Geographic Information System as a Career: What I Wish I Knew

[@rachelshaffer1877]

I wish there was a vid like this when I was in school. I definitely agree having another expertise alongside GIS (utilities, urban planing, engineering, etc) or having a buttload of computer science skill really would have helped.

[@laurencrawford3332]

I'm coming to the end of my Geography degree and kind of realizing that my passion for cartography will lead me into GIS work. I am so excited to find your channel!

[@KatieScheurer]

Yay! Welcome!

[@rjwillshear]

Sometimes I have problems explaining to myself what I do, let alone anyone else! I've just accepted "You're a wizard" as the truth 😂

[@geodrewbilee]

My elevator pitch: Geography isn’t about what you do but how you do it. As a GIScientist I specialize in how to turn anything into something analysable

[@ukoni8667]

Interesting definition. Is it because u work with unstructured data?

[@Amber-md8ut]

I’ve wanted to do gis since I was 13, and I’m starting college in September to work towards it. I’m really excited!

[@KatieScheurer]

Congratulations Amber! It’s great to see others follow their dreams.

[@Amber-md8ut]

@@KatieScheurer Thank you! (Can’t lie, I forgot this comment existed) but I started my first tester day at college today.

[@ichkonntemichjakratzenaber2028]

how is it going so far? :)@@Amber-md8ut

[@delyburger]

I worked at my University's IT Help Desk as a student worker while I was in the process of obtaining my degree. The IT experience I got has come in handy countless times in the GIS job field. It is true that you will be the go to IT person in the office.

[@mattisgreg]

When I went through my GIS Bachelors program it was right when ArcGIS Online was released and the school I went to viewed and taught it as "This will not go anywhere and it will fail so don't worry about learning it"... 7 years later and after working for Esri for 3 of those years... Look where GIS is... so my advice is pay attention to and learn how to utilize the emerging trends!

[@KatieScheurer]

I remember people saying the same thing when online came out. But that was also when people wouldn’t shop online either. Look how that has changed.

[@chellew3787]

What school did you take your program through

[@yersongomezx10]

GIS is a total mistery for most people even though every part of their lives is in contact with it in some way or another

[@KatieScheurer]

Yerson Gomez very true. Count up how many apps you have on you phone that feature a map.

[@yersongomezx10]

@@KatieScheurer I feel envy of the careers that are more of the public knowledge like everybody knows what an architect do, there's no need to explain

[@michealkinney6205]

I like your hot take on the data issue.. biggest issue with GIS (locating, processing, and building the data).

[@olusolaaosibote]

The closing point is just spot on. And if I may say, that applies generally to the field of Geography. Sometimes, you just sit and wonder how to explain how relevant Geography and by extension GIS are to people. It could be a big deal, you know... Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@QuantumLeaper25]

You may not know everything, but knowing all that you can gives you an edge.

[@sidnam1171]

Hey Katie, I just found your channel and I couldn’t be happier. I just got out of University doing a CS degree, but I’ve been super interested in GIS for years, I’m thinking about the switch now and I’m happy to have found your channel! :)

[@ramonarielcolladoangeles5891]

Excellent video!!

[@rodrigolopez6944]

Thank you for the information! I am relatively new to gis ( 6 months in my current role) but absolutely love it and want to make sure I navigate the career field in a way that benefits me the best. Keep up the great work :)

[@KatieScheurer]

Rodirgo Lopez congratulations on your new position!

[@deborahschultz1513]

Thanks for having such an approachable spin on this. I'm hooked! I hope that the GIS space is as small as you say it is - cause I sure would love to meet you at a conference! I'm getting into the space after being a Software Engineer for quite awhile. I became a ESRI fan after attended a couple ESRI Moocs, and attended a conference at the start of this year. Now I'm soaking up all I can in the GIS space to prepare for starting a job with NGA!

[@Ezster69]

I found his really interesting, but I quickly found out it's not as easy as j thought it would be. Maps have to meet certain criteria and how layers work.

[@sirchancellor4235]

The ending is so accurate lol, when I had to explain to my parents about what I was going to college for i would just keep it simple and say it’s for making digital maps.

[@velosaurus4752]

Couldn't agree more about the importance of Computer Science/Programming fundamentals (along with Web Development)!

[@KatieScheurer]

Katherine Clark yes I have been doing more and more web development lately.

[@tehdreamer]

Every GIS person should check out the video "GIS Definition - What we do in the Shadows" . We can all relate 🤣😂

[@cybertaiga9534]

Hi Katie. Nice video there. In my case it is the reverse, I am a former IT engineer (specialised in hardware and networking) and now I want to do something related to Geography. Since school, History and Geography were my favourite subjects and I am still inclined towards those areas. I would say my interest at the core might be in Historical Geography. So when you talked about the "pavement" example for data collection, I instantly got it. Anyway, I am looking at career options in GIS and your videos do give very useful tips. I have subscribed to your channel and signed up for your newsletter. Thank you.

[@KatieScheurer]

Thank you for subscribing. I’m glad the info is useful and I’m planning on more videos soon. Good Luck on your GIS journey.

[@jennas5768]

I.... Also have a geology degree!!! I have been trying very hard to find a degree in the geology/Geography field with little luck post graduation. This was so refreshing to hear... I have an interview next week for a public sector gig for a small city in the Midwest. :)

[@jeffward6365]

Awesome! How did your interview go?

[@scientistgeospatial]

Wonderful story. Thanks

[@tianamelton4901]

I’m currently a 1N1 in the Air Force (geospatial intel) and am thinking of getting out and making it a career. I am interested in the work you do and also what you mentioned about creating a resume The most interesting thing I’ve found is how variety of jobs in the GIS field.

[@buannelgeosolution]

Most of society don't understand the value of Geo Spatial perspective. On the other hand, it is a difficult process for GIS experts to break down the benefits into layman terms and provide examples of applications where GIS provides value. Also, the quantification of added value which GIS provides to organization is also not straightforward.

[@KatieScheurer]

It isn’t straight forward but now that many organizations after surpassed the data collection phase it is up to us to become more clear. We should be able to show some ROI now and find projects that have business value.

[@ericsilberstein667]

What if you’re 58 and want to start a new career. I have learned online writing, html. I currently QA front end of websites, making sure everything works for user. I’m looking to do online training while working full time. Before I went back to school I considered cartography.

[@samosa5925]

I was interested in GIS in about 20 years because I had a bachelor in geography. But I became a teacher.

[@KatieScheurer]

Never too late! Many teachers are incorporating GIS to give context to other subjects like history and languages.

[@gis-sciences3034]

Thank you Katie

[@abigithbaby]

I agree to statement that people dont understand the technicality of waht we do in GIS. This becomes a problem when we have non-gis project managers for conservation projects as they dont understand the vastness of GIS..

[@kraziecatclady]

I've already been tagged at most of the places that I have worked as a "Techie" just because I'm very proficient in Microsoft Office Products such as PowerPoint, Word, and Excel along with several other computer related things, so I guess that won't be that different. I also got the idea that not very many people would understand the GIS career field quickly when people ask me what degree I am working on in college and I don't make it past the word Geosciences before I managed to lose them. I'm getting ready to retire from my first career so I'm looking for opportunities. I will have to check out your Career course if you are still offering it.

[@KatieScheurer]

Hi Jolene. I am working on a new iteration. I want to take the experience I just had looking for a new position and rebuild the course. So stay tuned!

[@kraziecatclady]

@@KatieScheurer sounds good. Thanks for the response.

[@Zabu_23]

I’m looking to get into GIS but I don’t have any relevant experience. I currently only have a bachelor’s in biology with some medical lab experience. I’m wanting to do remote environmental work and this is why I’m interested in GIS. Do you think it is worth me getting a masters to find a career in this field or is it risky with how limited the jobs seem to be? Especially if I’m wanting to be specifically environmental and remote.

[@Ocean-Jay]

As someone in forestry, it seems like every company and agency want people that have environmental and gis skills. A lot of environmental folks want to remain outdoors so finding someone who doesn't mind being indoors and learning computer skills will definitely give you an edge.

[@Ezster69]

I feel like I'm not techy either. I do nails lol, but I feel I need more technical background too.

[@sisirakarunasiri]

Hi I'm from sri lanka and I just started to learn my bachelor degree in gis

[@eulldog]

GIS is 90% spatial data entry and rarely involves actual fun analysis that solves problems

[@jaideepv1234]

Nice video. I am thinking to do my PhD in GIS ...Thank You!

[@timnolan9579]

We, including me, did not brand GIS the way we should have. We need to embrace and own Data Science. It’s already well branded with very little explanation required. Perhaps we can describe ourselves as Spatial Data Scientist or Data Science +.

[@KatieScheurer]

Tim Nolan I agree but with a catch. I feel spatial data scientists works for those that are analysts and scientists using a developed GIS. But those that are building and maintaining those systems as their main function and are not analyzing but creating data need to be something different. They can be very different skill requirements.

[@timnolan9579]

Katie Scheurer My concern has always been that we still have to explain who we are. Nobody ever has to explain Physics. People just accept it as a science regardless of how complicated and nuanced. I think being identified as a an acronym doesn’t help. It adds to the confusion.

[@KatieScheurer]

Tim Nolan yes I agree with that.

[@KatieScheurer]

Tim Nolan maybe we need spatial database admins or geodatabase admin to go along with spatial data analysts.

[@vawanatamang2507]

I'm excited to find your channel , and I'm also geography student but I don't know how to start , what to do? any idea. Plz. Help me Im interested in GIS

[@rachelmazyck8838]

I’m in the same boat as you 😅

[@OlawandeBorisade-q2u]

The project can be one in hundred because in IGS are in different ways innovative models by are in the same module from of electtomotive equation but the can by in a group action equation asking to the force of the survey the tutor told us to do while that has be done according to what the I was told in the lecture quick and I believe some of us as done that but it depends some does and some didn't For my availability of introduction of the project done through the Reference of my work as the leader handle better made individual to know so that I community can innovate us to a better place

[@peterhorgan3214]

Hi Katie, Thanks for the channel! I literally discovered it this morning. Quick question- you have a degree in geology, are you working in geology or a completely different field? I have a Master's Degree in Environmental Management so I've been naturally gravitating towards GIS work in that field but have interests else where as well. You mentioned real estate and transportation... Both of those sound interesting and I recently started reading into Geodesign. All of that sounds very interesting so I'm doing my best to not completely limit myself to environmental management. Any other thoughts on that?

[@KatieScheurer]

Welcome! I have transitioned to public works and then utilities from geology. I don’t think your degree should limit your industries in any way. You can always learn something new.

[@tonygSDWR]

Hi Katie, I'm thankful to find your channel and your kind advice. I have a Geography degree, with limited GIS courses, but it's been many years since I graduated and I am eager to change careers and have started to apply for entry GIS positions. I have taken some recent computer science courses, and would like to look better to an employer, can you offer a couple of tips going forward? Thanks!

[@KatieScheurer]

Show how you solve their problems and provide value. If you focus on that instead of what you have done you will be more appealing.

[@olwenyemmanuel2838]

which programming language is mostly used in the data analysis, besides, are these languages complicated? and more detail?

[@Daniyoyo]

Python , SQL , R - learn those 3 and you are unstoppable in DA

[@olwenyemmanuel2838]

@@Daniyoyo Thank you, Darling

[@ajitsinghnabha]

I hve done m.sc in geography, master in urban planning and diploma in RS and GIS .I have been working from 2 year in this field but now got fed up from the data...after some time ur setting schedules makes u frustrated. I love to become a teacher rather than just click click on the monitor. Its seems good but at the end u realize the reality. Due to low wageses i quit this job and started a new job as teacher and started farming.

[@danmccrary1873]

question: I ended up pursuing GIS by accident and frankly, I enjoy it. Before I entered GIS and Environmental Science, I was an art student, and I have a certificate in graphic design, and have done freelance work and commissions for awhile now. I was wondering if you think a combination in GIS and graphic design would help me stand out? I assumed since so much of GIS has to do with data visualization, maybe my graphic design skills would help me stand out from other applicants.

[@jtmoney43211]

@@GAJake I know you just started, but how are you liking it so far?

[@PatriziaValMadiona]

Does GIS involve a lot of statistics and probability equations from college? 😬

[@KatieScheurer]

It can. But not always. Depends on if you go into mor analytics side or more data collection and curation.

[@HarisKhan-hv9lm]

I do same thing for recognition that I create digital maps like google maps.

[@yejinrhee4576]

ㅋㅋㅋㅋyou'r so fun and atthe same time so informive! Love all ur vids - from a Landscape Archi field studen, considering to go grad school in GIS area or urban design

[@user-tt7yj4gy9w]

Hilarious and so true! thanks :)

[@zeffflyngdoh4826]

Can you take geography or does it only have to be science to take gis?

[@kungfuwhip78]

Can I do it if I have a background in history and political science ?

[@stuksy4321]

I kind of picked it up over the years and so my "knowledge" did not culminate in a degree nor is it anywhere near exhaustive. But every field and segment of society can benefit from having a GIS trained professional, whether it's a technician, analyst, developer or cartographer, designer type. It's just a staff spot that needs to be field either by a dedicated staffer or a contractor. Besides demographics, science, weather, urban planning, etc.... ; Politics, journalism and think tanks, activism and business all want to create the maps that the world lives by in order to shape the world. Be ethical and transparent with all your data, backing, sourcing. It's so easy to lie with data and maps. 2 cents.

[@dust10g]

Do u need a college diploma to be a GIS specialist???

[@bashiruabidemi9055]

Hello. I have a bachelor in Civil Engineering and now I want to move to GIS. Any advice?

[@reemabasnet5562]

Did you decide on taking GIS? I am in similar position.

[@muradhuseynov967]

Hello Katie Scheurer.Thank You for this informative video. My major is Geography Teacher and I want to study GIS but also I don't find my country's education enough so, I want to study abroad for a Master's degree. I need your advice about what I am supposed to learn to be more successful in this field and also in which country I am supposed to study GIS.

[@geodrewbilee]

Hi Murard, I study Geography and GIS at Vancouver Island University but if you are looking for something more remote it might be good to look for an opportunity to do an online school for GIS

[@mercyokoro6229]

Pls do you have any idea school in Uk that offers geographical information system and environmental management?

[@abhinavthakur9270]

Since when you're working in GIS ?

[@md.sazzadhossain4595]

Hi, i learned Arcgis software.. But i couldn’t find way to apply..could you please tell me?

[@moirawalsh1575]

Hi, I'm looking for training and work in GIS specifically in humantarian aid . If you happen to have anything at all to share in that regard, plead do let me know. Thank you.

[@danielghani3903]

yes ☺

[@hugovargas7411]

I’m almost 40 years old and feel lost and confused but thinking of doing cartographer for a living. Do you think that’s wise. I love maps and the data that comes with them.

[@KatieScheurer]

It’s never too late to start. Find ways to use your experience to your advantage and start filling in knowledge gaps. Also check out John Nelson on LinkedIn. He is an amazing cartographer.

[@Tenuto40]

I have a background on the maintenance side for renewable technology/power distribution and I’ll be getting into GIS. Where would that be useful/helpful? Utilities?

[@altasilvapuer]

My favourite answer when family ask what it is I do: "I tell my boss what it is, where it is, whether he should give a damn about it, and why. About tens to hundreds of thousands of Assets."

[@mustaphaelcadi6319]

I am Moroccan, I have a master's degree, and I am interested in studying geographic information systems in Canada. Can you help?

[@sers499]

Very cool

[@mohamedmahmoud6473]

Hello, I am Mohamed from Egypt and I study geographic information systems, but I do not have much experience and I want to be a developer in GIS, give me advice ❤️❤️

[@stokedfool]

Exclusively left speaker?

[@Emadaldinalbilbeisi]

Cool 🌸

[@saisandeshnarukullapati7823]

Hello, I'm pursuing GIS for this fall at California State University long beach, anyone else going there ?

[@Refugee-hw2or]

hi

[@arkusspartacus]

Hi Katie, I have a law degree and license and have worked in the healthcare regulatory field for the last six years. I am considering a new career in GIS. How if at all do you believe a legal background would help set me apart to land a job in GIS? Thank you for the great video!

[@KatieScheurer]

Healthcare is a growing field for GIS and data analytics. Your legal background will help you greatly in matching business needs and problems to you data solutions. Communication of this can be some of the biggest hurdles for analysts but you should have a much easier time.

[@wolvencreator8585]

When I saw there were 999 likes... I didn't even start the video yet. I had to break it. So, 1K likes now!! 🤣❤️

[@Ajzmjz]

My first question is. Can someone who has been from a commerce background go on with a masters degree in geographic information sciences? What are the routes to go for becoming a geologist? Second, As they say, the wages are comparatively less. Do you really think this is true? Bcz according to google they earn lot more. Is it? Please reply to this

[@KatieScheurer]

Someone can always dig into GIS if you have a different background. Training for geology is very different than GIS and I wouldn’t venture down that road unless it is a true passion. It can be difficult to find positions outside of the oil industry. If you are considering a career change I suggest you start with looking for job postings in your area. See what you would want to qualify for and then get the education you need to get that position.

[@vijayalakshmip883]

Hi. I have 8 years experience i need work from home job can u. Tell me any jenun site

[@danny.belanger]

Left

[@chandiliers]

Smart and hot!

[@T1ddlywinks]

Audio is fucked, can't even watch the video because I hear out of both ears not just my left.

[@fattahjamil2452]

I'm coming to the end of my Geography degree and kind of realizing that my passion for cartography will lead me into GIS work. I am so excited to find your channel!