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How did you break into getting a GIS job? Did you have internship experience? From the two GIS classes I took this semester, I found that I really enjoyed it. I am sure doing it as a job is not the same though, is it?
Yes, I did do an internship and ended up getting a job at the same place. This was also over 10 years ago when the economy wasn't as bad as now so that might have helped. But I recommend doing an internship.
I found working in GIS to be more fun than taking classes in it. But I took classes over a decade ago and things might be taught differently now. A typical class for me involved the instructor giving you some data and assigning a task. On the job, data issues arise much more often as no one is there to hand it to you. You have to figure out where to get it or collect it yourself, how accurate it is, reproject it, etc. There's a lot of figuring out stuff and coming up with your own solutions. It's a good job for someone who likes solving complicated problems. There are also a lot of interesting open source packages available now which I never had a chance to learn in school.
Yes, I did do an internship and ended up getting a job at the same place. This was also over 10 years ago when the economy wasn't as bad as now so that might have helped. But I recommend doing an internship.
I found working in GIS to be more fun than taking classes in it. But I took classes over a decade ago and things might be taught differently now. A typical class for me involved the instructor giving you some data and assigning a task. On the job, data issues arise much more often as no one is there to hand it to you. You have to figure out where to get it or collect it yourself, how accurate it is, reproject it, etc. There's a lot of figuring out stuff and coming up with your own solutions. It's a good job for someone who likes solving complicated problems. There are also a lot of interesting open source packages available now which I never had a chance to learn in school.
I am looking for, and hopefully find an internship with something GIS related this summer. I enjoyed the classes, but even today they sound like what you are describing. One class though, I had to do a project where I had tons of issues trying to use an Excel database with ArcGIS. It was a lot of work, but I enjoyed having to solve it to where I could get it to work and complete my project.
Do you see many job listings out there for entry level GIS jobs? I have looked and seen few so far.
I am still undecided as ever when I first posted this thread. I have decided that I am going to spend the rest of the year focusing on building my GIS skills to hopefully find a job in the field, but I have my doubts in finding a job anytime soon once I am supposed to graduate at the end of the year.
This doubt is making me think perhaps I should double major, and probably in advertising. Any feedback whether this would be a good or bad idea would be appreciated.
I am still also thinking about the masters for library school option, but I am really undecided about it.
Try Digital Globe in Longmont, CO I know a bunch of GIS people who work or worked there. Try to get work experience before taking on any more schooling or debt. Try to get on with an employer who might pay for your continued schooling too. The military is a big user of GIS services too, not that I'm suggesting you sign up, but it's always a thought. There have to be civilian jobs near Camp Pendleton or down here in San Diego at SPAWAR or something. You may have to move, this is the new depression and you should be moving towards the jobs, wherever they are.
Try Digital Globe in Longmont, CO I know a bunch of GIS people who work or worked there. Try to get work experience before taking on any more schooling or debt. Try to get on with an employer who might pay for your continued schooling too. The military is a big user of GIS services too, not that I'm suggesting you sign up, but it's always a thought. There have to be civilian jobs near Camp Pendleton or down here in San Diego at SPAWAR or something. You may have to move, this is the new depression and you should be moving towards the jobs, wherever they are.
Thanks, I will keep those places in mind when looking for GIS jobs. Is there any other hotspots for GIS jobs in the country?
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