My Georamblings…

I came across an article yesterday (source: OpenSpatialSolutions) that fits perfectly into the semester as it is wrapping up and folks looking for summer internships or at starting their first “real jobs”. An article from GoGeomatics Canada talking about ways to get ahead in a Geomatics/GIS career, but it applies to any career path you are heading down. Whether you are looking at your first internship or a full time job, I think the points are applicable:

Geomatics Mentor

I started working with my geomatics mentor the first year into my “first job”, and I still speak with him multiple times a week. I have learned a lot from him and developed a great personal and professional relationship with him. We have both been through a few jobs in the course of 15 years, but have stayed in touch and use one another as a sounding board for both technical and professional questions.

Keep Networking

If you close yourself behind your office doors, you are done! I know a few people that were “raised by wolves” and do things the way they do because that is the way it has always been done.

Listen to all, plucking a feather from every passing goose, but follow no one absolutely. – Chinese proverb

Stay active in the community, whether it is participating in MACURISA, an advisory group like the NJ Geospatial Forum or some of the local technology specific Meetups in your area (I am biased, so here are some of my Philly Favorites; Hacks Hackers, Esri Dev Meetup Group – Northeast, PhillyPUG and Shame on UX). There are a local of good and passionate people attending these meetings and are always willing to talk about their projects and listen to the ideas you have.

Work Hard & Lead by Doing

I will take a person with real world experience over someone with an advanced degree any day of the week. If you don’t know how to do something you have been given, don’t view it as being dealt a shit hand, view it as an opportunity to expand your skill set. That level of effort is apparent and most folks will be more willing to help you.

When it comes right down to it, it is pretty apparent, but something to store away as those internships and jobs start up in a few weeks.

Good Luck!!!

Hey All, welcome back from Spring Break. Hope everyone had a good time!

Now for a few class notes/updates:

• We will have the final exam in the regular class time on May 2nd with a review on 4/30. Come with your questions.
• Check the class schedule. There have been a number of changes, including having classes on 4/23 & 4/25. Given the shift of the final exam and items we still need to cover, we need those classes.
• NJDEP has announced the 26th Annual Mapping Contest, it is open to all state, federal, municipal, county, non-profit, and student GIS users are encouraged to attend and participate.
• I’ll have the grades from the first assignment and pop-quiz posted before class tomorrow night.
• The NJ Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness has internship opportunities this summer, deadline for submission is April 1st and you HAVE to be able to pass a background check.

See you all tomorrow evening.