GIS degrees are in high demand. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a growth of 11% for GIS professionals by 2024. So if you’re in the market for a career that has great prospects, a GIS degree is a great way to go. In this article, I will examine a few of the most common Careers That Require A GIS Degree.
Introduction To GIS Industry
GIS, short for Geographic Information System, is a system to capture, store, manipulate, and analyze data which is geographically referenced. GIS can be used in diverse fields such as natural resources management, public safety, research & development to explore new ways of doing things.
With online GIS graduate programs available you have the opportunity to explore this exciting field with the convenience of distance learning.
Online GIS graduate programs are a great way to get your feet wet in the world of GIS without having to go back to school. The programs work as a continuing education program for people who already have their Bachelor’s degree and want to take their GIS abilities up a notch.
What is a GIS Degree?
A GIS degree will teach students the skills and knowledge that they need to be able to create effective maps through data acquisition, data processing, and spatial analysis.
GIS degrees are a great way for students to learn more about mapping the earth and all of its features in order to understand more about our world.
With a GIS degree, students will learn how to practically apply these skills in a range of industries including environmental sciences, urban planning & development, civil engineering, forestry management & natural resource management.
9 Amazing Careers That Require A GIS Degree
In this article we will discuss the best careers for GIS majors, For those looking for a career with a significant interest in geography and data, then geospatial analysis is a great option.
This job focuses on using computers to analyze geographic data and help with mapping tasks. Geospatial analyst jobs are growing rapidly due to the new technologies that have been developed in recent years, such as, GIS software, GPS devices, Remote Sensing Satellites amongst many others.
#1. GIS Technicians
The GIS technician is primarily responsible for data modeling. For this role, you will need to be able to develop and implement GIS models, data management, and reporting software.
Though this is not an entry-level job, you will be expected to be familiar with a variety of GIS software. This career will require you to understand both spatial and spatial computing. This means you will need to be able to work with geometric representations, relational data, and mapping tools such as ArcGIS and QGIS.
#2. Cartographer or Mapper
This profession is responsible for creating maps for various purposes such as real estate development or disaster response.
These people are often required to have an advanced degree in geographic information science and experience in cartography software packages like QGIS or ArcGIS Pro.
#3. Geospatial Analyst or GIS Analyst
Geospatial Scientists and Analysts typically work with maps that are created using a GIS. They perform tasks such as measuring distances, making calculations and predictions based on the data gathered, and analyzing maps.
Geospatial science is the study of the distribution of physical features across the earth’s surface. Geographical knowledge is crucial for both our understanding of natural processes that take place in our environment and for understanding how to use it most efficiently.
Geoscience professionals collect spatial data in order to monitor changes in land cover or environmental conditions over time. These professionals may also use their skills to track changes as they occur, analyze spatial patterns, or plan for future growth.
With the high demand for GIS professionals, it’s not surprising that GIS analysts have the highest job satisfaction levels. It’s no surprise, then, that a master’s degree in GIS is the most popular choice for a GIS analyst.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of GIS analyst jobs is expected to grow by 27.2% from 2014 to 2024. In the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, GIS analysts are predicted to earn $72,490 per year.
#4. Remote Sensing Specialist or Technician
Remote Sensing Specialists or Technicians use equipment to measure the Earth’s surface from a distance. They can gather data about things like vegetation, soil, water, glaciers, and buildings.
Remote Sensing Specialists or Technicians typically work for government agencies, universities, and environmental consulting firms. The positions are found across the United States.
#5. Career As A GIS Developer
GIS software developers are required to design and create maps that can be used by all kinds of people. Website designers create websites, which are the most used type of interactive media.
One of the most important jobs of a GIS developer is to create GIS software programs. These programs can be used for a wide range of different types of applications.
Because of this, GIS developers can find work in many different industries. One of the most notable industries for a GIS developer is in the financial services industry. Financial services firms use geographic information systems to optimize business strategies and create financial models.
The financial services industry also needs GIS developers to develop GIS programs that automate accounting and record keeping. GIS developers can also find work in other fields like the environmental sciences industry, Oil and Gas, etc.
#6. GIS Project Manager
Are you the type of person who can come up with ideas and solutions quickly?
Do you find it rewarding to step into a leadership role and make decisions on a project? Are you interested in working on a range of projects from large, national projects to smaller, individual projects? If your answers to these questions are yes, then a GIS project manager is a perfect career choice for you.
GIS project managers work on a wide range of projects, but typically they will be working on national projects, or involve working with a large number of clients. Ideally, you would expect GIS project managers to have relevant work experience, such as previous GIS or CAD experience.
#7. GIS Facility Manager
One of the most difficult jobs in GIS is that of Facility Manager. This is because most Facility Managers are new graduates, and are still trying to become proficient at the operations that they are responsible for.
While this job can be fun, it can also be incredibly frustrating as you do not have much room to innovate. The only thing you can do is move forward as fast as possible. To become a GIS Facility Manager, you will need a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or a related field, as well as a strong amount of work experience and hands-on experience at an analytics company.
#8. GIS Data Scientist
Data scientists use GIS technology to turn raw data into meaningful insights that help solve organizational problems or identify new business opportunities. In fact, businesses spend approximately $90.5 billion on data and analytics solutions.
Data Scientists are important for organizations that need to gain insights from data. They use their expertise in statistics, mathematics, and computer science to generate algorithms that can process any kind of data and turn it into meaningful information.
In order to be a Data Scientist, one needs advanced knowledge in at least one of the following disciplines: Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science.
#9. Career As GIS Instructor
Are you a talented instructor? In the majority of colleges and universities, GIS courses are taught as part of a multidisciplinary science or technology major, but there are also some graduate degrees that can be used towards teaching and certification as GIS instructors.
The GIS program at the University of Arizona is one of the most popular graduate programs for instructors.
Is A GIS Degree Worth It?
There are many benefits of getting a GIS degree. You will have the opportunity to explore and learn about world geography and geology, which can be applied to the job market.
One of the benefits of getting a GIS degree is that there is never going to be a shortage in potential jobs for geologists. Some large companies such as ExxonMobil, Shell, British Petroleum, and Chevron are just some of the many companies that hire geologists on a regular basis for exploration, drilling, and other geological services.
A GIS degree is also important because it teaches you how to use maps and geographic data by analyzing Earth resources like minerals or water sources.
Employers will value your skills if you know how to extract geographical information from aerial photographs or satellite images. There are lots of Careers that require a GIS Degree, you just need to find the correct one for yourself.
Conclusion : Careers That Require A GIS Degree
The rise of GIS across the globe is attracting professionals to opt GIS as a career. However, with a range of opportunities and specializations, it’s important that you’re aware of the process for applying and securing one of these great jobs.