Geographic Information Systems Specialists

To obtain experience, aspiring GIS specialists should participate in internships, co-ops, volunteer opportunities, and part-time jobs with employers that use GIS technology.

GIS specialists, naturally, must enjoy using computers and keeping up with technology developments that will affect their work, such as new software and new hardware. They should be organized and detail-oriented. Frequently, the projects GIS specialists work on are part of a team effort. These specialists, therefore, should be able to work well with others, meet deadlines, and clearly explain their findings. To keep up with their industry and advance in their jobs, GIS specialists must be committed to lifelong learning. GIS specialists who work in the field must be willing to travel to various sites and be away from home for extended periods of time.