3 replies to this topic

[MapsAreCool]

Hello, I'm new here but I wanted to post this question before looking around the message board some more.

I got a degree in geography with a minor in GIS in 2009. My coursework was pretty limited and it didn't go very in depth but I understand very basics of GIS and using basic tools in ESRI ArcMap. I was able to get a great job in early 2010 at a very large defense contractor company. I've been there nearly 2 years and I have worked on a few different teams so I've gained some good experience as far as "my first real GIS job" goes. It's mostly on proprietary software though.

ANYWAY, what I have found over the 2 years working is that I really hate being glued to a desk for 8 hours a day. I'm wondering if you fine people can point me in some directions to research other opportunities. I would love a job where I go out to the field and collect some data and bring it back and manipulate it in some way. In other words, a little bit of on the job travelling around the area and getting away from the freaking computer desk a little bit! I'd even take a paycut or move to part-time...that's how much I don't like my job.

This may sound bad, but I am simply not in love with the idea of learning the ins and outs of computer programs and being a cog in the wheel of churning out geospatial data with no concrete idea of what is happening with the data I produce. What I'm doing now is being handed one thing, running it through a few systems, then handing it to someone else. I don't like that. I'd prefer to get my hands dirty and have a wider grasp on the processes within a task, from data collection to final production.

Any help is appreciated!

Edited by MapsAreCool, 01 February 2012 - 11:38 PM.

[GISRox]

You might take a look at environmental/engineering consulting firms in your area. At one point in my career, I was a field geologist and GIS/Mapping/Database guy. Ironically, I tired of all the field work, but the company did offer a nice mix if that is what you desire.

[Bryan Swindell]

I concur with GISRox. I work in the consulting world and love it. Each day is different, because I am usually working on 3 to 5 different projects.

Subscribe to the job feeds at GeographyJobs.com and DirectionsMag.com. There are always consulting companies looking for GIS specialists, almost every day.

Good luck!

[P.Raposo]

I'm not sure, but I imagine people like TeleAtlas and NavTeq need people in the field at times. I think even utilities companies have the same need. As would various geological surveys, like the USGS.