If you have an interest in geography and also happen to be very good with computers, you may want to consider pursuing a career as a GIS professional. A career that is growing in demand each year, GIS professionals work in a variety of settings and perform many different types of jobs that are extremely important in today’s high-tech world. If this sounds interesting to you, here are five things you should know about the profession.
You’ll Create Digital Maps
As a Geographic Information Systems Analyst (GIS) professional, your primary job will be creating digital maps of various parts of the world. These maps can be used for many different applications, which may include companies using them to form the most efficient delivery routes for their drivers, or perhaps scientists using them to track the migration of certain species of animals.
A Bachelor’s Degree is a Minimum Requirement
If you want to be a GIS pro, expect to be in college at least long enough to obtain your Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Geospatial Technology. To advance your GIS career, you’ll likely need to get your Master’s degree in Environmental Geographic Information Science. But once you do, numerous career opportunities will open up to you in many different industries.
You’ll be a Problem-Solver
As a GIS professional, you will utilize digital mapping software to solve a wide range of problems. This software is built to not only analyze satellites or drone footage of an area to create a map, but it also helps you analyze different resources that are crucial for businesses. While much of your focus may be on creating maps, you will also be expected to give your professional opinion on the latest geographic trends, how certain land can best be used, and other vital matters.
Office and Field Work
Though you will spend large amounts of time in your office creating digital maps and analyzing data, expect to also spend some time in the great outdoors. In order to collect or verify data, you will be asked to conduct field research now and then, which could have you traveling all over the world.
You’ll be Paid Well for Your Efforts
After spending years obtaining your education, you will be paid well once you begin your job as a GIS professional. If you start out as a Junior Analyst, you can expect to earn $50,000 or more annually. As you gain more experience, you can rise through the ranks to become a Senior Analyst, where you can make in excess of $100,000 per year.
Once you combine your high-tech skills with your love of geography and become a GIS professional, you will be making valuable contributions to society on a daily basis.
