Navigating a Career Pivot: From Computer Science to GIS - A Journey of Discovery and Growth

[KaitlynEsman]

Feeling Lost

My name is Kaitlyn Esman and I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Computer Science in 2021. While I wasn’t sure of my exact career path, I found that my degree was versatile and allowed me to work with managing data and information. 

During my studies, I developed a deep passion for working with data through collection, management, and analysis. I had the opportunity to work on various research projects and internships that allowed me to explore interesting data.  I compiled master lists of alternative names of narcotics sold on social media to intensify digital forensic research, I researched the capabilities of honeypots to determine how hackers interact with machines, and I did my senior capstone project on the perceptions of internet privacy and personal information by creating a personal information scanning app to observe how people respond to the ways their personal information was distributed. 

Each project allowed me to delve into data that interested me. While I contemplated pursuing a career in digital forensics, network security, or research, I still couldn't agree on a career path outside of "I want to work with interesting data." 

Nonetheless, I managed to graduate with my degree and secured a job in a technical support role that involved data analysis and management for a software company. I found myself feeling miserable at work. Although the job provided me with great experience and allowed me to utilize my degree, I felt unfulfilled. Every day, I dreaded going into the office and sitting down at my desk, waiting for customer data to come through to me. I was doing data analysis, but not in the way I had envisioned it.

The feeling of being lost and unfulfilled led to a lack of motivation, ultimately affecting my work quality and my quality of life. I knew that I would somehow need to find my way into a new career path.

Finding My Way

One day, while I was at work, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts. It was a found footage horror podcast that followed a group of university professors and students who were on an archeological dig site in South America. During the podcast, one of the characters mentioned his graduate thesis on the applications of GIS for preservation through the use of digital exploration and model construction. I was immediately intrigued, though I had no idea what GIS meant at that time. I was fascinated by how the character set up 3D laser imagery cameras and recorded the coordinates of significant parts of the dig site. I had to know what GIS was, so I looked it up on Google and discovered the world of Geographic Information Systems.

I developed an interest in GIS, drawn in by fascinating geographic data, unique data visualization, and its versatility. I came across ESRI's free training program and took a couple of beginner courses, which piqued my interest even more.  After my probationary period ended at my previous job, I realized that the career path I was on was not suitable for me. Therefore, I decided to leave my job and pursue a new path.  My family supported me in my career change, with my mother wisely reminding me that when one door closes, another door opens.

Beginning My GIS Career Path

During my job search, I encountered numerous challenges. Many of the job postings required at least two years of relevant experience or a degree in GIS, sometimes even both. I contemplated pursuing a Master's degree in GIS or a related field, but I did not qualify for these programs as I lacked the necessary undergraduate degree and wanted to pay off my student loans first.

After extensive research, I eventually discovered Keet Consulting Services, LLC (KCS), a GIS company in my area.  They were not currently hiring, so I decided to send them an email through the contact page on their website. In my email, I explained that I had just started learning about GIS and had no prior experience, however, I was interested in finding my place in the world of GIS.  KCS’s owner emailed me back, inviting me to send in my resume and then to come in for an interview.  The same day as my interview, I was hired!

I have now been working as a GIS Technician at KCS for two years, and it has been an amazing learning experience. During this time, I have gained a lot of valuable skills like creating static maps in ArcMap, developing dynamic map websites using ArcGIS Online, geocoding addresses, managing and updating geographic data using Microsoft SQL Management Server, and digitizing paper maps.

Additionally, I have gained a deeper understanding of the impact that geographic data has on election planning, which was a field I had never considered before stepping into the world of GIS.  Today, I am working with my coworkers to better our local governments' GIS systems through our point-based Visual Address Management system.  My boss and supervisors have been encouraging as I learn new skills on the job.  I have done all of this without prior education or experience.

Navigating Difficult Terrain

Over the last two years, I have had some ups and downs.  I compare myself to my supervisors and their experience and their education and find myself lacking.  I often look at other GIS professionals and feel uncertain about my credentials. I felt like my computer science degree was now useless, believing it could not help me in my new career or further education.  I wondered if I was doing things right, if I was worthy of my current job, and if I deserved the skills and opportunities that I have.  Imposter syndrome has always been a weakness of mine.  It often stops me from achieving anything because I end up believing that I do not deserve my achievements.

I was able to overcome these thoughts by considering all I have done to get where I am today.  I look at the maps I have made, the projects I have completed, the clients I have made happy, and the skills I gained on the job.  I may have had no prior experience or a proper geography education, but I have come far in these last two years.  I have also had the continuing support of my family, especially my mom and dad, and my boss and coworkers.  My dad has been a great source of inspiration and support for me as I navigate through my career without the "correct" degree. He started his career without a degree, yet he was able to become a federal government-contracted senior engineer. Both my parents have been supportive throughout my journey.  Their support has made it easier to ignore the doubt that settles in now and then.

Recently, I found a new font of inspiration through Esri’s I joined the network to connect with more GIS professionals and to gain a better understanding of how GIS is applied to other industries.  Through Esri YPN, I was able to watch the webinar “Future Proofing Your GIS Career: Essential Skills and Training for Success.”  Not only did the webinar cover how to apply non-geography and non-GIS skills to careers and resumes, but a few of the panelists, who are successful GIS professionals, did not have a GIS or geography background like me. I began to see myself in the presenters of the webinar and inspired me and shifted my perspective of my background.

Mapping a Course

Although I still experience imposter syndrome from time to time, I am becoming increasingly confident in my GIS abilities and have set goals for my career.  After the webinar, I realized I could use my computer science degree in my new career!  After I complete Esri’s Cartography MOOC, I plan on using Esri’s Training courses and other resources to redevelop my programming skills to fit geospatial programming.  As KCS migrates from ArcMap to ArcPro and we expand our list of clients, I will also be taking courses on ArcPro to better assist our clients.

Two years ago, I did not know the term Geographic Information Systems.  Today, I am a thriving GIS professional with two years of experience.