What is your current job?
GIS Data Analytics Manager
Could you tell us a little bit about your education and career path?
Before beginning my graduate studies in GIS and Cartography at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, I held a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and had accumulated more than 15 years of experience in infrastructure development, project and program management, international development, and education. Despite this broad professional background, I have always been deeply passionate about web maps, interactive mapping, and geospatial visualization. That long standing interest motivated me to pursue formal training, and in 2018, I applied to UW–Madison’s accelerated master’s program in GIS and Cartography to develop the technical expertise I had always aspired to build.
How did your experience with GISPP prepare you for and/or enhance your career?
UW–Madison’s GISPP program is one of the strongest in the country. The materials, lectures, labs, student projects, and the support from the professors prepared me very well. Because of that preparation, I was able to start an internship with my current organization before I even graduated. By the time I completed the program, I was hired as a full time employee with the same organization.
What advice would you give to current or prospective students?
As technology continues to evolve rapidly, my biggest advice is to stay curious and fully engaged with every class. Always think beyond the assignments and consider how each new skill can be applied to real world problems. As a GIS Analyst, I have seen the field shift significantly, traditional desktop GIS is becoming less central, while web development, interactive web mapping, and automation are becoming essential in every organization.
Focus on building strong foundations in these areas, think creatively, and don’t be afraid to explore new tools and technologies. The more you push yourself to think outside the box, the more prepared you will be for the future of GIS.
Do you have any favorite memories of your time in the program?
Yes. One of my favorite memories was when I started learning computer programming. It was the first time in my 15 year career that I had ever done any coding, using scripting to build interactive web maps and explore data visualization. It was challenging at first, but over time it became enjoyable, and I loved seeing the maps and visualizations come to life. That experience sparked my ongoing interest in coding, and even now, I still enjoy developing interactive and informative web applications in my free time.