15 September 2024

Key takeaways from a GIS job search

 A job search can be daunting, time-consuming, and frustrating. There are words to add to that short list that are more-or-less synonyms of each other. Creating and editing a proper resume is part of this process as well. However, if you have completed a resume that fits into a GIS mold that covers an assortment of acquired skills then a job search can be a little less overwhelming. Having a good resume is ideal for confidence in the job search. 

It is important to note that a job search is not all bad because it can open up possibilities for a career you may have never thought about. Sure you have an idea of what you want to do and where you want to work, but searches can be frustrating when you limit yourself to what you are applying to. Don't sell yourself short on your learned skills and the ability to quickly pick up others on the job. ESRI has many free online courses and YouTube is a great resource for learning tips or revisiting anything you know you learned but may have forgotten some details of.

It is important to be organized in the search process, have a good resume, know what you want to do, be open-minded to options, and don't dismiss your abilities. Something I love about GIS is the potential for working remotely, many employers have this as an option. This allows for more options no matter where you live. There are many websites available to search GIS positions so plan to spend some time when the search begins. Open positions may be the same from one to another but not always so take notes if necessary to keep up with applications, dates, and employers that have been applied to. 

Keep in mind the job search is inevitable. It is a process that is often repeated over time as you progress in your career. It may or may not become easier but the process should be similar, the task of searching hopefully easier. 

01 September 2024

GIS User Group

Group name - Florida chapter of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (FLURISA) - FLURISA 

FLURISA is a regional chapter of URISA and is a non-profit for GIS professionals. There are three regions of Florida this organization covers; north, central, and south, offering several options to potential members. They range from professional to student and young professionals, while also extending memberships to different types of organizations, such as educational institutions or government agencies. The main page is 

I have chosen the Florida chapter of the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association (URISA). Although I looked at other organizations to join, URISA was the best fit. It favors GIS more than other groups and offers a Florida chapter, other organizations may offer something comparatively but being specific to Florida convinced me. The student membership rate was also an attractive incentive. I was not very familiar with FLURISA before but after a conversation with our instructor and current president of the Florida chapter, I was motivated to become a member.

The annual membership options are professional at $195, young professionals at $125, students at $20, and retired, and unemployed at $75. The student requirements include minimum coursework at the time of enrollment. Each of these has pro-rated amounts according to first-year join dates which vary based on the year quarter you join. The Florida Chapter of URISA has annual dues of $25, although why it is different or how different it is from other state chapters I am unsure of.  To join, go through the main page URISA, click on membership, select the type of membership, and then click the hyperlink titled “join online today”. 

The benefits of a professional membership extend wide for FLURISA. Some highlights are education and training event discounts, access to an electronic library of journal articles, networking with fellow GIS Professionals, and a nice bonus for many, contribution points toward a GISP certification. Note -  “A GISP® is a designation awarded to a certified geographic information systems (GIS) professional that provides him/her a professional distinction in the GIS profession.” (https://www.gisci.org/


UWF Student. Aspiring GIS Analyst.

Key takeaways from a GIS job search

  A job search can be daunting, time-consuming, and frustrating. There are words to add to that short list that are more-or-less synonyms of...