10 replies to this topic

[wiamy]

Hi all, my name is Amy and I am new to this forum. I am VERY VERY GLAD to be here!!!! I am Geography graduate from CA, and I am very interested in working in cartography field. Unluckly, I didnt have any cartography course at my sch when I was in my undergraudate study. After graduate, I participated a cartography internship with a travel book publisher. I had a great time there, but they didn't use any GIS application for map production. I am now start trying to search a full time position in this field... but seems it is soo difficult.... most of them require experience in AutoCAD... and I have no idea at all... I dont want to give up my dream being a cartographer... but the reality seem doesn't let me...
to all the professional cartographer out there, any advise for a fresh graduate??

[Hans van der Maarel]

Hi Amy, welcome to Cartotalk.

I'm sure you've noticed the job resources posted here. There's usually something good in it, although they seem to be more GIS oriented than cartography per-se. Also, they tend to ask for more experienced people.

In the General Cartography area, there's a thread on advice for freelance cartographers. You may want to check that out.

[frax]

amy, welcome!

Do you have any GIS experience?

[wiamy]

yes.. i do.. I have GIS experience as well as some remote sensing ... I am learning AutoCAD independently too...
In addition, I have some graphic design experience... proficient in Photoshop, Illustrator.. and learning Dreamweaver and Flash now

[ELeFevre]

Hi Amy,
Welcome to the forum! One good option would be to find a job as a graphic designer (that's my plan). There is no substitute for lots of good design experience if you want to be a cartographer! At the same time, continue to develop your Autocad, GIS, and web skills (Flash). Erin

[Nick Springer]

If you haven't already youshould definitely read this post.

[Rick Dey]

Welcome Amy,

Hope we can be of some help. Where in California are you located? And how open to relocation are you?

[wiamy]

Thank you all for great advices!!!!
I am locate in Oakland, CA Bay Area, and I am willing to relocate anywhere in US, even in Europe.

[Hans van der Maarel]

Amy,

Whereabouts in Oakland are you? A friend of mine used to live in the Maxwell Park area and I'm somewhat familiar in that area and most of the East Bay.

[wiamy]

I m living in East Oakland, near Oakland hill...

[Hans van der Maarel]

My friend lived on Kingsland Av. Just on the other side of the freeway, according to Google Maps.