills and confidence. I completely agree with your "Cutting edge" and "data Driven Culture" points however!
Thank you for sharing your experience. I do have a us perspective because that is where I live and have knowledge about. Every country is going to be different in standards and norms of the workplace. Even in the US the government sector is very different for cities on the coasts than smaller rural areas.
Hey I'm Anil Garje from india ...You are information is very useful for us .Also I'm doing a special course releted to Gis. Then how I can get the project on gis
Is studying gis hard?
Planning departments?
Hai mam! Just now got to see your video! I am doing my bachelor's degree in Geo Informatics! I want to know about the employment opportunities in GIS domain mam!..
Hello Katie, Thanks alot for wonderful information.
I have one question, I am going to start my studies in BACHELOR in GIS. I already did my Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and Masters in Industrial Engineering.
I wants to know , is it possible for me to join industry of Mechanical and industrial field including GIS.
Please suggest me few names of industries if possible because i need internship also in my course. Thats would be very helpful.
what are you doing . go to work
What's the difference between GIS analyst and GIS???
GIS analyst is a position title where GIS can be used to talk about the actual system or the spatial industry in general
FINALLY!!! someone distinguishing PUBLIC sector jobs from the rest 🙏🙏🙏
I am a GIS person so need a job so please kindly help me
I don’t have any positions I am hiring for. If you are looking for a recruiter and in the US You can check out GeoSearch www.geosearch.com/
Numeral one, you think ESRi is pronounce with an “e”
There is a certain way she never touched.
If you become a researcher, you would be able to do any kind of work ways and handle different datasets, combine technologies, and scientific models. No one would complain about why you are downloading USGS datasets and studying models of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, running FEMA's HAZUS for hurricane damages. For that, you should have a higher degree, such as Ph.D., at least a Master's degree.
If you only have an undergraduate degree with a GIS or GIS diploma/certificate, there a limitation you can approach to that world. In that case, You have to pursue yourself that your gob gives you a fancy job title and money, especially huge daily life safety condition if you work for the government agency. Satisfy your present.
Otherwise, get a Ph.D. and get a job in a university. Once you are in a good position in University, try to get research funds as much as you can and hire a GIS analyst who would work for you. Then, collect the results of GIS analysis and write academic papers and give a presentation at an international conference. It will bring you a good reputation. Simple and fair!
6. reason is if you live in Turkey. 80 million country has only 2 GIS jobs :D
Do I need bachelor or do you think it is better to work with GIS in the military?, learn the same basically, get salary and get work experience. Which path should I take?
You don't need a bachelor degree. I have a degree in Geography and work as a GIS Analyst now. It WAS helpful, but someone who works with me went to school for History and had no prior knowledge of GIS and is now a GA3. Knowing the basics of GIS will be helpful and ESRI offers free courses online through their website. I hope this was helpful!
Thank you for this breakdown! Very helpful.
Thank you! good to know
I'm glad you enjoyed the content!
Is MS in GIS good to proceed, please reply
Check out the video on if you need a degree for a full answer. It depends if you need it for your future career or not. If it isn’t required for you chosen profession I would start working and build experience.
This video is SO American-centric and isn't the the way it is in Canada, specifically Western Canada. We have a thriving public sector at all levels of government that GIS staff are able to get the promotions and climb the ladder. The software will be ESRI but it's usually the most current version or one version behind. As well, the compensation for senior analysts are well into the 6 figures.
It is from an American perspective as I live in north central US. It is good to know you have more positions available in public sector organizations.
Good to know! As a soon to be graduating Geographer with experience in GIS I was thinking in migrating to Canada in a couple of years, my country (Chile) does pay well as a GIS analyst but I want to expand my scope and Canada is an alternative for me
10 years in midstream oil & gas and the only upside is the contractor rate. Outside of that - underappreciated data ninja.
I’m thinking of bailing. It’s not really a career compared to other IT jobs. It’s kinda looked down upon. Plus it seems any bum can come off the street and learn ESRI stuff.
Awesome video, thank you!
Thanks for letting me know!
Oil and Gas GIS is where it’s at.
Nah it's water/wastewater.
Great information.
Hi! So good lecture
I feel it..every reason in here.. kind of "magician" everyday creating data 😂
Seems like all bonuses to me!
Good video valuable information thnk q
She is great
You have to find an opportunity without the ESRI crap and this video becomes obsolete
LEFT
Only thing i give a sht about is the pay. If its not 6 figures in 2021 i have zero interest. 99% hamster in a wheel has no draw.
and #6 ... watching a totally useless video... LOL (or sour grapes )
GIS career is dead since beginning of Google map. Don't waste your time studying at the university just do self taught studies on GIS.