Which program are you participating in? When did you start?
I am enrolled in the GIS Fundamentals Capstone Certificate. I started this program in January 2024.
Tell us about your education and career path so far. Where have you been and what have you learned along the way?
I majored in Environmental Science with minors in Environmental Studies and Global Health through the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduating, I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (always happy to chat about this if anyone is interested in thru-hiking!) and then returned to Madison during COVID-19. I spent some time route setting at Boulders Climbing Gym before working in quality assurance at Epic for a couple of years. This past summer, I quit my job and moved into my car to live the dirtbag van-life lifestyle. I traveled across the country with my dog and spent some time in China and Japan as well. I’ve learned that it’s impossible to predict where your future will take you but any path you choose will open new and unexpected doors.
What got you interested in GIS and geospatial technologies?
During my undergraduate degree, I took a cartography class that introduced me to GIS. While I enjoyed the course, I didn’t realize GIS was something that could be a full-time job. During my travels this past summer, I reconnected with some old friends who are currently working as GIS analysts in California and Colorado. Through conversations with them, I began to consider pursuing a career in GIS as my channel to work in Environmental Science. After doing more research, I settled on the one semester Certificate program through Madison to explore if GIS was what I wanted to do next!
What do you appreciate the most so far about your experience in the UW–Madison GIS Professional Programs?
I appreciate that after one full time semester as a student, I will be qualified to work in GIS! Despite the program being fully remote, I have felt a sense of community through the Slack channel and connecting with the students who are based in Madison.
How do you plan to apply your new skills in your career?
I’m hoping to pivot into a career in Environmental Science. I’m in the process of applying to a variety of land survey and GIS internships throughout Wisconsin and afterwards, hope to use GIS to work with environmental agencies that sustain and conserve natural ecosystems.
Do you have any advice for prospective students?
Don’t be afraid to reach out to fellow students and teachers! Everyone I’ve met through this program has been so friendly and knowledgeable. Also, if you’re based in Madison, the library resources and software help-desk have been incredibly helpful.
What’s your favorite map?
I don’t have one favorite map but a website I like to browse for cool and interesting maps is https://bigthink.com/strange-maps/. There are tons of odd maps that make me curious about topics I had never really considered before!