I graduated in Spring 2025 with a degree in Geography, specializing in GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
I initially pursued environmental studies during my freshman year while undeclared. In Spring 2022, during the second semester of my freshman year, I took both geoscience and geography courses and discovered a stronger interest in geography. After my first GIS course as a sophomore, I developed a particular interest in ArcGIS Pro and continued to focus my studies in that area.
I currently work as a staff engineer at an environmental civil engineering firm. GIS plays an important role in my position, as I help develop and maintain our internal GIS systems, including transferring CAD data into map-based formats. I am also continually exploring new ways to integrate consulting workflows into our ArcGIS Online environment. There is significant potential in field applications such as Field Maps and Survey123 to improve data collection and project efficiency.
One of my favorite courses was GEO 400, Cartography. The course provided valuable insight into the many ways maps are used and interpreted. The lab exercises were especially beneficial for developing proficiency in ArcGIS Pro and gaining experience with tools that are not commonly used in introductory coursework. I am very grateful for that experience. I also found the capstone courses to be highly valuable, as they encouraged students to identify their interests and apply the skills developed throughout their education. While selecting and refining my project was both challenging and rewarding, it was one of the most enjoyable parts of my academic experience.
My advice to current students is to begin seeking internship opportunities as early as possible. Internships are an excellent way to gain practical experience and establish connections within the geography profession, particularly for those pursuing GIS. Employers generally do not expect interns to be experts from the outset, so students should not be discouraged by job requirements or hesitate to apply for opportunities that interest them.